Virtual Hacienda was biggest New Year party in world with millions tuning in

Manchester’s FAC51 The Hacienda and United We Stream GM rocked the globe last week with the biggest ever New Year’s Eve house party in the world.

The live streamed event attracted a global audience of over four million people, who enjoyed The Haçienda’s line-up of DJs, performers and even a full orchestra with the renowned Hacienda Classical.

Viewers raved into 2021 enjoying all genres of house music, tuning in from far and wide across the world including The Balkans, New Zealand, Romania, Poland, Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Japan, Hungary, Germany, Singapore, Portugal, Thailand, Norway, USA, Brazil, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.

Naturally, the lion’s share of the audience hailed from The Hacienda and United We Stream GM’s home city: Greater Manchester. 

The event trended on social media platform Twitter for hours, and also raised an impressive £115,000 for specially chosen good causes.

The £115,000 raised will be split between The Mayor of Greater Manchester’s new campaign, oneGM, Save The Children UK, Peace Meal in Hulme and The Frankie Knuckles Foundation.

All DJs and performers involved generously gave their time and talents gratis to the event, to help raise as much money as possible for these good causes.

United We Stream GM was created in response to the first UK shutdown and began broadcasting diverse Manchester music and culture on 3rd April. 

After producing 37 live streamed events and the project ending in the summer, The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, requested the team produce special festive shows during the Christmas holidays, to reinforce the ‘Stay Home’ message, help raise funds to tackle rough sleeping in the city, and boost morale for Mancunians due to growing concern about a decline in mental wellbeing.

In total United We Stream GM has raised an incredible £583,000 in nine months for 30 good causes, and has given ‘United We Stream’ solidarity grants to 130 night time economy and hospitality freelancers and businesses, who were struggling to support themselves during the first lockdown.

The marathon New Year show is a fitting finale for multi-award winning United We Stream GM, as the Manchester based cultural broadcasting project has now finished.

However, research is already underway to convert the platform into a sustainable model to support the region’s vast cultural sector, showcasing breakthrough talent across the world.

Andy Burnham, who posted numerous tweets on his personal Twitter account throughout the live event, enthused: “Other cities spend £££ trying to outdo each other with firework displays on New Year’s Eve.

“Greater Manchester raises £££ for people who are homeless by entertaining the world to a 24-hour party from FAC51 The Hacienda.

“I love this place. Still doing things differently. #ProudMayor.”

Peter Hook said: “It was wonderful that the event on New Year’s Eve was so successful and I am glad that we are starting the New Year on such a positive note.

“Let’s hope this year goes from strength to strength and the next time we meet will be in person.”

“I’d like to thank everybody who watched and donated. Happy New Year.”

The Haçienda resident DJ Graeme Park played 90s house anthem classic Better Days as Big Ben chimed at midnight, said: “I’m extremely proud to have been part of a project that was watched by millions and raised so much money for people affected by this horrible pandemic.

“It was an absolute joy to be able to perform another exclusive Hacienda Classical set and a privilege to see in 2021 whilst DJing at the coveted midnight slot.

“It’s been an honour to be a part of the amazing work that FAC51 The Hacienda and United We Stream GM has carried out throughout 2020 which has quite rightly received incredible feedback.”

Donations can still be made using this link: HaciendaNYEDONATE.