People around the world will be able to enjoy Greater Manchester’s art and culture through a new website streaming live music and performances every night, uniting the city-region during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Created by Night-Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Culture team, and local and national partners, United We Stream will be free, but with donations welcome, and with all proceeds going to the city-region’s night-time economy, cultural organisations and charities (with 8% of funds raised to be donated Nordoff Robbins).

Launching at www.unitedwestream.co.uk, United We Stream will broadcast a diverse blend of entertainment and creativity on one free online platform. Streaming live DJ-sets, live music and live performances, United We Stream will have something for everyone to enjoy while the country spends more time indoors.

Gemma Snow, Regional Development Manager for Nordoff Robbins, said “At Nordoff Robbins, we believe that music brings us closer together. It can be made and enjoyed by anyone, and at times like this, the connectivity that music and performance brings is more important than ever.

We want to champion music as a way to help the wider community – as well as those who are vulnerable and isolated – to stay as connected as possible. Whether it’s listening, creating or performing, the shared experience of music will help bring us together in the face of uncertainty.

We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as a charity partner for United We Stream in Greater Manchester. A huge thank you to Andy Burnham, Sacha Lord and the Culture team at the GMCA, for bringing this amazing initiative to Greater Manchester and allowing us a platform to showcase the power of music.”

How to tune in

United We Stream will be live every day from 7 p.m., with a donations page where viewers can watch for free but can buy a ‘virtual ticket’ for whatever price they choose to enjoy the channel. The channel will also be used for positive public service announcements and messaging regarding safety and social distancing.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Supporting our culture and music organisations, venues and artists is so important through this difficult time. We want to be entertained and still be able to see bands and performances, but it’s important to do this within the health and safety guidelines and from our own homes.

United We Stream is a great way for us all to be involved in Greater Manchester, helping to support the people and organisations that make Greater Manchester’s music and culture quite so special. As well as helping our local night time and creative industries, it’s great to give support for Nordoff Robbins, a national music therapy charity who have a base in Greater Manchester, and offer music therapy for those affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability.”