Star date: 9th February 2019

FOREVER MANCHESTER BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY RAISES THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR GOOD CAUSES

Forever Manchester, the charity that helped loads in the aftermath of the Lower Broughton flood and the Arena bombing, held its Big Birthday Party last night, handing out community awards and raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

Winners included Salford design legend Trevor Johnson and community group Eccles Together, while entertainment included trad Indian dance by Salford Malayalee, a DJ set by Dave Haslam and a stunning solo performance by Denise Johnson.

Full details here...

Ace Greater Manchester charity, Forever Manchester, held its 29th Big Birthday Party at the swank Principal hotel last night attended by hundreds of people who donated thousands of pounds to its cause.

Last year, Forever Manchester supported over one thousand community activities benefiting over 150,000 people in the area, and in the past has helped in the aftermath of the Lower Broughton Boxing Day Flood and the Manchester Arena bombing.

At the event, lots of awards were given out to companies and individuals who have helped the charity and community groups that it supports. From Salford, Eccles Together won the Growing Community Award for having a 'meaningful impact' in their neighbourhood, pipping Claremont Alleygaters and two other groups.

Salford design and graphics legend, Trevor Johnson, scooped the Captain Manchester Award for having 'gone the extra mile' and embodying 'the spirit of Forever Manchester'. Trevor recently donated his famous Hacienda graphics for a whole set of posters and cards, amongst other things (see previous Salford Star article – click here).

Entertainment for the night came via the visually stunning classical Indian dance of Salford Malayalee, tunes from the Greater Manchester Community Pipe Band and Chorlton Ladies Choir, and street dance from Bolton's Xpress Urself. There was also a DJ set from Dave Haslam which filled the dancefloor, and a stunning set from former Primal Scream (et al) singer, Denise Johnson, previewing four acoustic-led songs from her forthcoming solo album, including effortless covers of New Order's True Faith and 10CC's I'm Not In Love.

As well as having a top time, the night was also about raising money, and auction lots included Joy Division artwork signed by Peter Hook, VIP Parklife tickets, a signed Lionel Messi boot and a South African safari, while Captain Manchester's Magical Tombola had a top prize of £1,000 holiday.

In his intro to the evening, Forever Manchester Chief Executive, Nick Massey, defined philanthropy as "a state of mind that drives action"...

"...Being a philanthropist doesn't require any minimum figure net worth or a six figure income; there's no minimum amount that must be given" he added "...It requires three things - compassion, empathy and intent. It requires you to be a human being...It feels good to know that you made an impact on someone else's life...

"Philanthropy is an investment in the world to make it a better place" he concluded "Join this movement for happy days..."

For more details of the work of Forever Manchester and details of how to donate see https://forevermanchester.com/

Photos by Louise Garman