Andy Burnham defeats rival in DJ battle to raise £20,000 to support homeless

A special charity DJ battle event between the mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool raised more than £20,000. Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham played to a packed Mayfield Depot crowd on Friday (December 2) pitting the music of the two cities against each other.

Mr Burnham, backed by Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, was victorious in the head-to-head DJ battle, raising £20,000 in the process. The proceeds will go towards the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, A Bed Every Night, which seeks to support rough sleepers in the region.

The money raised from this event will fund more than 600 nights of accommodation with food and support for those most in need. Clips of the night were shared widely on social media, with music legends from each region backing their respective mayor.

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Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: "It was just an epic night, with a really positive vibe. We can’t thank everyone enough who gave up their time and showed up to support a really worth cause.

"Those on the decks were all on top form and it means a lot that so many people continue to get behind of our efforts to support people at risk of homelessness when they need it most. To everyone who turned out, bought a drink, made a donation and danced all night – a massive thank you.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, joined by Clint Boon at the Burnham v Rotherham DJ battle (Shaun Peckham)

"We’ve recently launched our 1,000 Beds for Christmas campaign and we’re always blown away by how many get behind it. Especially at a time when incomes are squeezed, it’s a demonstration of people’s generosity that they still choose to donate to others."

Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner playing N-Trance's 'Set You Free' was shared widely as a highlight of the night with Happy Monday's Rowetta, Stanley Chow, and Inspiral Carpet's Clint Boon appearing for the Manchester side. Team Liverpool, led by Mr Rotherham, were backed by Peter Reid, Echo & the Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch, The Farm, and actress Sue Johnston.

Mayor of Liverpool City region during the charity DJ battle in Manchester (Shaun Peckham)

A re-match has been promised for next year, this time on Mr Rotheram's patch in Liverpool.

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