Mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram to face off in DJ battle at Mayfield Depot

It’s not the first time the pair have battled it out to be the top turn-tablist.
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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will lock horns with his fellow first citizen Steve Rotheram - but they will be battling it out over the DJ decks to raise money to help tackle homelessness.

Mr Burnham and the elected mayor for the Liverpool City Region Mr Rotheram have agreed to face off in a DJ battle to see who is the best turntablist. It’s all being done for a good cause, with proceeds from the event in Manchester going to A Bed Every Night, the flagship scheme to prevent rough sleeping in the city-region.

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This isn’t the first time the two politicians have shown off their skills behind the decks as they had a virtual battle during lockdown, and enthusiastically signed up for a rematch in person.

What is the DJ battle, when and where is it and why is it being staged?

Mr Burnham and Mr Rotheram will be spinning the decks in the Archive at Mayfield Depot on Friday 2 December, with the DJ battle being supported by The Warehouse Project. The event starts at 7pm and entrance to the venue is via Temperance Street.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at £10, and you can secure your place in the audience through Eventbrite.

All the proceeds from the tickets and bar sales on the night will be going to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to be spent on A Bed Every Night, which launched in 2018 and aims to provide a bed and support for anyone in Greater Manchester who is sleeping rough or at risk of ending up on the streets.

Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram will have a DJ battle for charityAndy Burnham and Steve Rotheram will have a DJ battle for charity
Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram will have a DJ battle for charity
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There is considerable concern in Greater Manchester that the numbers of people who could end up without a roof over their heads could rise further this winter due to factors including the current cost of living crisis and economic turbulence as well as uncertainties around Universal Credit.

Mr Burnham and Mr Rotheram took part in an online DJ face-off during lockdown as part of the United We Stream fund-raising event. Both were keen to meet up for a rematch for charity, this time in front of a live crowd.

Mr Burnham, who recently took to the decks at Manchester venue Ramona, is promising a set full of Manchester classics. Mr Rotheram, though, will be keen to prove that Liverpool has the musical edge over its rival North West city.

What has been said about the DJ battle?

Mr Burnham said: “We all know Manchester has the greatest musical heritage and I’ll be giving it my all in the set to prove that point once and for all. There’s serious pride at stake here.

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“But competition aside, our passion for music unites our two city regions. What better way to put on an amazing celebration of our region’s culture and raise money for important causes, to support those who need it most at what is a really difficult time.”

Mr Rotheram said: “There can be no debate: the Liverpool City Region is the undisputed home of British music. We’ve given the world some of the greatest artists, albums and songs of all time - no area has had more number one hits than us. The fact we beat off competition from cities across the UK to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine speaks to our world-leading reputation as the UK’s premier music scene - and it’s a legacy we’re continuing today.

“Rivalries aside, this is about the North West’s two greatest cities coming together for a really important cause. I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with Andy next month and, bringing the back title where it belongs - the UK’s cultural capital.”

Tim Heatley, chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the ongoing support for A Bed Every Night. The scheme has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years and, ultimately, has made peoples’ lives better with the support its been able to fund.

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“We’re back, bigger than ever, and can’t wait to see the mayors going head to head at the iconic Mayfield Depot. It’ll be a real celebration of what makes Manchester and Liverpool incredible, global cities. People will not only be getting a great party, but knowing they’re providing vital support at a time when it’s needed most.”