A night of live music, community spirit and fundraising at Co-op Live raised £132,931 for the Co-op Foundation last night (June 3), supporting initiatives like the Young Gamechangers Fund, a programme that funds young people to lead social change in their communities.
The Co-op Live Summer Party brought together hundreds of guests for a one-off celebration marking the venue’s first year in operation, albeit a little later than initially anticipated.
At the heart of the event was a high-profile charity auction, with all proceeds going to Co-op’s charity – the Co-op Foundation. The money raised will support the next generation of changemakers through initiatives like the Young Gamechangers Fund.
From once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including tickets to the MTV VMAs in New York, a Manchester City dressing room dinner, and hospitality packages for Oasis fans to meet-and-greets with Busted and McFly, the auction drew generous bids from a packed crowd. Among the other prizes were a private dining experience with Simon Wood at Boodles, Lady Gaga premium tickets, tickets to Wimbledon, and private dining at Circolo Popolare’s new Manchester location at St Michael’s.
The night was headlined by Mancunian popsters The Lottery Winners.
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After a long slog to get to opening night last year, the event marked Co-op Live’s first anniversary, following a year that has seen the arena not only welcome the world’s biggest acts but also commit to long-term social impact. The venue has pledged to donate at least £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation, supporting youth-led social action across the UK through music-led fundraising.
The Foundation’s £4.5m Young Gamechangers Fund awards grants of up to £20,000 directly to youth-led organisations and individual young people aged 10–25 who are tackling the issues that matter most to them and their communities. Since 2023, it has awarded funding to over 100 youth-led initiatives tackling issues such as islamophobia, gender-based violence, and climate resilience.
Nick Crofts, CEO of the Co-op Foundation, said: “When we were developing the Young Gamechangers Fund, we knew we wanted to create something different. This fund is bold, it’s built by young people and it’s changing the way youth-led funding is delivered forever. Our Gamechangers are already making such a difference in their local communities and the annual donation of £1m from Co-op Live will help us to keep supporting young people doing incredible things.”
Leader of Manchester City Council Cllr Bev Craig, on something of a tour of Manchester last night, added: “Co-op Live has been a fantastic addition to Manchester, creating a host of opportunities for residents as well as musical memories for visitors.
“In this city we attach great importance to the voices of our young people and are working to become a UNICEF-accredited Child Friendly City. So it’s particularly fitting that the venue is supporting the Young Gamechangers Fund, which is helping young people make a difference in their communities.
“It’s been a remarkable first year for Co-op Live and we look forward to working in partnership in the years ahead as it continues to make a contribution to the city’s success.”
Guy Dunstan, SVP & GM of Co-op Live, added: “Co-op Live was built to do more than host the world’s biggest artists, we’re here to make a difference. This Summer Party wasn’t just a celebration of our first year. It was a reminder of what happens when entertainment and purpose come together. We’re incredibly proud to have raised vital funds for the Co-op Foundation and to support young people driving real change. A huge thank you to all who donated prizes, bid on the auction and made the evening a huge success.”
