A sold-out comedy night has raised more than £3,000 for the historic Salford Lads Club, as hundreds packed into the landmark venue on Friday evening (5 December) for a fundraiser supporting its community programmes for young people.
Local comic Molly McGuinness opened proceedings, proudly sporting a Salford Lass T-shirt as she delivered a set full of sharp observational humour and self-deprecating warmth. She was followed by headliner Clinton Baptiste, whose riotous performance – including a stint roaming through the crowd to test new material from his forthcoming 2026 tour – kept the audience in fits of laughter throughout.
Salford Lads Club CEO Laura Slingsby said: “It was a joy to see the place filled with laughter and energy – Clinton Baptiste and Molly McGuinness were brilliant! Events like these don’t just bring people together, they strengthen our long-term resilience and help us invest in the things that create real impact: youth programmes, community connection and the preservation of one of Salford’s most significant heritage spaces.
“Thanks to everyone who joined us, backed the raffle, donated, or simply filled the room with energy and a huge thank you as well to our raffle sponsors for their generosity. Their support helps us deliver the kind of work that changes lives, protects culture, and keeps this building thriving as a space for young people and Salford communities.”
Founded in 1903, Salford Lads Club is internationally recognised thanks to The Smiths, whose The Queen is Dead album cemented the club’s façade as one of Britain’s most photographed music landmarks.
That connection continues to draw visitors from across the world, and the club has become a regular stop on Manchester Music Tours, sitting alongside other sites synonymous with the region’s creative identity. Its cultural pull has also made it a popular location for TV and film productions, from Peaky Blinders and Cold Feet to Coronation Street.
The club’s alumni include music legends Graham Nash and Allan Clarke of The Hollies, alongside well-known broadcasters and former professional footballers. Its archive of photographs, film reels and memorabilia is considered one of the most significant collections of its kind in the North.
Although best known globally for its music connection, the organisation formally became Salford Lads and Girls Club in 1994 and continues its core mission of providing sports, arts and youth services to more than 170 young people aged 6–19 each week.
The club’s volunteer team – together contributing more than 600 years of service – was recognised with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016, underlining its civic importance. Funds raised from Friday’s comedy night will support these ongoing programmes and help preserve one of Salford’s most enduring heritage assets. For updates on future events and fundraising initiatives, follow @salfordladsclub on Instagram.
