Greater Manchester charity Forever Manchester is calling for businesses across the region to swap spreadsheets for setlists at the inaugural Forever Manchester Rocks – a high energy battle of the bands event where workers from across Manchester will go head-to-head to win over the crowd and judges.
A brand new musical occasion for Manchester, the debut event will take place at the Band On The Wall on Wednesday 10th December 2025.
Greater Manchester businesses of all sizes are invited to put their best musical talent forward and compete for glory in one of the city’s best-loved music venues, all while raising vital funds for local community groups. Whether you’re a law firm, accountancy giant, tech start-up or marketing agency, if you’ve got a passion for performance, Forever Manchester wants to hear from you.
Forever Manchester Rocks will see participating bands perform in front of a judging panel of music industry professionals and an adoring crowd for a night of unforgettable entertainment and energy. The contest is open to existing bands as well as those specially formed to take part, so if you have a voice to rival Rowetta, the rhythm of Reni or the gob of a Gallagher, this is your opportunity to put your team in the spotlight like never before.
All finalists will get the opportunity to perform at one of the country’s most iconic venues and the winners of this year’s competition will claim the first ever Manchester Business Rocks Legends Trophy, as well as being awarded the opportunity to perform at the annual Forever Manchester Birthday Party at the Kimpton Clocktower next February.
All money raised through the event will help Forever Manchester to continue funding and supporting over 1,300 community projects each year.
The rules for entering the competition are as follows:
- A majority of band members must work at the same company or in the same industry
- Covers or originals welcome – just bring your best 15 minute set
- You bring the instruments and tunes – the backline, PA and sound engineer will be provided
- Acts will be judged on talent, energy, crowd reaction, showmanship and amount of money raised.
Nick Massey from Forever Manchester said: “As a region famed for its musical prowess, entrepreneurial spirit and its sense of community, Forever Manchester Rocks just made total sense to me as our next big occasion. It is a battle like no other and we’re calling for businesses across the region to trade their KPIs for killer riffs to show us how they shine on stage… And it’s all in support of a fantastic cause, with the money raised helping to fund vital community initiatives in the Greater Manchester region. We can’t wait to see colleagues from across the region unleash their hidden talents and bring that Manchester energy to Band on the Wall on 10th December.”
Forever Manchester is Greater Manchester’s Community Foundation – the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Since its establishment in 1989, Forever Manchester has delivered over £65 million into local community activities and projects – from mental health and disability support groups to junior football teams, food banks, refugee support networks and knit and natter groups.
The deadline for entry into the competition is Friday 10th October. Register your band today, or visit the website for sponsorship opportunities.
Image: Billy Weaver