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Wythenshawe residents are set to benefit from community funds generated through another incredible year of live music at Wythenshawe Park.  

Manchester City Council established the Live from Wythenshawe Park Community Fund three years ago to ensure that local communities don’t miss out when major music events take place in their back gardens. 

How much money has Live from Wythenshawe Park raised?

The community fund, which has grown year on year, comprises proceeds raised from concerts in the park, and this year, a total of £21000 will be distributed to local organisations and charities.  

Previous beneficiaries of community fund grants include a vital contribution of £6,000 towards a new vehicle for The Bideford Centre, a community project and foodbank which supports individuals and families struggling with the cost of living.

Thanks to the community fund, The Friends of Wythenshawe Park have been able to restore a much-loved storytelling bench, a wooden sculpture that has been in the park for years, as well as upgrading wayfinder posts to make exploring the park easier and more enjoyable for families, walkers and adventurers of all ages.  

Restoration of Wythenshawe Hall

Community funds have also helped to tell the story of the restoration of the fire-damaged Wythenshawe Hall following the arson attack in 2016, teaching a generation of school children about the historic Hall and its importance in the park. And financial support also helped to facilitate a Remembrance Service organised by the Royal British Legion branch in Northenden.

Next year, the funding pot is expected to grow even more as Wythenshawe Park celebrates its centenary year, marking 100 years since Wythenshawe Park came into the ownership of Manchester City Council.    

World-class artists set to perform

Over two weekends in August, Wythenshawe Park will play host to spectacular live entertainment from world-class artists, including Lewis Capaldi, Pulp, the Prodigy, The Cure and The Courteeners, from the team behind Live from Wythenshawe Park, a Live Nation collaboration with The Warehouse Project and SJM concerts.   

Live from Wythenshawe Park has held a limited number of tickets back for all 2026 shows, which will be made available to those living in proximity to the park. Those who think they might be eligible can register for news on these residents’ tickets here.

Applications for community funding opened on Monday, 12th January, allowing local organisations and charities to apply for funds directly, with priority given to projects that benefit parks, green spaces, as well as events and initiatives that benefit local people and are environmentally sustainable -deadline for applications is Friday, 6th February. 

These will be managed through the Neighbourhood Investment Fund process and will be restricted to activities within the Brookland, Baguley and Northenden wards, with successful organisations receiving grants by the end of February 2026.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon

Manchester parks are one of the city’s greatest assets, and these hugely successful live music events bring hundreds of thousands of people into them, so it is only right that the local communities benefit.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “This is why we are the driving force behind the community fund pots, and it is part of our overarching strategy to support local community groups in the wards impacted by these major events. 

“We have already seen how this funding is improving the lives of communities across the city, and since 2017, we have distributed more than  £414,120 between 326 community groups in wards where these events take place.

“Next year, Wythenshawe Parks centenary year promises to be a true celebration showcasing the park’s rich heritage, and we can all look forward to a wide range of events and activities, including the live music events to celebrate the park’s history, community and future.”  

Spokesperson from Live from Wythenshawe Park

A spokesperson from Live from Wythenshawe Park said: “We’re incredibly proud of what Live from Wythenshawe Park has achieved so far, not only bringing world-class music to south Manchester, whilst also directly supporting the local community through the fund.

“As we look toward the park’s centenary, we’re excited to continue growing this positive legacy.”

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