BOB GELDOF, PAUL McCARTNEY AND MUSIC LEGENDS UNITE FOR UKRAINE AT SONGS OF FREEDOM CONCERT |

MANCHESTER CO-OP LIVE | WEDNESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2027

Manchester’s Co-op Live will host one of the biggest charity concerts of 2027 when Songs of Freedom brings together music legends from around the world in support of Ukraine. The event will feature live performances from Bob Geldof, The Doobie Brothers, Madness, Peter Hook & The Light, Chrissie Hynde, The Lathums, Nick Lowe, Inspiral Carpets, Brooke Combe, Chris Difford, Midge Ure, Alabama 3, Graham Parker, Johnny & The Hardwickes, Ron Sexsmith, The Molotovs, Yee Loi, The Blockheads, Joe King Carrasco, Springbok Nude Girls, Within Temptation, Davina Michelle, Boombox, Schmalgauzen, the Songs for Ukraine Choir, the Royal Opera Chorus and the London Metropolitan Orchestra. Special video appearances will come from Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Okean Elzy, Huey Lewis & The News and Flyte, while speakers include Alastair Campbell (The Rest Is Politics), Katarina Mathernová (EU Ambassador to Ukraine), Oleksandra Matviichuk and Olesya Khromeychuk (Ukrainian Institute London).

A huge fundraising concert in support of Ukraine is heading to Manchester next year, bringing together an impressive line-up of music legends, contemporary artists and cultural figures from across the world.

Songs of Freedom will take place at the Co-op Live arena on 3 February 2027, with organisers promising an evening of music, solidarity and fundraising for women, children and vulnerable communities affected by the war in Ukraine.

The event has already unveiled a remarkable first wave of performers, including Bob Geldof, The Doobie Brothers, Madness, Peter Hook & The Light, Chrissie Hynde, The Lathums, Nick Lowe, Inspiral Carpets, Brooke Combe, Chris Difford, Midge Ure, Alabama 3, Graham Parker, Ron Sexsmith, Within Temptation, Davina Michelle, and Ukrainian artists Boombox and Schmalgauzen.

Also appearing on the night will be the Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus and London Metropolitan Orchestra, while additional artists from around the world are expected to join via live video link. Organisers have confirmed video contributions from Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Huey Lewis & The News and Flyte, with more names still to be announced.

As well as the musical performances, the event will feature appearances from prominent political and cultural figures, including Alastair Campbell, Katarina Mathernová, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and Olesya Khromeychuk of the Ukrainian Institute London.

The concert aims not only to raise money but also to shine a spotlight on the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. Funds raised will support four humanitarian organisations: UNITED24, Voices of Children, the Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation (People of the Future) and the Masha Foundation, helping to provide education, trauma support, healthcare and rehabilitation programmes.

Industry heavyweight Harvey Goldsmith CBE, who is supporting the event, said the war had “gone on far too long” and highlighted the growing impact on children and communities across Ukraine.

The seeds of the project were planted by Cumbrian indie-rock band Hardwicke Circus, who became the first UK band to tour Ukraine after the full-scale invasion. Alongside manager Dave Robinson, brothers Johnny and Tom Foster, and Ben Wilde, the group travelled across the country in 2025, performing for local communities and delivering frontline emergency evacuation vehicles.

Reflecting on the experience, frontman Johnny Foster said the band’s aim was simply to bring a little hope and relief to people living through the conflict, adding that they were proud to see the idea grow into an international event.

Ahead of the concert, organisers are also releasing a special recording of the Ukrainian song Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells) featuring the Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus and London Metropolitan Orchestra. The track will be backed by a national campaign aiming to take it to Number One in the UK charts, with all proceeds supporting the humanitarian appeal.

Tickets go on venue pre-sale from 12 November 2026, before going on general sale on 16 November 2026.

For more information and tickets, visit the Co-op Live event page.