The North West’s media industry unites to save the Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club, a pivotal cultural institution.
- Over 140 billboard spaces and prime TV slots were donated for a fundraising campaign to prevent the club’s closure.
- The club, a cornerstone of Salford’s musical history, urgently needs £250,000 by the end of November to continue its mission.
- Prominent support comes from media giants, local businesses, and music legends like Morrissey and Noel Gallagher.
- A powerful social film and dimmed festive lights at Manchester Arndale raise awareness for the club’s survival.
The North West media industry has launched a significant campaign to support the Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club, a vital part of the local community since its founding in 1904. The campaign includes the donation of over 140 billboard spaces by Clear Channel, JCDecaux, and Ocean Outdoor, as well as ad space from Global, Ladbible, Blis, and ITV, featuring a prime-time slot during Coronation Street.
Facing closure, the club needs to raise £250,000 by the end of November. It’s renowned not only as a community center but also as a cultural icon, with strong ties to British music history, notably The Smiths. The campaign, orchestrated by dentsu, aims to alert and mobilize the community to prevent the club from shutting its doors.
The fundraising initiative is enhanced by digital ads and social media engagement, emphasizing the message ‘Don’t let the lights go out.’ This call-to-action is further amplified through a social film showcasing club alumni and benefitting from significant media collaborations, including free advertising space on platforms like Spotify and Blis, as well as a prominent spot on ITV.
Additionally, the campaign receives a symbolic boost from the Manchester Arndale Centre, which plans to switch off its Christmas tree lights briefly to draw attention to the club’s plight. This act of solidarity encourages community involvement in the fundraising efforts.
High-profile endorsements and support from the music industry, including contributions from Morrissey, Johnny Marr, and bands like The Courteeners, underline the club’s importance. Initiatives like a Manchester Music Exhibition and a record fair further bolster efforts to preserve this vital institution, which has shaped countless youths’ lives.
Laura Slingsby, a club representative, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support, highlighting how critical each donation and expression of solidarity is to the club’s future. Robin Wight, descended from the club’s founders, and Julie Chadwick from dentsu, both emphasized the impact of collective action and media collaboration in this campaign.
The collective effort of the North West media and community showcases the power of unity in preserving cultural heritage.
