Manchester Remembers charity football match cancelled as organisers announce closure of foundation

Saturday, 3 May 2025 10:44

By David Murphy

The upcoming Manchester Remembers charity football match, due to take place at Gigg Lane on 14 June 2025, has been cancelled. Organisers have also announced the permanent closure of the Manchester Remembers Foundation.

In a heartfelt public statement, co-founders Aaron and Paul said the decision had not been taken lightly. “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the immediate cancellation of the upcoming Manchester Remembers event for 2025 and subsequently the closure of the Manchester Remembers Foundation permanently,” they wrote.

The match was established to honour the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and had, over several years, raised nearly £200,000 for charities supporting young people in music, sport, and the arts. The foundation cited a lack of sustained support from influential figures and leadership in Manchester as the reason the event could no longer continue.

“Over the past several months, it’s been no secret that we’ve struggled with the support needed to maintain and grow our uniquely special event,” the statement read. “Influential people needed to carry the event forward in the names of everyone affected by the Manchester Arena attack of 2017. Sadly that support has not been forthcoming.”

The announcement paid tribute to the sponsors, players, managers and media figures who helped the foundation grow over the years, as well as clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Oldham Athletic and Bury FC. “We can’t thank you enough for believing in us and what we were trying to achieve,” they added.

The organisers also reflected on the personal toll of running the annual event, with up to 11 months of preparation going into each match. “This has been to the detriment of our own health... but we are and will always be so incredibly proud to say with your support we did something beautiful and fitting of our great city and those we lost in that cowardly disgusting attack.”

All tickets purchased for the 2025 fixture will be fully refunded.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Major road in Middleton closed as crews tackle phone mast fire and gas safety fears

A phone mast fire shut down a key road in Middleton this morning, with firefighters and police establishing a safety cordon amid concerns about potential gas risks.
Rochdale community garden earns top award in regional Britain in Bloom scheme

A local gardening project at Spotland Community Centre has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by North West judges, celebrating the efforts of volunteers and residents
Work begins on major housing scheme that will bring 81 new homes to Rochdale

A long-abandoned site near Rochdale railway station is finally being redeveloped thanks to £15 million in government funding
🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along

Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.
The school where phones are locked away

A scheme in which students lock their phones away at the start of the school day has had a ‘remarkable impact’, according to a headteacher.
Rochdale-born creative agency founder spotlighted in ‘extraordinary’ Greater Manchester business campaign

A Rochdale entrepreneur who turned her wellness-focused creative agency into a global brand builder has been recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s most inspiring business leaders.
Bury bows to GMCA pressure with £12k Cannes trip as taxpayers foot bill for global investor summit

Bury Council says it made a 'late decision' to attend controversial MIPIM property conference after Greater Manchester Combined Authority urged all 10 councils to take part, following backlash from the Daily Mails article.
Masked gang targets couple in terrifying early morning burglary in Littleborough

A man and woman were threatened by four masked men, one armed with a knife, during an aggravated burglary on Todmorden Road in Littleborough.
Bury’s Rock Shopping Centre opens giant Christmas donation station to support struggling families

A huge festive donation box has arrived in Bury, as The Rock joins forces with local churches and The Salvation Army to collect toys for children in need.
Eight-year jail sentence for man who smuggled drugs into Bury through fake parcels from America

A man who smuggled drugs into the UK through parcels disguised with fake American return addresses has been jailed for eight years following a major investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Grooming gang rapist escapes UK and did what the government couldn’t

A convicted Rochdale grooming gang member has finally left the UK, not through deportation, but by disappearing on his own, doing what the Home Office failed to achieve for over a decade.
24 new family homes to be built on derelict Middleton site under £6.79 million housing plan

A long-abandoned Middleton site is set for transformation as First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) announces plans to build 24 new energy-efficient homes, following a major £6.79 million investment.