Star-studded charity concert to support the women and children of Ukraine

A landmark international benefit concert, Songs of Freedom, will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Wednesday, 3rd February 2027, uniting iconic global musicians, artists, and cultural leaders in solidarity with the women, children, and vulnerable communities affected by the war in Ukraine. Additional artists from around the world will perform via live video link into the broadcast.

With many more major names still to be announced, the show will feature live performances by 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, Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus, London Metropolitan Orchestra.

Set to contribute by video are Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Huey Lewis & The News and Flyte.

Tickets go on general sale on Monday 16th November, with venue pre-sales beginning on Thursday 12th November.

The event will raise vital funds and global awareness while celebrating Ukrainian resilience, identity, and spirit. Money raised will go to UNITED24, Voices of Children, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation (People of the Future) and Masha Foundation, directly supporting urgent humanitarian relief, including trauma assistance, education, healthcare, and music schools.

Harvey Goldsmith CBE said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to play my part in helping the Children and Communities in Ukraine. This war has gone on far too long and more and more children are suffering as a result.

“The concert at Coop in Manchester will highlight their plight. We must stand together and play a role in pressuring the need to stop this war.”

The initiative grew from the efforts of Carlisle indie-rock outfit Hardwicke Circus, Johnny Foster, Tom Foster and Ben Wilde, with manager Dave Robinson, who became the first UK band to tour Ukraine following the full-scale invasion. During tours in June and November 2025, the band performed for local communities across the country and delivered frontline emergency evacuation vehicles.

Singer and guitarist Johnny Foster said: “We wanted to bring some light relief to people who have been through so much. We are proud to see this simple idea grow into an international night of solidarity.”

Dave Robinson, co-founder of Stiff Records and manager of Hardwicke Circus, said: “We knew we weren’t going to end the war. But seeing people smile and sing along, the tension draining from their faces, that made it worthwhile.”

Backed by key industry figures - including Bob Geldof, Harvey Goldsmith, and Oak View Group co-founder Irving Azoff - Songs of Freedom brings together a line-up of international legends and Ukrainian talent.

Ahead of the concert, organisers are releasing a special recording of the Ukrainian song Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells) featuring the Songs for Ukraine Choir, the Royal Opera Choir and the London Metropolitan Orchestra, supported by a nationwide campaign to take the recording to Number One in the UK charts, with all proceeds benefiting the humanitarian appeal.

Ticket Information

https://www.cooplive.com/events/songs-of-freedom-qhst

Charity Beneficiaries

All proceeds from the concert will go directly to verified humanitarian organisations on the ground:

• UNITED24: The official global fundraising platform initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Providing generators, electricity and heating to Ukrainian schools ensuring children can continue learning during blackouts.

• Voices of Children: Providing psychological support, trauma recovery, education and humanitarian aid for Ukrainian children affected by war.

• Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation (People of the Future): Helping war-affected Ukrainian children recover through rehabilitation, creative activities, mentoring, emotional support and personal development.

• Masha Foundation: Through their 'Unbreakable Mom' programme, they provide psycho-emotional stabilisation for women and children traumatised by war, including specialised support for mothers of fallen or missing soldiers, plus perinatal mental health projects.