The One Love Manchester charity event was held last weekend, with musicians from Miley Cyrus through to Liam Gallagher taking to the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in order to support those affected by the Manchester terror attacks. The concert, held to raise funds for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, was incredibly successful in its goal, with details now being shared regarding its impact:
How much did One Love Manchester raise?
Estimates indicate that One Love Manchester raised £2.7 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, bringing the total amount earned by the fund to over £10 million. The fund, set up by the British Red Cross, was advertised on a screen displayed behind the performers throughout the duration of the event.
Speaking before the show, British Red Cross CEO Mike Adamson said: “This event is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate things that unite us – music, humanity and the will to do something to help others.” One Love Manchester certainly achieved this, raising over £2 million in just three hours and becoming one of the most successful charity events in UK history in the process.
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How many people watched One Love Manchester?
One Love Manchester was broadcast in 43 countries and also made available to stream online, with networks in North America, South America, China, Australia and across Asia signing up for the rights to show the event. As a result, it is expected that the show surpassed the one billion viewers who watched 1985’s Live Aid concert, as well as the 700,000 who watched Nelson Mandela’s birthday tribute concert in 1988. In the UK alone, 14.5 million tuned in to watch the show.
In terms of TV events, this would put it behind the 2 billion people who watched the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony, though the One Love Manchester viewing figures are also inflated by its availability on sites such as YouTube and Twitter.
How will the One Love Manchester donations help those affected?
The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund was set up to financially support the victims and the families of those affected by the Manchester terror attacks, which took the lives of 22 people — including nine teenagers — and injured many more.
The Red Cross explains how the Emergency Fund will contribute to the victims and their families. “The money raised will help alleviate immediate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties”, the Red Cross site reads. The Red Cross has also set up a phone line that provides information on the Emergency Fund, along with providing support for those injured or bereaved.
