Maggie’s Manchester is delighted to have Rick astley as their honorary ambassador
One of the music industry’s most distinctive voices, Rick Astley has left an indelible mark on pop-culture since his emergence into the limelight nearly three decades ago. With well over 40 million records sold, and an enviable back-catalogue of chart-topping hits, Astley remains one of the most successful solo artists to have emerged from these isles, holding the distinction of being the first male solo artist to see his first eight singles reach the UK Top Ten.
2016 has seen Rick return with a bang! Not only did he release his latest Number 1 album ‘50’ which has sold an astonishing 150,000 copies becoming the 8th best-selling album in the UK this year, but also sell out all 21 dates of his 2017 UK tour, propelling him back in the limelight.
Rick starred at our very first Maggie's on the Runway in 2016 and we are thrilled to welcome him back, this time with his full supporting band.
MANCHESTER ROCK CHOIR
Rock Choir is the UK’s largest contemporary choir, with more than 27,000 members in over 380 local communities. There are no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience. Rock Choir members get together each week to attend fun, friendly rehearsals where they are taught specially arranged pop and chart songs.
Rock Choir's uplifting ethos of fun, friendship and community spirit is a huge part of its attraction. At an individual level, it helps improve people's self-confidence, enables them to develop new singing skills, and enjoy a dynamic new social life. Singing together and achieving such a great sound gives members a huge sense of fulfilment. Added to this is the glamour and excitement of performing in public, which for many is a truly liberating experience.
There are lots of exciting Rock Choir performances throughout the year and many of them help raise money for charity.
ANNE FINNEGAN DANCERS
Our own choreographer Anne Finnegan has trained and produced many young entertainers who have went on to work in the West End and further afield from her studios in Fallowfield, Manchester.
JO LLOYD - fashion show host
Jo presents Smooth NW's relaxing music mix every Sunday afternoon.
Jo, who hails from the North West, hosted our Runway on the Runway fashion show for Teenage Cancer Trust in 2017 and we were blown away by her slick, professional and caring approach.
Jo will also be very much within her comfort zone in the Concorde Hangar as this pint sized bubbly disco diva spent 14 years a a long haul air stewardess before her transition to radio.
PAUL CRONE- gals ball host
For more than 30 years, Paul has become one of the most familiar faces and voices across the North West of England.
His many broadcasting skills lie in his diversity to adapt to the versatile range of stories the popular nightly regional news programme Granada Reports covers.
As well as a reporter, presenter, producer, director, in the last five years Paul has also become an accomplished broadcast cameraman and digital editor.
From a man who has slammed a piano lid down on Gary’s Barlow’s hands, babysat for Phil Collins’ sons, and has frequently trod the boards in theatres across the North West, Paul Crone has made quite a mark on the region he loves.
Paul is delighted to be supporting Maggie's Manchester.
REBECCA JANE - presenter- gala ball
Rebecca Jane is the founder of the largest female run private investigation company from the UK, 'The Lady Detective Agency' and a television personality.
For her effort at the agency and her best selling book, Rebecca was named as one of the top 42 entrepreneurs under the age of 42 in the U.K. By 'Business Insider' magazine.
Rebecca can be found on the 'This Morning' and ‘Good Morning Britain’ sofas as one of their debate team, where she describes her job 'if there's ever an argument to be had, they wheel me out'.
Rebecca devotes her spare time to charity work and has been honoured to be part of ‘Maggie’s on the Runway’. She has complete admiration for the work of Maggie’s and the incredible strength and determination of the men & women who visit.
CHRISTOPHER FINNEGAN - PRESENTER - FASHION SHOW
Christopher is a 29 year old performer, born and bred in Manchester. He graduated from the Manchester School of Theatre and has gone on to perform across the UK and Western Europe winning awards at the Stockholm Fringe Festival.
MONICA WARD & LEIGH EATOn
Our fabulous Musical Director and accomplished vocalist Monica Ward teams up with fiancé musician Leigh to entertain guests at our evening gala ball.
SARAH POTTS
Sarah is a young, renowned and vibrant saxophone player who is enthusiastic about providing great atmospheric music.
She has played both as a solo artist and with a variety of bands. As an in demand musician she has performed with many bands as well as appearing as a solo artist at festivals and events.
From jazz, to pop, to Ibiza flavoured house music Sarah can stylishly do it all.