Bob Geldof, Madness and Chrissie Hynde announced for Songs of Freedom Ukraine benefit
Bob Geldof, Madness, Chrissie Hynde and Peter Hook & The Light are among the first artists confirmed for Songs of Freedom, a major charity concert taking place at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Wednesday 3 February 2027.
Promoted by Harvey Goldsmith, the event will raise funds for organisations supporting women, children and vulnerable communities affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The concert will also be broadcast worldwide, with further performers and headliners still to be announced.
The live bill also includes The Doobie Brothers, 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, the Songs for Ukraine Choir, the Royal Opera Chorus and the London Metropolitan Orchestra.
Video appearances and speakers confirmed
Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Okean Elzy, Huey Lewis & The News and Flyte are set to contribute by video. The evening will also feature speakers including Alastair Campbell, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Ukrainian Institute London director Olesya Khromeychuk.
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.”
A benefit born from Hardwicke Circus’ Ukraine visits
The initiative emerged from the work of Carlisle outfit Hardwicke Circus, whose members Johnny Foster, Tom Foster and Ben Wilde travelled to Ukraine in 2025 alongside manager Dave Robinson. The band performed for local communities and delivered emergency evacuation vehicles to frontline areas.
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.”
Robinson added: “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.”
All concert proceeds will be directed to UNITED24, Voices of Children, the Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation’s People of the Future programme and the Masha Foundation. The organisations provide humanitarian relief, trauma support, education, healthcare and specialist assistance for Ukrainian women and children.
Organisers are also preparing a special recording of the Ukrainian traditional song Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells), featuring the Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus and London Metropolitan Orchestra. Proceeds from the release will support the same humanitarian appeal.
Tickets for the Manchester concert
Venue pre-sales begin on Thursday 12 November, before general sale opens on Monday 16 November. Tickets are available via Co-op Live.
- Wednesday 3 February 2027 – Co-op Live, Manchester
