The sad news came a few weeks ago that Salford Lads Club could shut within weeks without the funding it needs, but with recent donations from famous faces, and one Manc in particular, the club is very close to being saved.
Having opened in 1904 on Coronation Street (the real one), Salford Lads Club has helped generations of boys and later girls as a recreation space offering activities like sport, art and music for the children of Salford’s dock workers and shopkeepers. Of course, the club became famous after featuring on the Smiths’ The Queen is Dead album sleeve, and all the while it has been operating as a charity providing activities for local young people and the community.
One of the faces on that iconic album cover was Morrissey, lead singer of the Smiths and outspoken Manc in his own right – and he’s just donated £50,000 to the cause, bringing Salford Lads Club’s current total up to £216,000 of £250,000. Morrissey’s donation follows the likes of Salford City Council, Graham Nash from The Hollies, Courteeners, and an outpouring of inspiring stories from those who the club has helped.
Organisers said earlier this month that £250,000 was needed by the end of the November to keep Salford Lads Club open for current and future generations, which would go towards maintenance costs for the Edwardian building, with many trusts and grants that supported the club in the past having shut down.
Tim Burgess, lead singer of iconic Manchester band The Charlatans and community and music activist, posted on X about the original news: “@salfordladsclub has been there for so many people over the years – a real community hub, with a place in music folklore gathered along the way.”
Salford Lads Club is also hosting a record fair on Saturday 23 November, with all profits going towards keeping the club open. Entry is free and the vibes are sure to be immaculate – you can read more here.