Bob Geldof, Madness and Doobie Brothers to headline Ukraine benefit concert in Manchester

Bob Geldof, Madness and a wide-ranging group of artists will perform at Songs of Freedom, a benefit concert at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on 3 February. The event is being held as the fifth anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion approaches, with proceeds intended to support Ukrainian women and children.

The bill also includes the Doobie Brothers, Chrissie Hynde, Peter Hook and the Light, Midge Ure, the Lathums and Brooke Combe, alongside the London Metropolitan Orchestra and Songs for Ukraine Choir. Video appearances are expected from Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn and others, and the concert is set to be broadcast worldwide. Proceeds will go to four Ukrainian charities providing humanitarian aid, trauma support, education, healthcare and music initiatives; tickets go on general sale on 16 November at 10am.