Salford Lads Clubs will host ‘The Bard of Salford’ Dr John Cooper Clarke in a one-off evening fundraiser event this June.
The fundraiser event will see the iconic poet, author, and cultural icon will take to the stage of the Lads Club on Wednesday 11 June.
With all profit from the evening going to Salford Lads & Girls Club, audiences can expect an intimate in-conversation event with respected BBC broadcaster, Nihal Arthanayake.
Nihal has interviewed John as part of his award-winning BBC Headliners podcast series and has established a reputation for his insightful interviews.
And this insight will be impactful throughout the evening, as he will share stories from his extraordinary career which has spanned over five decades.
This special fundraising event will support Salford Lads Club, helping to maintain its historic building and fund vital projects for young members.
Dr John Cooper Clarke visited the Lads Clubs two years ago when he was made Honorary Freeman of the City by Salford City Council.
His return to Salford, from his home in Essex, always marks a true homecoming and it follows his record-breaking performance at Co-op Live on March 29th, where he performed to the largest-ever audience for a poet in the UK.
His distinctive voice and unique delivery have cemented his place as Britain’s most loved poet and national treasure – making his name in the punk era of the 1970s, performing his rapid-fire, razor-sharp poetry alongside bands like The Sex Pistols, Joy Division, Siouxsie & the Banshees and The Clash.
Throughout blending dark humour and social commentary, he has influenced generations of writers, musicians, and performers – making this a rare opportunity to hear him speak in the intimate setting of Salford Lads Club.
Laura Slingsby CEO of Salford Lads Club said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome John back to his hometown for this unique evening.
“His connection to Salford is legendary, and this event promises to be a truly special occasion for fans old and new. Nihal is the perfect choice to interview John, and we look forward to showing him around our wonderful venue.”
In the second half of the evening, Nihal and will be also chatting to John’s long-time friend and manager, Phil Jones.
Phil has been a music promoter for 47 years and has known John for 45 of those years, as audiences will be able to hear them recount some never-heard-before stories.
Audiences’ members will then have the chance to hear more in a Q&A where John will be answering selected questions submitted by the audience.
Visitors to Salford Lads Club on the night will have the opportunity to explore its rich history, including its renowned Wall of Names and the famous Smiths Room, now featuring three digital panels to showcase the ever-growing collection of fan photos and messages.
Official Salford Lads Club merchandise will be available to purchase throughout the night, as well as signed copies of John Cooper Clarke’s best-selling books Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt, I Wanna Be Yours and The Luckiest Guy Alive.
Doors will open from 6:30pm, with the event starting at 8pm and expected to run until 10pm (including the interval), with the bar staying open for another half an hour.
All profits from the night will be going to Salford Lads & Girls Club and the kids/members’ activities and events – with tickets to the event costing £30 and will go on sale here on Friday 16th May at 10am.
Featured image – John Cooper Clarke (credited to Ed Hill)
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