Legendary Manchester DJ Andy Carthy – better known as Mr Scruff – is to play a fundraiser at Salford’s Islington Mill to help keep the rain out of the creaking arts venue.
The Stretford-based electronic music producer has agreed to play one of his epic sets at the the James Street venue for free, so Islington Mill can put the money raised into a fund to repair its roof and refurbish two upper floors totalling 6,000sq ft.
The former Victorian cotton-spinning mill, built in 1823, is bursting at the seams.
It has a partially collapsed roof and an expansive fifth floor and attic space which have been unusable for decades.
Exposed the the elements these floors are structurally unsound.
So a new roof will allow Islington Mill to renovate the upper two floors, bringing 6000sq ft of derelict space into permanent use.
Owner Bill Campbell and his team started refurbishing the mill in 2000, giving office and events space to artists and musicians from all over the country.
More than 50 businesses and 100 artists call Islington Mill home.
Now they need to raise £735,000 in match funding.
This will release funds already donated by Arts Council England and Salford City Council to kick off the huge refurbishment of the 5th and 6th floors and the repair of the partially collapsed roof.
Mr Scruff will play the mill’s Burrow events space on 24 September from 10pm to 5am. Tickets here.
