Maxson Goh reports from Manchester Central, where Bee Network buses raced head-to-head for charity – without using their engines
A race between two Bee Network buses, but with a twist – the roar of engines was replaced by cheers of encouragement that echoed throughout Manchester Central on 5 August. The Grade II listed former railway station turned convention centre played host to the third annual Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity Bus Pull, raising over £36,000 for people experiencing homelessness across the city-region. The event saw 55 teams of five go head-to-head in in a contest to pull a single-decker Alexander Dennis bus for 30 metres in the fastest time, all in support of the independent charity’s flagship ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme. This year, a new record of 20.06 seconds was set by team Metroline – a whole four seconds faster than last year’s record of 24.08 which saw a pair of Volvo single-decker buses used instead. Attendees were treated to live DJ sets from XI Records and Manchester DJs, along with classic fairground games. The participating teams also received complimentary post-pull massages.
Funds raised will help support A Bed Every Night, a scheme the charity describes as life changing, helping people get off from the streets and back on their feet. Mayor of Greater Manchester and Patron of the Charity Andy Burnham attended the event to support the teams and even had a go at pulling the bus himself. He said: “This is Greater Manchester in action. Everyone pulling together, it’s fantastic to see. Thanks to your efforts we have already raised enough funding to support 1,000 nights for people who need our support.
“No other city-region does what we do. We have a principle here that no one should have to spend a night on the street, where everyone can at least have a roof over their head. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity CEO Fran Darlington-Pollock added: “’A Bed Every Night’ is a unique scheme in the country because it’s built on the premise that no one should have to spend a night on the streets. That means working as hard as possible to make sure there’s a bed for everyone, every night. The funds that we raised here because of everybody participating, makes that offer possible.
“This year’s Bus Pull was our biggest yet with more teams, more energy, and even more funds raised. I know the final count
is looking to hit in at £40,000. That’s a huge amount of funding to provide some certainty to the organisations we support in ‘A Bed Every Night’. They’re on the front line of an avoidable crisis which Greater Manchester is pushing against. Once again, our city-region has shown what’s possible when we come together. Thank you to everyone who pulled, donated, and supported the event. Together, we can end homelessness.”
When asked what her favourite part of the event was, Fran replied with a smile: “I love seeing buses inside Manchester Central. We’re bringing back transport into a once iconic transport hub, and seeing something that’s so symbolic of Manchester like these arches, with those yellow Bee Network buses. What a great combination!”
The charity extended a huge thank you to all the organisations across Greater Manchester who made the event possible, as well as headline sponsors Willmott Dixon and We Are Footprint, along with Nell’s Pizza, YOLO Wellbeing, Dishoom, Blue Bee Sneaker Care, AO Arena, XI Records, Manchester DJs, Manchester Central, Diamond, Go North West, First Bus, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
