Getting together…

Our team first came together in spring 2020 to launch United We Stream – Greater Manchester’s rapid response to COVID-19. Born out of crisis, it raised vital funds for good causes while keeping people entertained during lockdown.

From the first broadcast on 3rd April to the epic 24-hour FAC51 Haçienda New Year’s Eve House Party, United We Stream produced 308 hours of live content across 48 shows, reaching over 20 million viewers worldwide. We supported more than 100 freelancers and charities, and gave a creative platform to 400+ artists and organisations.

But this was just the beginning. As the UK slowly emerged from the pandemic, we recognised the lasting impact of that work and built on it. Out of United We Stream grew StreamGM – a not-for-profit, ethical streaming platform dedicated to Greater Manchester’s music, nightlife and culture.

Since then, the team has continued to innovate: livestreaming basement raves, grassroots gigs and breakthrough artists, producing fresh programmes that spotlight the region’s creative talent and connect local scenes with global audiences. From intimate sets in independent venues to full-scale cultural showcases, StreamGM has become a trusted home for authentic Mancunian culture, broadcast with the same spirit that started it all.

StreamGM is here to amplify new voices, champion local nightlife, and share the energy of Greater Manchester with the world. High-quality, independent, and proudly rooted in the North.

meet the team:

Marie-Claire DalyPrincipal culture lead at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and an original member of the United We Stream GM Team. With a strong focus on policy and business development, Marie-Claire has more than 20 years valuable experience in the cultural sector and has worked in theatres, museums, galleries, festivals and venues across Greater Manchester. Marie-Claire has significant experience in cultural strategy and policy development, with a focus on fair pay for artists, talent and skills development and diversity, developed through work at Arts Council England, Manchester City Council, and more recently at GMCA.

Marie-Claire Daly

Marie-Claire is the Director of Culture at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and a founding member of the United We Stream team.

She has over 20 years of experience in the cultural sector, working in theatres, museums, galleries, festivals, and venues in Greater Manchester.

Her expertise includes creating cultural strategies and policies that emphasize fair pay for artists, talent development, and diversity, gained through her roles at Arts Council England and Manchester City Council, as well as her current position at GMCA.

laura graham

laura graham

Laura has been the communications and media lead since the beginning of United We Stream and the growth of StreamGM.

Since the start of StreamGM she has produced two series of StreamGM’s indie music series Spill The Sound, and continues to produce the StreamGM grassroots clubbing series: MainRoom.

She has also developed & produced StreamGM’s new music documentary series concept: Manchester Unplugged.

As an award-winning publicist and former journalist, Laura has strong connections with top artistic talent and media in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Person with glasses and a beard, wearing a jacket and graphic t-shirt, standing in front of a decorative tiled wall.

Joe Heys

Joe Heys is a Senior Policy Officer within the GMCA Culture and Night Time Economy team. Having joined the team earlier this year, Joe has admired the work of StreamGM from afar and is absolutely thrilled to be part of the team.

Joe also DJs under the name ‘Fries With That’, and has played at a number of venues across the city and at Parklife Festival, mixing everything from old-school disco and soul to the latest cutting-edge underground sounds. He will program and produce some of StreamGM’s upcoming partnership events with The Yard, as well as providing some background tunes at StreamGM towers.

JC MonaghanJC Monaghan is an artist, photographer and skilled digital producer. A founder member of United We Stream GM, James brings detailed technical knowledge, artistic vision and an understanding of various social media platforms and how to maximise their impact. A senior content producer at Greater Manchester Combined Authority with specialisms in still and motion work, short-form content, motion control and time-lapse photography, James bridges the gap between content creation and online engagement, providing artistic vision, technical support and maximising the impact of StreamGM’s output.

JC Monaghan

JC Monaghan is an artist, photographer, and digital producer. As a founding member of United We Stream, James offers technical expertise, artistic vision, and a solid grasp of social media to enhance its effectiveness. He is a senior content producer at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, specializing in still and motion work, short videos, motion control, and time-lapse photography. James connects content creation with online engagement, delivering creative ideas, technical support, and enhancing the reach of StreamGM’s output.

gareth williamsAs GMCA lead for night-time economy, Gareth was a founder member of United We Stream and brings with him a wealth of expertise in developing and delivering policy that supports the night time and creative industries to recover, heal and thrive. A former director at Hive Urban Farms, Gareth has significant experience in business start ups that use tech solutions to tackle societal issues and brings his passion for music, across all genres to StreamGM, playing a key role in programming and artist liaison for the platform.

gareth williams

As GMCA lead for night-time economy, Gareth was a founder member of UWS, with a wealth of expertise in developing and delivering policy that supports the night time and creative industries to thrive.

A former director at Hive Urban Farms, Gareth has significant experience in business start ups that use tech solutions to tackle societal issues and brings his passion for music, across all genres to StreamGM, playing a key role in programming and artist liaison for the platform.

Black and white photo of a DJ with headphones and a mixing console in a club setting.

Rebecca Swarray

Rebecca Swarray AKA DJ Mix-Stress is a firm favourite on the Manchester music scene, pleasing audiences and ears with her soulful and uplifting sets. She enjoys monthly residences at various northern venues and both Gaydio & Reform Radio where she champions new and upcoming DJs and producers.  Rebecca is also founder and curator of Manchester based events and arts collective, RebeccaNeverBecky and Co-founder of queer DJ Collective, Queer Latifah.
Rebecca works with the GMCA Night Time Economy & Creative, Culture Team as a Senior Policy Officer. She is also a curator and produces creative career podcast series ICAM and grass root clubbing series MainRoom - StreamGM's underground clubbing series.