When the world stopped,
our team was born
Our team was first formed back in Spring 2020 to create United We Stream, Greater Manchester's rapid response to COVID-19 - to raise money for good causes, and entertain people during the multiple lockdowns of 2020.
From the fledgling first show on April 3rd, 2020 to the epic 24-hour finale party on New Years’ Eve with FAC 51 The Hacienda, United We Stream produced 308 hours of live content for 48 shows that amassed more than 20 million views, raised £583,000 for local good causes, cultural organisations and charities, and provided both a platform and creative outlet for 400+ artists and cultural organisations.
We created something phenomenal in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances, and developed a very ‘mancunian’ platform that people loved and trusted locally, nationally and internationally.
As the U.K. started to emerge very slowly from the pandemic, we realised the positive and powerful extent of the United We Stream legacy and decided to take the very best of the project and move forward, as a high-quality, ethical, not-for-profit streaming service, with its feet planted firmly within the best city in the world!
StreamGM is quite simply,
dedicated to Greater Manchester music, NIGHTLIFE & culture.
StreamGM amplifies breakthrough talent and creative voices across the region (and beyond).
We do this by producing high-quality, engaging content that connects and promotes the music, nightlife & creative community.
meet the team
Marie-Claire Daly
Marie-Claire is the Head 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 has been the communications and media lead since the beginning of United We Stream and the growth of StreamGM.
She also produces StreamGM’s indie music series Spill The Sound, and the grassroots live-streamed clubbing series - MainRoom.
As an award-winning publicist and former journalist, Laura has strong connections with top artistic talent and media in Greater Manchester and beyond. She helps StreamGM tell a cohesive story that highlights the diversity of our contributors and partners.
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 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 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.
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.