Breaking Barz

In the tradition of Len’s legacy, we bring diverse communities together through a regular music night at the Old Abbey Taphouse, the very pub where Len Johnson was denied service. The Old Abbey won the Community Hero Award in the Great British Pub Awards 2023.

The night honours Len and gives up-and-coming artists a platform to perform, grow in confidence and make connections with other creatives. Breaking Barz is for musicians, Spoken Word artists, DJs and Presenters.

There have been 14 Breaking Barz so far, including one at the legendary Manchester venue, The Band on the Wall. We love the vibe at our events. 

“The energy of the crowd feels like nowhere else in Manchester right now. The radical inclusivity that characterises the event manifests itself in an audience that fully embraces and lifts up the artists.
With music venues across the country reporting plummeting ticket sales and artists even cancelling tour dates, it is refreshing to be in a space that feels organically sustained by the community built around it.”
“Breaking Barz has the most electric atmosphere of any gig I have been to in Manchester in the past few years."
(Salt Magazine 2023)

Len Johnson Charity Match

To bring Len Johnson's name to the masses we decided to create an annual charity football match. Our first match was in May 2023, the 'Len Johnson All-Stars competed against the FC United Legends.

The 'All-Stars' were represented by a host of famous faces such as Channel 4 Gogglebox star Tom Malone, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, actors from Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, and Hollyoaks, football freestyler Ben Black, and Mancunian rappers Lady Ice and Tays.

Moston-born rapper Aitch attended the game and acts from Breaking Barz performed for the crowd. Over 1,000 supporters raised over £10,000 for the campaign but just as importantly it was a great community day, with hundreds of free tickets offered to youth and community groups.

Our second game held on May 18th 2024, was a massive success. The Len Johnson celebrity team boasted an impressive lineup, including Premier League winner and former Manchester City player Joleon Lescott, former Wales captain Ashley Williams, popular YouTube sensation Angry Ginge, musician Avelino, and "I'm a Celebrity" runner-up Owen Warner.  

We were also honoured to have current world boxing champion Rhiannon Dixon, dart sensation Luke Littler, and Anthony Crolla all in attendance.

Check out some of our match photos here.

Knockout Blow

Our Chair, and local campaigner, Lamin Touray, approached Odd Arts to support (through theatre) the Len Johnson campaign. This led to the development of Knockout Blow! written by Curtis Cole, a community-led play and workshop exploring the life of Len Johnson.
 
Len’s life story is something to be celebrated. Len responded as a fighter inside and outside of the ring in response to the struggles and barriers he faced because of his skin colour. 
 

 The workshop that follows the play is suitable for Year 6 upwards. Debriefs, and bespoke workshops for community groups or university students, are available. The aim is to:

  •  Raise awareness and critical thinking around issues relating to race discrimination.
  • Inspire young people to be socially active in challenging discrimination and inequalities.
  • Reflect on the 'cycle of oppression' that Len faced, as well as explore how this exists in society today. 
  • Support young people to create their manifestos of action.
  • To celebrate Black History all year round, not just in October.
The play has been shown to over 5000 people in Greater Manchester, Primary and Secondary schools, colleges, boxing clubs and youth and community projects. It was even shown to city councillors in the Town Hall chamber!  
 

The workshops have been incredibly well-received and provoked some great conversations.