Tackling Digital Exclusion: How The Manchester Digital Ball is Driving Community Impact

Manchester Digital Charity Ball is to launch at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to raise funds tackling digital exclusion across Greater Manchester.

The Manchester Digital Charity Ball will launch in October 2026, bringing together 300+ members of the North’s digital and technology community for an evening of networking, celebration and fundraising, with proceeds supporting Forever Manchester, Greater Manchester’s Community Foundation.

Set to take place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel from 6:00pm, the inaugural Manchester event follows the proven model of the Leeds Digital Charity Ball, which has raised over £300,000 for digital inclusion projects since launching.

Digital exclusion remains a real and growing barrier to opportunity, from applying for jobs and accessing essential services, to education and staying connected. The Lloyds Consumer Digital Index 2024 reported that 1.6 million people are offline in the UK, and 12.1 million have the opportunity to improve their digital capability.

Funds raised through the Ball will support Forever Manchester’s work funding and strengthening community activity across Greater Manchester, backing grass-roots organisations and initiatives that help people and neighbourhoods thrive.

Sandra Patel, founder of the Leeds Digital Charity Ball and part of the wider Digital Ball movement, said:

“Digital exclusion isn’t a ‘nice to fix’, it’s a barrier to work, education, healthcare and everyday life. We’ve seen in Leeds what happens when the tech community comes together with purpose: real funding, real projects, real impact. Manchester has the same energy and generosity, and this Ball is about turning that into long-term change for local people.”

Rachel Hirst Deputy CEO of Forever Manchester added:

“Forever Manchester exists to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester and we see every day how digital exclusion can lock people out of opportunity and support. The Manchester Digital Charity Ball is a brilliant example of the region’s digital sector stepping up for our communities, and we’re proud to be the charity partner for this event.”

The Manchester Digital Charity Ball is now welcoming sponsorship conversations, community supporters and early expressions of interest for tickets and tables.

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