Scottish DJ’s viral ‘Downing Street rave’ raises over £100k for Shelter

What happens when a joke between a few friends turns into a successful fundraiser for a leading homeless charity? Ask 52-year-old DJ and filmmaker Jon Mancini. 

The Arches and SWG3 legend created a fake Facebook event, ‘Xmas Eve Rave at 10 Downing Street’, retaliating to the media fanfare surrounding the alleged lockdown parties at the English Prime Minister’s home during the lockdown. 

What started as a disgruntled snipe at politicians quickly began to gain momentum and eventually spawned extraordinary results. The event quickly amassed over 1m+ followers, with the potential to use it for an opportunity to do some good becoming increasingly clear. 

Jon asked everyone following the event to donate £1 each via a funding link to Shelter, the UK-wide homeless charity. In return for their support, the respected DJ staged a virtual rave in front of a green screen 10 Downing Street, in association with Glasgow institution StreetRave, with a host of other big-name DJs.

Taking to Facebook to give thanks, Mancini said: “A joke that went viral! 1.2m ppl signed up for a rave at Downing Street cause we were pissed off with Boris and his chums. We took the piss, the jokes were funny as fk, we vented our frustrations and we came together!

“Was there a way to get something good out of this if possible? “Help the Homeless” came to mind and all for the charity SHELTER, the justgiving page was started and it grew and grew….we asked if all of the 1.2m that we going to the Rave would donate £1.”

“But we did it, we did our target!! With Justgiving donations, TEXT donations and gift aid we were just over £100k.”

“We couldn’t have done it without the DJ’s, Judge Jules Slipmatt, Utah Saints, Dream Frequency AND Michael Kilkie DJ. Awesome sets from you guys.”

“Thanks to Production team Ross for the stream, all at STREETrave , Derek, Graham, Jim, Mickey, Franny & Nicky for the lunch.”

“Lastly THANK YOU to all who took apart in our little RAVE OF SUNSHINE, all who donated, shared, tagged, followed, pushed, abused me, sent LOVE and supported this event. I do <3 <3 you all. YOU FKN LEGENDS”

The page is still open to donations. If you would like to do so, you can HERE.

You can also listen back to Jon’s set from the event below: