Sounds from the Other City

Salford is doomed to be the other city, standing in Manchester’s shadow when it comes to name recognition and cultural clout. However, Sounds from the Other City proves that when it comes to urban music festivals, anything Manchester can do, Salford can do better. 

Sounds from the Other City doesn’t have the polished sheen and capitalist sprawl of other popular festivals we could name. It’s a festival created by music lovers for music lovers. Every year, a diverse bunch of promoters from the region are given a stage and the task of showcasing the bands they’re most passionate about.

It’s an inclusive, eclectic and pleasingly lo-fi stumble around all sorts of different venues, from Peel Hall at Salford University for a student union atmosphere, to the cafe at Salford Museum and Art Gallery which makes a lovely setting for more melodic bands. 

The festival is great at promoting slightly off-kilter acts and emerging talent with an overall sound that puts you in mind of the more diverse end of 6 Music. Sounds from the Other City alumni who’ve made it to the big time include The Ting Tings, Alt-J and Sampha – 2017’s Mercury Music Prize Winner. Melin Melyn and C Duncan were Confidentials’ highlights from 2024.

Sounds from the Other City 2025

This year marks the 20th anniversary of SFTOC. Running from 4 May 2025, it will feature live music, talks, cabaret, art and DJ sets across 19 Salford venues, all an easy walk from each other.

In 2025 you can see Fat Out x Heavenly Recordings take over Maxwell Hall with the likes of Du Blonde and Big Joanie, whilst Now Wave bring Astrid Sonne, Gwenno and more to Peel Hall.

Hey Manchester! x Red Deer Club is a fab collab bringing forward-thinking folk and introspective indie to Salford Art Gallery and Museum, whilst Club Brenda is back for a queer bender at Islington Mill Gallery with Ghost Assembly, Violet Blonde and others.