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 2026

On Sunday 4 May 2026, Sounds from the Other City returns to Salford featuring live music, talks, cabaret, art and DJ sets across 17 stages, all an easy walk from each other.

In 2026 you can genre-smashing provocateur Lynx take over Maxwell Hall ghetto funk trailblazer Moon child Sanelly and Manchester-based artist jasmine.4.t, whilst Now Wave bring Pollyfromthedirt and more to Peel Hall.

Band on the Wall, Reform Radio, queer day-rave BENT and LGBTQ+ POC collective Swagga will be behind the programming at Islington Mill, the spiritual home of the festival.