Sounds of the City

Sounds of the City is a summer season of outdoor gigs by big name acts at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.

It’s not strictly a festival, more a series of curated gigs on a big outdoor stage with an amphitheatre-style set-up. But it’s still got that heady summer buzz and a festival feel. This year, Sounds of the City is bigger than ever featuring eight events over two weeks.

2026’s line-up includes acclaimed Failsworth alternative rockers Puressence on Thursday 2 July, Merseyside indie stars The Ks on Friday 3 July (sold out), the always-popular Hacienda Classical on Saturday 4 July, energetic, infectious Wet Leg on Wednesday 8 July, Smiths legend Johnny Marr on Thursday 9 July, and a sold-out double nighter from ground-breaking noughties star The Streets on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July.

Finally, on Sunday 12 July, iconic 1970s punk band The Sex Pistols headline, marking 50 years of Anarchy in the UK. Frank Carter will be on vocals alongside original members Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock. Johnny Rotten didn’t want to be involved.