Sounds From The Other City will return to University for 20th anniversary

Salford’s much-loved festival of new music will return to our iconic music venue Maxwell Hall and six other unique venues on Sunday 4 May.

It follows on from the landmark 2024 edition of the festival which saw live music return to one of Greater Manchester's most iconic concert spaces for the first time in ten years.

Newcastle-based rock band Du Blonde will headline the set with Grove ft. Toya and TaliaBle, Big Joanie, The None & Tristwych Y Fenywod also playing at the venue.

Live music will also take place at Peel Hall, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, The Old Fire Station Café, the Working Class Movement Library and on The Green with sound artist Hayley Suviste unveiling her work as the University of Salford Art Collection's artist-in-residence at the Acoustic Laboratories during the festival.

In total, the festival will take feature over 100 acts performing across 15 stages around Chapel Street and The Crescent, including The Old Pint Pot, Bexley Square, Islington Mill, The New Oxford and Porta.

As the grassroots music sector faces increasing challenges, SFTOC stands as one of the country’s longest running independent festivals and has long been a launchpad for some of the most exciting talent in the UK. The 20th anniversary edition will continue its legacy, offering a unique snapshot of the Greater Manchester music scene as it showcases the next generation of independent artists. 

Mark Carlin, SFTOC founder and Co-Director of From The Other, said: “Like many of life’s great things, Sounds from the Other City started with no grand vision and no real idea how to do it. To reach this 20-year milestone and still remain as a truly independent, community-led platform proves that, with the right support, grassroots music can thrive even in tough times.

“Through SFTOC, Fat Out and our expanding residency and partnership programmes, From The Other continues to champion the weird and wonderful people, places and communities across the North West and beyond who make the music scene come alive.”

Maxwell Hall performer Grove said: “I’m so hyped to bring our sound clash to Sounds from the Other City. Toya Delazy, TaliaBle and I have been working on ‘Afrorave X Afropunk’, bringing together perspectives from South Africa, North London and Bristol. SFTOC is a home for raw, authentic and experimental expression. We’re glad to be a part of it and excited to bring plenty of that energy.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “For 20 years, Sounds From The Other City has been a driving force for new music and underground culture, not just in Greater Manchester but across the UK.

“Our grassroots music scene in the North is something to be proud of – its bold, independent and constantly pushing boundaries.

“This festival is a perfect example of that spirit, and this year’s lineup shows just how much talent is coming through. Grassroots venues and promoters are the lifeblood of music, and it’s brilliant to see them celebrated in such a big way.”

Tickets go on general sale for the festival on Friday 7 February, with pre-sale access for registered subscribers available now. Find out more, explore the line-up and register for the pre-sale.