BBC Introducing joins forces with RNCM for free grassroots music festival

Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has teamed up with BBC Introducing for a free, full-day festival dedicated to championing emerging musicians.

BBC Introducing @ RNCM will see more than 20 artists from the College’s Popular Music course take to the stage, with many handpicked by BBC tastemakers.

BBC presenters Will Wolstenholme and DJ Roesh will host the multi-venue takeover of the Oxford Road arts centre on Sun 21 Jun, with more than nine hours of live music set to take place across three curated stages.

An exciting line-up of new bands and artists from the RNCM has been selected to play on the BBC Introducing Presents… Stage in the RNCM Theatre: HAMISH, XL Poncho, Róise, bodyroot, Dobbö, Elin Grace, Harry Lines, Bart Zagamé solo and in collaboration with Izzy Taylor, Lula Gold, Althea, and Moli.

Headlining the reimagined theatre – which will be transformed for one day only into an intimate performance space for around 300 people, with artists and audience sharing the stage – is acclaimed jazz-funk-dance duo Toast Club, featuring RNCM alumni Tommy Villiers.

The RNCM Concert Hall and RNCM Café Bar stages will feature many more ones-to-watch, including: Lottie Gray, MATEO, Sam Pendrill, Lucy Ellen and the Leopards, The Everything Complex, The Prior, Tal-é, and Japanese jazz fusionists Fushigi. Tommy Villiers – also a founding member and contributor to Piri & Tommy, See Thru Hands, and Porij – returns for a live DJ set to close the festival.

Speaking about the new event, Will Wolstenholme says: “BBC Introducing is proud to be a platform that supports, nurtures, and spotlights unsigned and under-the-radar UK music talent, and we’re excited to be hosting this new showcase at the RNCM of incredible musicians poised to become your favourite songwriters, bands, and DJs.’

The new collaboration comes in the 10th anniversary year of the College’s pioneering four-year BMus degree in Popular Music and is designed to be a platform for discovery that highlights the incredible artists coming out of the RNCM. Recent graduates of the Pop programme include Dove Ellis, BDi Music signing Jack Critchlow, and three members of West Side Cowboy.

Head of Popular Music Andy Stott adds: “I’m thrilled to reveal our vibrant new platform celebrating emerging talent, bold creativity, and the future of popular music. This festival embodies our commitment to inspiring the next generation of RNCM artists and showcasing their extraordinary potential.”

BBC Introducing @ RNCM runs from 12pm – 9.30pm on Sun 21 Jun. You can find more information and book your free ticket below.