Sounds From The Other City announces massive lineup for 20th anniversary edition

Salford’s much-loved festival of new music, Sounds from the Other City (SFTOC), has announced a massive lineup ahead of its 20th-anniversary edition this spring.

Spread across 15 stages around Chapel Street and The Crescent, shows will be taking over everything from pubs and churches to concert halls. This year’s Bank Holiday festival will be happening on Sun 4 May.

Boasting another eclectic lineup curated by a diverse group of independent local promoters and selectors, SFTOC will once again feature some of the best emerging artists from across the UK.

Expect incendiary energy from the incredible combination of Grove ft. Toya and TaliaBle plus freewheeling scuzzy rock from Newcastle’s Du Blonde, both at Salford University’s brutalist Maxwell Hall.

Around the corner, you’ll find the alt-pop of German-Australian producer Hachiku at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, and the woozy wonky compositions of Danish violist Astrid Sonne in Peel Hall.

Indie-avant-pop group The Orielles and party punk queens Loose Articles will both be playing Islington Mill’s event space alongside electronic producer and WH Lung member Tom Sharkett, while Dublin’s electro-punk trio YARD take on The Old Pint Pot.

The historic Bexley Square sees the return of SEEN after their blistering day party at SFTOC 2024, this year hosting a back-to-back set from two of Manchester’s best: Chunky B2B Samrai; and the gorgeous St Philips Church will play stage to the kuduro-flavoured grooves of London-based bassist Marla Kether.

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—it’s 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 will go on sale Fri 7 Feb. You can book yours using the button below.

Featured image credit: Khali Photography/Josh Cohen