Free “Swinton Sounds” festival comes to Precinct this weekend

A free pop-up festival featuring DJs and buskers will take place at Swinton Precinct this weekend.

Set to take place over Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, “Swinton Sounds” will see performances from Liverpool pop-trio Stealing Sheep, nine-piece African drumming group Sens Sagna & the Kajamor Family, and talented teen singer-guitarist, Alex Spence across the Precinct and Victoria Park.

Saturday is set to see steel pannist ZolaTec and a special storytelling performance of the Gingerbread Man by the BBC Philharmonic.

On Saturday evening, House of Hops will host intimate stripped back performances from acoustic-folk artist Kid Katharsis, playful grunge artist Natalie and the Monarchy, and pop-rock singer Emma Connor. Down the road at The Office Bar you’ll find the garage and R&B sounds of Bennettiscoming and the electronica-pop of singer and composer NOELLE, with DJ sets from Lashimba.

Sunday (18 June) promises to bring tons of dance and drumming energy to the iconic Victoria Park bandstand, with Senegalese nine-piece band Sens Sagna & the Kajamor Family, followed by performance art duo Dogshow, performing their instructional 80s-influenced pop show Rhythm Sport.

Headlining will be celebrated electronic trio Stealing Sheep, fresh from their Eurotopia Eurovision extravaganza.

The festival comes after a recent consultation revealed that Swinton residents wanted to see the area become a more vibrant place.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Culture, Communications and Strategic Priorities said: “Salford is absolutely brimming with culture and exciting events right across the city, many of them free to access. We are also fortunate to have so many wonderful green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy; one of these is Victoria Park in Swinton, which boasts a beautiful bandstand – the perfect setting for a day of music and entertainment.

“Swinton Sounds is a fantastic opportunity for local people to enjoy music and culture right on their doorstep, exploring the park and other venues and locations in the town, including Swinton Square precinct. It’s great to see so many local creatives involved in putting this event together, as well as having the support of local businesses and community groups. I can’t wait to attend!”