A new town-wide festival will take place in Eccles this March, bringing performances, installations and live music into venues and public spaces across the town centre.
Get In! To Eccles will run from March 28-29, with events staged at locations including Eccles train station, Eccles Town Hall and independent businesses throughout the area.
Among the featured artists is Lowri Evans, who is developing a new live performance at Eccles station.
The Salford-based artist is known for staging performances in everyday spaces and says the station offered a chance to celebrate “the ordinary routine of everyday life”.
The work will unfold during the week leading up to the festival and across the weekend itself, with performances visible through the station.
Ms Evans is aiming to work with local choirs, dance groups and theatre companies, alongside an open call for residents who want to take part.
After spending time at the station, she said she was struck by the volunteers and the sense of community already present there.
“All these people making good things happen, the moments that actually make up a lot of our life that we don’t really think about,” she said. “Just to do something that might make you think differently about it, or brighten your day.”
Ms Evans added that the project has been shaped by conversations in Eccles and will continue to evolve in the weeks before the festival.
“Whatever happens with the buildings or developments, the people that are there don’t go away,” she said. “They’re strong, and it’s a chance to shine a light on them.
“If you’re coming into Eccles, arrive by train to be sure to catch it.”
Elsewhere, Eccles Town Hall Ballroom will host a ticketed show presented by 6 Music Festival and Fat Out, featuring Lauren Auder, Naima Bock and R.AGGS.
The 6 Music Festival was held in Manchester last year and is organised by BBC Radio 6 Music, which is based at MediaCity in Salford.
Eccles Community Chess Club will also host a tandem chess tournament, giving the public the chance to take on UK Grandmaster Danny Gormally and resident candidate Master Mike Surtees.
Most events across the weekend will be free to attend, with discounted tickets available for Eccles residents for the town hall concert.
The festival is being delivered by From the Other in partnership with Salford City Council and Muse. Full programme details are expected in the coming weeks.
