A new podcast capturing the voices and stories of Salford residents from festivals, schools, libraries and community spaces is set to launch as the city celebrates its 100th birthday.
Local arts company Art with Heart will launch long-form episodes of the podcast named ‘Salford Voices’ alongside a series of mini episodes when Salford celebrates its centenary on 21 April.
Men’s mental health group Talk About It Mate, a youth club at a Little Hulton community centre and the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, all feature in the episodes produced by Reform Radio.
Over five weeks, a group of local writers and artists, including Louis Glazzard, Jae Bradley, Izzy Coward, Ben Mellor, Jody Findley and Matt Concannon, worked with community groups and residents to create poems reflecting what Salford means to them.
The poems will feature on the podcast, which Art with Heart hopes will act as a “unique audio archive” for future generations to enjoy.
Rachel Moorhouse, Co-Creative Director of Art with Heart, said: “We’ve spent the last 10 years building our company right here in Salford, and we’re so proud to call this city our home. That’s why we’re excited to launch a brand-new podcast celebrating Salford and its amazing people as the city proudly marks 100 years of city status in 2026!
“Partnering local artists with community groups, we’ve gathered stories that show just how special this city really is. The four-part podcast series has been created with the people of Salford for future Salfordians to enjoy. Because it’s the people who make Salford what it is – and we can’t wait to keep celebrating that together.”
Mike Richard, the founder of mental health group Talk About it Mate, was delighted to have been asked to contribute to the project.
“I’m really glad that we were approached to be featured, as many of our men often feel invisible, so to highlight them in this way is brilliant. The men got so much out of the Salford Voices project, and I’ve noticed a real boost in confidence and connection among them since,” he said.
“Art with Heart created such a welcoming, creative space that made it easy for everyone to open up and explore something new. The project gave our men a real opportunity to be heard, feel welcomed and valued, and contribute as part of a team.”
All podcast episodes will be available to listen to on all major streaming platforms on 21 April 2026. Art with Heart has described the key themes each episode will explore:
Episode 1: The Salford Way
Artists Matt Concannon and Jody Findley look back on their journey to writing The Salford Way, a poem that explores what it means to be a Salfordian, written using the words of local residents. The episode includes interviews with Salfordians recorded in libraries, schools, community centres and foodbanks.
Episode 2: Salford’s Got the Good Stuff
What could Salford look like if we chose to centre the health and happiness of residents above all else? Taking inspiration from the city’s motto, which translates to ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’, Art with Heart partnered writers Ben Mellor and Izzy Coward with men’s mental health group Talk About It Mate to create a poem and imaginary news broadcast from Salford in 2126.
Episode 3: In a City Where There’s Love
Exploring a youth perspective on the future of Salford, hear what Youth Unity, CommUNITY Little Hulton’s youth group want for their city over the next 100 years. The episode includes the performance of a new poem created by the group with support from writers Jae Bradley and Louis Glazzard.
Episode 4: Building, Connecting, Growing
A behind-the-scenes peek at Art with Heart’s community banner project, including interviews with artists Chris Alton, Emily Simpson and Ada Eravama and the residents who made the Salford Voices exhibition. The Banner exhibition is a visual celebration of Salford’s renowned community spirit and reimagining of the coat of arms of the City of Salford.
Salfordians mini episodes
Art with Heart spoke to members of Salford’s diverse community at local festivals and fairs across the city. 10 mini-episodes highlight 10 people who have shared a fascinating snapshot into their lives, detailing Salford’s past, present and hopes for the future. The interviews, featuring contributions from local residents and the Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett, capture a unique audio archive for future generations.
