A new community festival is set to take over Weaste this summer, as locals come together to celebrate music, identity and giving back.
WeasteFest will take place on Saturday, 8 August at Weaste and Seedley Social Club, forming part of the wider Salford 100 centenary celebrations.
Organised entirely by volunteers, the festival promises a full day of live music, local talent and fundraising all rooted in a shared pride for the city.
“WeasteFest came from a real love for Salford and the people in it,” said Ian Carberry, the club’s secretary. “With Salford 100 being such a big moment for the city, it felt like the perfect opportunity to do something that celebrates where we are from.”
The event has been built around showcasing Salford’s music scene, with a line-up made up entirely of local artists. From bands to solo performers and DJs, organisers have focused on variety to create an inclusive and accessible atmosphere.
“There is so much talent in Salford that deserves a platform,” Carberry explained. “We chose acts that bring different sounds and energy so there is something for everyone.
Beyond the music, the festival carries a clear social purpose. Funds raised on the day will go to Salford Loaves and Fishes, a charity supporting people facing homelessness and hardship in the area.
“Giving back was always a big part of the plan,” Ian said. “They do incredible work providing food, clothing and support services that genuinely change lives. We always say let’s party with a purpose.”
The idea for WeasteFest has been months in the making, growing from a simple concept into a community-driven project supported by volunteers balancing the work alongside their everyday jobs.“There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” he said. “It does take up your personal time, but seeing it all come together makes it worth it.”
Organisers say the goal is not just to entertain, but to strengthen community ties at a time when local support matters more than ever.
“With the cost of things rising, we need to support where we can,” Ian added. “Events like this are about more than just having a good time they are about making a difference.” The atmosphere on the day is expected to be relaxed and welcoming, with a strong focus on bringing people together through music.
“Community music is everything. “It gives people a voice, a space to express themselves, and it brings people together in a way that nothing else really can.”
Attendees are encouraged to come down, enjoy the performances and discover emerging local talent with organisers hinting that some artists could be “the next big thing”.
Looking ahead, there are already hopes that the festival could become a regular fixture in Salford’s cultural calendar.
“If it’s a success, who knows, we’d love to make it a yearly thing showcasing Salford talent,” Ian said.
At its core, WeasteFest is about celebrating the identity of the city, something Carberry sums up in just three words:
“Proud, resilient, united.”
