Plans for a vibrant pop-up festival touring Salford neighbourhoods have been unveiled.
Salford City Council has announced a major update to the Salford 100 celebrations involving city-wide art commissions and community events to mark the centenary of Salford’s city status.
Free, family-friendly entertainment, including music, poetry, karaoke and talent contests, will roll into the city this summer as a travelling wagon train-inspired festival passes through each neighbourhood.
Local outdoor arts and theatre organisation Walk the Plank is behind the touring festival, which will begin at Seedley Pavilion in Buile Hill Park on Saturday, 23 May.
Additional events follow on Sunday, May 24, at Albert Park, Broughton, and Monday, May 25, at Ordsall Park.
These pop-up programmes mark the 150th anniversary of three local green spaces and feature music from the Seedley Salford Strummers ukulele band. Organisers from Walk the Plank and From The Other are coordinating events in all eight neighbourhoods to ensure world-class culture is accessible to all residents.
Liz Pugh, co-founder of Walk the Plank, said: “Our cultural programme will uncover talent and bring communities together at local events throughout the summer.” Ms Pugh added that the project aims to repay the warm welcome her team received when they first arrived in the city in 1992.
As part of the Salford 100 celebrations, the Songs of Salford project will create a new anthem for 2026. Producer Charlie Deakin-Davies is working with six local artists to create a modern record that reflects the character of the city today. Collaborators include Meduulla, 26, a rapper who studied at Salford City College, and Strategy. The final body of music is scheduled for release later this year to create a lasting legacy for the centenary.
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “This cultural programme puts our residents at the heart of everything.” Mr Dennett noted that the celebrations recognise the stories that have shaped Salford and continue to define it. Further information regarding the Salford 100 celebrations can be found on the council’s website.
