Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2023
The brand-new pop-up weekender features artists such as Liverpool pop-trio Stealing Sheep, nine-piece African drumming group Sens Sagna & the Kajamor Family, and talented teen singer-guitarist, Alex Spencer.
From the Other, the team behind Salford’s much-loved DIY festival, Sounds From The Other City, have been commissioned by Salford City Council to create this free event - working together with some of Salford’s best cultural creators, including the BBC Philharmonic, Walk the Plank, Salford Mad Pride and Swinton-based Arts Let Loose.
On Saturday afternoon (17 June), shoppers in Swinton Square precinct will be treated to live buskers and DJs, including steel pannist ZolaTec and local teenage indie singer-guitarist Alex Spencer. Plus there will be a special storytelling performance of the Gingerbread Man by the BBC Philharmonic - familiar to many young families from the CBeebies show on iPlayer.
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 - expect an explosion of colour, sure to bring a party vibe!
Victoria Park will also play host to Walk the Plank’s Emperor’s New Stage, featuring performances from poet-producer Reece Williams and vibrant duo Dischi, as well as meditation and chill-out experiences from Salford Mad Pride and a plethora of delicious food and drink from Dim Sum Su, House of Hops and The Hive.
During a recent consultation asking what people thought about Swinton and what sort of future they wanted to see for the town, local people said Swinton needed to be a more vibrant place, with more going on. Swinton Sounds, a brand-new free event, bringing a weekend of pop-up music and entertainment across the town centre, is a direct response to that community ambition - an opportunity to celebrate Swinton, explore the town and experience something new.
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!”
- Date published
- Monday 12 June 2023