A brand new documentary movie, Manchester Music Then and Now: Music Worth Fighting For, is set to take an in-depth look at how Manchester has become a global centre for music tourism.
All donations will go towards charities #OneGM and WeMakeEvents who have been supporting industry members affected by the pandemic.
Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris of New Order being interviewed for the film
Filmed over the past 18 months, Manchester Music Then and Now documents life three decades on from the Madchester era; exploring how a pandemic brought an industry to its knees.
The story will be brought to life with the help of those that carved the scene’s reputation – with appearances from The Happy Mondays, New Order, Elbow, Blossoms and Courteeners.
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Emerging talent Valve and DJ Olli Ryder will make appearances.
The producers, Marketing Manchester, originally had other ideas for the documentary. But what was initially intended to be a celebration of our city’s music culture soon turned into a stark reflection of COVID-19’s devastating aftermath.
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Shaun and Olli Ryder
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is known around the world for music and we’re excited to have made a film celebrating the many people and places that make us famous.
“Alongside people working across the leisure, hospitality and visitor economy, the live music scene has arguably been hit harder than any other by the pandemic. This film highlights the strength of spirit that surrounds Manchester music as we look forward to a time when visitors can return to our brilliant venues.”
Valve at Raise The Roof
Not only will we get insights from artists, but we’ll also hear from industry professionals. From promotors to technicians to booking agents, we’ll learn how the impacts of the pandemic ripple through every aspect of the music industry.
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Sacha Lord, Night-time Economy Adviser and Warehouse Project boss, has been a strong representative of Manchester’s music scene throughout the pandemic.
He said: “This film hears from many of the people who make Manchester music the envy of the world. It’s been an incredibly difficult time for people working in the sector and it’s brilliant to be able to celebrate the strength of spirit and resilience that has been so evident.
“With signs that an end to the pandemic might now be in sight, I won’t be alone in looking forward to being able to return to see brilliant live music in Manchester.”
Manchester is known for its strong resilience. This fascinating documentary captures that perfectly, proving our music certainly is indeed worth fighting for.
Stream Manchester Music Then and Now: Music Worth Fighting For, this Friday at 8pm here.
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Mercury Prize 2026 review: RAYE takes home the crown as Newcastle celebrates the very best in music
Clementine Hall
One of the biggest nights in music kicked off last night as the Mercury Prize 2026 was awarded.
If there was ever a night to fall head over heels in love with British and Irish music, the 2026 Mercury Prize made a very convincing case.
Bringing together some of the country’s most exciting artists under one roof in Newcastle, this year’s ceremony was a reminder of just how much talent is packed into the current music scene.
From established legends to the names shaping what comes next, it was an absolute belter.
Images: Audio North
Held at the Newcastle Utilita Arena for the second year running, I think everybody in that room felt very lucky to be there to see firsthand who took home the coveted prize.
The shortlist brought together an impressive mix of artists, with Florence + The Machine, Olivia Dean, JADE, Suede, Pulp, Dave and Sir Paul McCartney among the big names making the lineup very star studded indeed.
Suede kicked things off with ‘Dancing With The Europeans’, bringing their unmistakable energy to the ceremony, while Pulp delivered ‘Begging For Change’ as part of the HELP(2) charity compilation.
It was a line-up that demonstrated the sheer range of music being made across the UK and Ireland, from contemporary pop to established rock and even jungle thanks to Bradford’s own Nia Archives.
And of course, there was one woman who had every reason to leave with a smile on her face.
RAYE took home the coveted Mercury Prize for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., an ambitious, genre-hopping album that blends jazz, soul, R&B and classical influences into something so fabulously unique.
Image: Audio North
Newcastle’s own Knats performance was definitely a highlight of the evening, combining slick jazz with spoken-word poetry against a projection of The Tyne Bridge.
A fitting image, and one that underlines the importance of holding such huge events in the north and highlighting the obvious talent that thrives here.
The 2026 Mercury Prize was a brilliant showcase of the country’s music at its best.
And with RAYE taking home the trophy, it’s clear there is plenty of ‘hope’ left in British music.
Alex Warren announces massive Heaton Park gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Alex Warren has just announced a huge summer gig in Manchester, performing to massive crowds at Heaton Park.
The chart-topping star will be performing on the hallowed grounds that have hosted the likes of Oasis, Courteeners, and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
Heaton Park will also be the site of two enormous Fontaines D.C. gigs next summer.
And now Alex Warren has added his name to the list, announcing that he’ll be taking the stage here in Manchester in July 2027 – one of the biggest gigs of his career.
The news follows a massive 12 months for the star, whose second album WILDCHILD topped charts around the world.
After first rising to fame as part of the TikTok group The Hype House, he went on to release music independently, eventually getting signed to Atlantic Records.
Since then, he’s topped charts globally with his songs and gone four-times platinum in the UK with his massive track, Ordinary.
He has also won an MTV VMA for best new artist, and has been nominated for a Grammy.
As well as Heaton Park, Alex will play summer shows at Cardiff’s Blackweir Fields, Belfast’s Belsonic, Dublin’s Malahide Castle, Live At Glasgow Green and Live at Powderham in Exeter, plus Blenheim Palace Festival, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, and two huge headline shows at Crystal Palace Park Live in London.
Alex Warren will play at Heaton Park in Manchester on 2 July – tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 30 October, with a number of artist, promoter and O2 presale available beforehand.
Hannah Starkie -
16th December 2020 
