Creative agency Big People Music is putting on a special weekend of music for the ‘Music That Makes You’ festival in the city. And best of all, it’s totally free!
Known for producing top quality artists, Big People Music has curated an unbelievable lineup of the freshest hip hop, neo-soul, R&B and electronic musicians putting local music on the map over the last couple of years.
St Ann’s Square and HOME’s sister venue Homeground have been chosen to host a stage each. Both venues will be fully outdoors, creating the perfect setting for some festival feels right here in the city centre.
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Since opening its doors at the end of May, the new Homeground – situated on First Street – has been providing Mancunians with a brand-new means of enjoying live music, DJs, comedy and theatre with a weekly programme of entertainment to get stuck into.
On Saturday, you’ll find the silky soulful sounds of KinKai and LayFullstop, plus DJ Jomo, Children of Zeus’ tour DJ Gyalex, Maniaco17 and producer glue70 playing here as part of the Music That Makes You festival.
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Meanwhile, Sunday will see some powerful performances from The KTNA twins, and Ceeow, alongside Be!ng Rasheed, Meme Gold and Sham Steele.
Homeground has been running a massive summer programme of live music, DJs and theatre / Image: Homeground
If you’re over in St. Ann’s Sq, you can expect the same good music vibe. There’ll be appearances from DJ Gardener, Drew, Jali, Retroneek, Slowpo, Subzero & Pyper on Saturday.
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And then on Sunday, they’ll have EvaBee, Me Gusta, Lobé and Nxdia.
It all kicks off from 12pm at both stages on both days, before finishing at 7pm on Saturday. On Sunday, things will wind down at a slightly earlier time of 5pm.
Although all the events are free, capacity is limited. So, head down early to make sure you secure a space.
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Tunde Adekoya, Director of Big People Music, said: “This event is for those who rate quality, have a passion, and feel what they do.
“Especially those who understand that art can make you; performing can make you; literature can make you; and music can make you feel.”
Big People Music is well versed in putting together these open-air occasions. Last month, the agency hosted a series of live performances as part of Manchester International Festival’s finale at Cathedral Gardens on July 18. Manchester artists Misha B and Abnormal Sleepz both performed alongside the Big People Music Orchestra to see out the epic 18-day festival.
For more details on Music That Makes You head to Big People Music’s Instagram page, and for all this music in Manchester, follow The Manc Audio.
Feature image: Big People Music / KinKai
Music
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Hannah Starkie -
12th August 2021 
