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Factory Sounds funding programme returns to help Greater Manchester’s music scene

It has helped so many get on the Manc music ladder.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 4th December 2024

Greater Manchester’s vital Factory Sounds programme is back for 2025 and is once again hoping to help platform up-and-coming musicians and more around across the region.

The development scheme created by world-leading arts organisation Factory International, now housed permanently at Aviva Studios, has returned for another year and looks to invest in the Manchester music scene from the ground up.

An annual initiative, Factory Sounds aims to support and raise the profile of musicians and the music industry across the 10 boroughs, with a total of 15 applicants picked to take part and make the next step up in their careers.

With applications now open for the 2025 programme, those who prove successful in the process applicants will be granted a potentially life-changing £1,000 towards their work.

Starting back in the pandemic when arts funding was under even more threat than it is today, Factory Sounds has been a crucial lifeline for many artists and creatives looking to get their start in the local industry, as well as providing a key learning outlet.

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The money given to each chosen individual goes towards things like the creation of a new project, recording studio access; peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities and a series of regular masterclasses in artist management, promotion, fundraising and more.

Better yet, 2025 promises to be their biggest to date not only in terms of scope but also the size of the cohort itself, with the number of places more than doubling from this past year, when there were just six grants up for grabs.

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2024’s intake included the artist and producer RenzNiro, community station STEAM Radio MCR; the soulful R&B performer, Rumbi Tauro, Reggae rap artist and spoken word poet, J.Chambers, electronic producer and vocalist Caitlin LM and many more, with one of our favourite up-and-coming bands, Loose Articles, having also benefited from the scheme in the past.

Applications for the next are now open, as is the Factory International Fellowship, which offers six artists from the North the opportunity to shadow the creation of major new work at Aviva Studios, receiving a financial bursary as well as mentoring tailored to their specialism, needs and goals.

But it doesn’t stop there either, as Factory International‘s Spring 2025 Artist Takeover is also open, welcoming groups and collectives of South Asian descent from any discipline who are based in the North of England – not just Greater Manchester – to join the programme.

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Applicants in this case must have a minimum of five years professional practice but, come May 2025, they will hand over the keys to the vast Warehouse space at Aviva Studios for use by a South Asian artist or group looking to experiment, play and create work on an epic scale that is not possible elsewhere.

Promising even more financial aid through this limited scheme, selected artists will be offered financial support of up to £10k to explore and realise their ideas, as well as receive dedicated guidance from industry experts within the Factory International team. 

Again, the prospects that these various schemes are bringing to real people looking to bring their art to life cannot be overstated.

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Speaking on the announcement, Factory Sounds 2024 artist and co-creator of queer electronic music night FLUFF, Markus Hetheier, said: “It felt amazing to have the chance to take a risk using the Factory Sounds funding.

“We also had mentorship and advice which helped us grow FLUFF from a small to a bigger, more professional project. It was useful receiving training on different aspects of being an artist and it felt nice to connect with like-minded people.”

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Factory International’s Head of Music, Rivca Burns, added: “Supporting the development of musicians based locally – as well as those from across the globe – to grow within our spaces is at the heart of what we do at Factory International…

“We recognise there’s a huge demand for schemes like this to exist and we are really excited to say that this year we have both increased the number of places as well as added industry mentors to give expert guidance and the opportunity for creatives to thrive.”

Applications close at 12 noon on 20 January, so if you or someone you know is looking to break into the Manchester music scene and could benefit from the extraordinary opportunity, send them HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Factory International (supplied)

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Manchester nightclub clamps down on no-phones policy after ‘disappointing’ rule breakers

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester nightclub Amber's clamps down on no-phones policy after 'disappointing' rule breakers

Amber’s, a nightclub in Manchester with a strict no-filming policy inside, has shared a strict new set of rules to prevent people using their phones.

The venue says it’s seen an ‘increased amount of phones on the dance floor’ despite its very clear policy against such a thing.

That’s included a recent set from Fred Again, where videos of his show were all over social media the next day.

Amber’s has said it’s ‘disappointing’ to see people flouting the rules of the space, leading to the venue introducing a zero tolerance policy.

Fans who are caught filming on their phones will be asked to leave Amber’s on the spot – no second chances.

There’ll even be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, to protect the ‘vibe of the space’.

“If you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s,” they shared.

Amber’s wrote in a statement today: “Since our launch back in December, we have made it very clear that we are a No Phones venue. We want to create an experience for everyone where they are present in the moment and not distracted by phones.

“While the majority of people that attend Amber’s keep their phones away, there are a select few that don’t.

“This is of course disappointing.

“Over the recent weeks and months, we have seen an increased amount of phones filming on the dancefloor and we are aware of numerous videos shot on phone appearing online.

“To those that come to Amber’s and respect our house rules, thank you, you are contributing to an incredible vibe in the room.

“For those that don’t, we ask that you think about the space and the people around you before removing your stickers.

“The rules previously have been that if you are seen filming on your phone, you are politely asked to stop, if you are seen again, you are asked to leave the venue.

“From now on, as a renewed pledge to our No Phones policy, if you are seen recording in the venue, you will be asked to leave, there will be no second chances.

“There will now be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, ensuring that the vibe of the space is protected and if you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s.

“Open your mind. Honour the concept. Respect the space.”

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Featured image: Supplied

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Katy Perry at AO Arena, Manchester – stage times, setlist, tickets and more

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Katy Perry will be playing a huge arena show here in Manchester this week, with a sold-out night at the AO Arena imminent.

The popstar is bringing her The Lifetimes Tour, which features an extravaganza of props and pyrotechnics, to town on Wednesday 8 October.

The Roar singer will be heading to the AO Arena this week, alongside shows in Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.

Whether you’re going to watch hits like ‘California Gurls’, ‘Hot ‘N’ Cold’ or excited for the newer tracks like ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, it’s sure to be one of the biggest gigs to hit the legendary arena all year.

Perry has the second most Diamond-certified singles in for a female artist in the U.S, four guiness world records and five UK number one hits.

Her latest album ‘143’, which is a numeric synonym of ‘I love you’ and the singer’s angel number, came out last year and stormed straight into the top 10 on the UK album charts.

If you’re heading to Katy Perry at the AO Arena tonight, we’ve rounded up all your essential information.

Stage times for Katy Perry at the AO Arena

The AO Arena hasn’t yet confirmed exact stage times for tonight’s show, but we do have enough information to give you a good estimate.

Doors will open at 6pm, with a show start of 7.45pm.

That will mean the support act should wrap up around 8.15pm and Katy Perry is likely to take to the stage between 8.30pm and 8.45pm.

Who’s supporting Katy Perry at the AO Arena?

For her Manchester show, Katy Perry will be supported by singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier.

Goldie, who has also performed under monikers Kay, My Name Is Kay, and Goldilox during her career, will be joining Katy on most of her UK dates, before handing over the reins to Au/Ra and then Becky Hill.

Tickets for Katy Perry at the AO Arena

Katy Perry has completely sold out the AO Arena with The Lifetimes Tour, with no general tickets left at all.

However, there are a few tickets remaining on Ticketmaster’s resale platform, which are priced between £78.73 and £131.18 each.

Expected setlist

Katy has split her show into sections she’s calling ‘Levels’, as a nod to the video game inspiration behind the tour.

Each one is absolutely packed with pop bangers, as you’d expect.

Here’s the latest setlist from her most recent show in Glasgow.

  • Level 1: Artificial
  • ARTIFICIAL
  • Chained to the Rhythm
  • Teary Eyes
  • Dark Horse
  • Level 2: Woman’s World
  • WOMAN’S WORLD
  • California Gurls
  • Teenage Dream
  • Hot n Cold
  • Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
  • Peacock
  • I Kissed a Girl
  • Level 3: Nirvana
  • NIRVANA
  • CRUSH
  • I’M HIS, HE’S MINE
  • Wide Awake
  • Level 3.5: Choose Your Own Adventure (fan requests)
  • Witness
  • The One That Got Away
  • Double Rainbow
  • ALL THE LOVE
  • Level 4: Mainframe
  • E.T.
  • Part of Me
  • Rise
  • Encore:
  • Roar
  • Daisies
  • LIFETIMES
  • Firework

How to get to AO Arena

@the.manc When are you next heading to the @AO Arena? 😱 #themanc #manchester #aoarena #preshow #entertainment #gigs #music #liveshow ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily, it’s connected to Manchester Victoria Station, and it has an integrated Metrolink stop to make your life even easier.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

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Train

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena, wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route, such as the 2 bus, which stops just a one-minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

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Getting there by car and parking

The Arena has its own official CitiPark, with 958 car parking spaces, including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.

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