Manchester-based collaborative orchestra The Untold Orchestra, are aiming to redefine classical music with a modern twist by reimagining the music of widely-popular artists.
For this special project, Bowie: An Orchestral Rendition, they will deliver a musically explosive journey through some of Bowie’s greatest hits.
Taking place at Hulme’s legendary NIAMOS on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October, a 25-strong collective of violinists, saxophonists, guitarists and the likes will reimagine the Bowie classics.
It’ll be the first time the group have performed together as a full 25-piece since 2019.
As a pioneer for individuality, Bowie was renowned for his eclectic and innovative approach to creative expression. To represent this, the music will be brought to life not only by the orchestra, but through dance too.
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Dancer and performer Finley Letchford Dobb – well-known in Manchester for his work in the LGBTQIA+ community – has been running a series of dance and movement workshops over the past few weeks.
These workshops have been designed to explore the themes of identity and freedom of expression that are found in Bowie’s music. Visuals and videos generated from these sessions will be presented on the night to accompany the orchestral renditions.
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Co-producer, Sam Davies, said: “With our icon show projects, we are always keen to see how we can play our role in understanding and celebrating the diversity of Manchester.
“It’s a constant privilege to work with so many different performers, creatives and partner organisations in curating these projects, and we’re already excited about our plans for next year.
“We’re also very excited for the two performances at the NIAMOS concluding this project – they’re already set to be a real celebration.”
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It’s the first time the collective will perform as a full 25-piece since 2019. Credit: The Untold Orchestra/IG
In a series of shows across Greater Manchester, the orchestra have been giving a selection of music icons their signature classical twist, including covers of Beyonce, Tina Turner, Paul Simon and more. Over the past couple of months, they’ve had mammoth run of up to 60 shows.
With more than 100 freelancers on their roster, the collective generates opportunities for all kinds of creatives. From musicians and sound engineers to venues and communities, they are constantly reaching new audiences.
For the full Bowie experience, head here for tickets.
NIAMOS Radical Arts & Culture Centre | 15-16 October | Chichester Road, Hulme, M15 5EU | 7.30pm
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Fans stunned as indie band The Reytons announce Co-op Live gig
Daisy Jackson
The Reytons have just announced their biggest shows to date – and fans can’t quite believe the size of venue they’ve gone for in Manchester.
The indie group will be playing at Co-op Live later this year as part of their very first world tour.
It’s comfortably the biggest indoor music venue in the UK, and will be the largest gig on the entire tour, which also includes shows at Alexandra Palace, plus venues across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
The Reytons have most recently been out touring with a headline slot at Tramlines Festival in Sheffield, as well as pulling Gary Neville up to play with them on stage.
The Rotheram-formed group recently announced their fourth studio album ‘A Love Letter To A Broken Town’ – due for release in July.
Frontman Jonny Yerrell said: “I honestly feel like this album is the best we’ve ever done!
“A lot of bands and artists like to change direction later in their careers, but that’s just not us. We absolutely love the style of music we make, the social commentary aspects and the people who turn up to jump around with us. Why would we change?
“Expect more, just bigger and better with a few surprises on the side!”
This latest announcement for The Reytons sees them booking an incredibly ambitious jump in venue size – the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live, compared to last year’s 5,000 capacity Aviva Studios.
And now a load of fans are bickering online about whether they’ll be able to sell it out, with one person writing: “Everyone said they wouldnt sell out sheffield arena, clifton park, tramlines or wembley arena… they sold out all 4. I know 3 are local shows but people will travel to see them as well as proven by the Wembley gig.”
Another said: “People will follow them, doesn’t matter where they go. When it sell out, ill make sure to come let you know.”
Even their own press release described it as an ‘against all odds’ rise to success, describing the band as ‘UK music’s biggest underdogs’.
Tickets for The Reytons world tour, including their Co-op Live gig in Manchester, will go on sale at 10am on Friday 24 April HERE.
Hannah Starkie -
8th October 2021 
