Manchester International Festival (MIF) has announced two initiatives to support the city’s music scene – which is still reeling from the devastating aftermath of COVID-19.
The first of the initiatives is MIF Sounds – which will pledge £10,000 to ten Manchester music creatives in producing new work.
Since lockdown, Manchester’s music scene has received very little governmental support. Creatives and musicians have been left without work and venues are in despair.
Two kingpins of the city, Gorilla and Deaf Institute, were even on the brink of total shutdown a few months back only to be saved by the skin of their teeth by Tokyo Industries. But the risk of closures elsewhere remains high.
Manchester artists Children of Zeus performing at MIF 2019
This financial support from MIF will provide some much-needed hope and encouragement to keep the city’s musical spirit alive. MIF organisers are open to ideas and want to hear from musicians, producers and creatives alike that have been hit by the pandemic and need help finding their feet.
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Jane Beese, Head of Music at MIF said: “MIF want to support the next generation of Manchester’s music industry who have been affected by the pandemic, to continue to create work.
“Maybe you need help to make or complete a recording project or you are a label promoting new releases or you are working in production and have a new piece of technology you want to advance.
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“Perhaps you are a promoter looking for support to present a socially distanced gig with a small audience with a live stream, or you just need some headspace and some time to make new music. We want to hear from you”
Festival in My House and Yours in action
The second initiative is funding for MIF’s online series Festival in My House and Yours: A programme launched during lockdown.
The idea brings together local people online to host digital micro-festivals in their own homes.
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It will offer six artists £1,800 to develop projects for the series.
Punam Ramchurn, Talent Development Manager at MIF said: “We’re really excited to offer these opportunities for creatives to develop and create work in these current times.
“From financial support, mentorship and learning new skills, we’re investing in artists across Greater Manchester, and passionate about building long lasting relationships as we head towards MIF21 and The Factory.”
Festival Square at MIF
MIF is one of the biggest dates in the city’s music calendar – bringing together people from all over Greater Manchester whilst introducing new art, music and theatre.
In the past, work displayed at the festival has gone on to reach worldwide audiences. Take a look back at previous festivals here.
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This is an amazing opportunity to play a part in maintaining Manchester’s world-renowned music heritage.
The deadline for proposals for MIF Sounds andFestival in My House and Yours is midday on Monday 5 October, and you must be a Greater Manchester resident to be eligible.
Good luck!
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Morrissey announces massive homecoming gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Morrissey has just announced a huge homecoming gig, heading to Manchester this summer.
The outspoken singer and The Smiths legend will be heading to Co-op Live as part of a short run of UK dates in 2025.
His newly-announced Manchester gig is the largest by far of his 2025 shows, joined by two smaller gigs at the O2 Academy in Glasgow.
The star has announced the gigs – his only appearances in the UK this year – off the back of his sold-out 2024 tour of North America.
Morrissey will be back in Manchester for his first-ever show at the new Co-op Live arena in June.
Support in Manchester will come from Brigitte Calls Me Baby.
Morrissey is best-known as the lead singer of The Smiths, going on to create a rich catalogue of songs including There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, This Charming Man, and How Soon Is Now?
The Smiths are considered one of the world’s most influential bands and one that put Manchester firmly on the global music map.
He also has 13 solo studio albums, a string of chart-topping records, and an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British music.
Tickets for Morrissey at Co-op Live in Manchester go on general sale at 9am on Friday 14 February HERE.
Morrissey 2025 tour dates
4 June – Glasgow O2 Academy
5 June – Glasgow O2 Academy
7 June – Manchester Co-op Live
Featured image: Supplied
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BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is returning to Greater Manchester next month
Thomas Melia
The BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is coming back to Manchester once again, and they’re bringing yet another phenomenal lineup with them.
National radio station and overall upcoming music connoisseurs, BBC Radio 6, are back with their music festival, and just like years previous, it’s taking place across Manchester.
Over the years, the festival has brought some of music’s biggest names to lots of local venues, putting on an array of brilliant live performances.
Last spring saw the arrival of rock band Gossip and Irish singer CMAT, both taking up residency in O2 Victoria Warehouse, Lily Fontaine of English Teacher at Band On The Wall, while DJ Seinfeld went B2B with Salute in Depot Mayfield.
Leading this glowing roster of performers is Ezra Collective, a Mercury award -winning band known for their brilliant jazz productions, and then from one Mercury-winning band to another, Lily Fontaine won’t be riding solo this year, instead she’s bringing all the crew with her, as English Teacher are set to perform at this huge festival.
Fat Dog, whose debut album is titled ‘Woof’, are joining in on the fun with Scottish band Mogwai also making a feature too.
There’s even a chance for an exclusive first listen too, as Kae Tempest will be debuting new material right here in Manchester.
Ezra Collective are performing at BBC Radio 6 Music Festival.English Teacher make a return to Manchester for this special event.Fat Dog are also playing the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival.
All performances will be taking place at a multitude of venues, like the previously mentioned O2 Victoria Warehouse, Depot Mayfield, and Band On The Wall, as well as loads of other events at entertainment bar, Yes.
Every highlight, alongside live and recorded live performances, will be taking place at MediaCityUK in Salford, in order to keep everything Manchester central.
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is happening from 26 – 29 March 2025, with tickets going on sale from 6 February at 10am here.
Hannah Starkie -
9th September 2020 
