Boasting two decades of experience, Sounds From The Other City (SFTOC) are pioneers when it comes to discovering new artists, giving everyone involved a chance to showcase their work to the masses.
As this esteemed festival is turning another year older and reaching its monumental 20th anniversary, what better way to kick off the celebrations than with over 100 of the freshest artists in the industry?
Although every act that has been selected is truly phenomenal, there are a few standouts that should hopefully pluck your interest…
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Good vibes and good times in Bexley Square.Crowds gather for Sounds From The Other City 2024.Credit: Breige Cobane
Ever heard of a triple threat? How about a quintuple threat? Du Blonde is a musician, composer, artist, animator and video director.
This English star has caught the attention of music lovers with their loud and proud punk/ rock instrumentals and their infectious personality to match – Salford is up next.
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Alternative singer and producer, Grove, knows how to put on a show and we have no doubt they’re set to deliver considering their recent roster of events.
Last year saw this outspoken vocalist at Burning Womxn – a feminist festival held in Paris that coincided with the 2024 Olympics – and even a Boiler Room show in partnership with fashion giants, Levi’s.
Halifax talent, The Orielles, teased they’re working on more of their indie-avant pop goodness and now they have just the stage to do it on as they’re set to play Sounds From The Other City too.
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Du Blonde is ready to wow the Salford crowd.Grove, who is set to play Sounds From The Other City 2025.Credit: Rob McGee/Josh Cohen
In case you needed any more convincing when it comes to how big these names go on to bed after being given the nod by SFTOC, you only have to look back at the acts that have played the festival in the past.
Some of the talents that have graced this festival in years gone by include Greater Manchester locals, The Ting Tings; the Mercury Prize-winning Sampha, rising alt-rock and indie outfit, Black Country, New Road, and many more.
Sounds From The Other City is coming to Salford on Sunday, 4 May 2025 and tickets are on sale from 7 February or right now if you’re a registered subscriber to SFTOC HERE.
In the meantime, you can also check out some of the names playing Castlefield Bowl this summer as part of the festival’s twinned event in Manchester city centre. They’ve already notched some big ones…
Featured Image — Breige Cobane/Press Images (supplied)
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Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Thomas Melia -
4th February 2025 
