Salford is a proud city in and of itself, and whilst we like to claim it as our own, it deserves recognition. Now, Salford is set to celebrate its 100th birthday as a city, bringing a whole host of Salford 100 celebrations to the masses this year – from musical performances to pop-up festivals.
Salford City Council has announced it has appointed renowned creative organisations Walk the Plank and From The Other (Sounds From the Other City) as co-creative producers for Salford 100’s cultural programme spread across all eight neighbourhoods, which will explore the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future.
What is Salford 100 and what events are happening?
The city wide celebrations will launch on 21 April to coincide with the date Salford was granted city status in 1926 and will run throughout the year culminating in a spectacular finale moment in autumn. From The Other and Walk the Plank will work together to produce four commissions which will form the cultural programme, weaving in the true character of Salford throughout and celebrating the communities that make Salford so special.
From a monumental living portrait of the city projected onto local buildings in Salford Everywhere to Songs of Salford which will bring together emerging and established musical collaborators and The Wagon Train, a pop-up festival shaped by each neighbourhood it visits, each commission will amplify cultural community and ensure world-class culture is accessible to all, putting Salford on the map as a cultural hub for the arts.
Songs of Salford musician call-out
As part of the Salford 100 cultural celebrations, From The Other is working with Music Producer and Songwriter, Charlie Deakin-Davies, to undertake a city residency to explore Salford today and create new songs celebrating its people and history for its Songs of Salford commission. The team are assembling a group of Salford-based musicians and they are seeking one final collaborator – could it be you? Find out more about the project and how to apply at here.
Surprise someone with a 21st April birthday
Walk the Plank is looking for Salford residents of any age who have a birthday on 21 April. Can you help the team find someone who might appreciate a special gift – a live band playing Happy Birthday to them in their home, school or workplace on their actual birthday this year? The team wants to give someone who shares a birthday with the City of Salford a fantastic musical fanfare, out of the blue… the surprise is important so don’t tell them, but do tell Walk the Plank via astarte@walktheplank.co.uk.
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor said: “We’re immensely proud of Salford’s thriving cultural sector and it’s fantastic that two of our most renowned cultural organisations will be delivering the Salford Centenary Cultural Programme.
“Both organisations bring a wealth of experience, creativity and unrivalled local knowledge to this project, and I’m extremely excited to experience the unique activities they will deliver as part of our centenary year. 2026 promises to be a truly special year for the city, with this cultural programme at the heart of the celebrations.”