Get On Board: John Cooper Clarke to voice public transport in honour of Salford’s Centenary
- 21st April 2026 will see John Cooper Clarke become the official voice of passenger announcements across the Bee Network
- Guest announcements from the performance poet on journeys across Salford
- 2026 marks 100 years since King George V officially granted Salford city status by Royal Charter.
Passengers in Salford are set to experience a more rhythmic start to their journeys to celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary. The legendary "Bard of Salford" and "Punk Poet" John Cooper Clarke, will become the official voice of passenger announcements in the city on 21st April 2026.
This is the date of Salford’s official centenary anniversary and tram passengers on the Bee Network will hear guest announcements from the performance poet on their journeys across Salford, as part of the city’s special programme of celebration and events taking place throughout 2026.
With special activities planned on the day, plus more ways to celebrate throughout the year already confirmed and more to be announced soon, it promises to be a special year for the city and a chance for residents to celebrate together.
John grew up in Salford’s Higher Broughton and first discovered his love of poetry thanks to an inspiring English teacher. By the late 1970s, as punk was shaking up the UK, he had become a cult icon known for his rapid‑fire delivery, dry humour, and raw, street level snapshots of urban life. Performing alongside bands like Buzzcocks and The Invisible Girls, he released several albums and carved out a reputation for making poetry sharp, funny, and defiantly accessible.
In 2023, the council awarded him the Freedom of the City honour, acknowledging his upbringing in Higher Broughton where he was praised by the ceremonial mayor of Salford at the time for his unique Salfordian charm and giving a voice to the working-class spirit.
John Cooper Clarke said: “What an honour to be the voice of the tram announcements celebrating Salford's 100 years as a city. My mellifluous tones across the network for one day only!”
Councillor Heather Fletcher, the Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford said: “We’re thrilled to have John joining our Centenary celebrations and showing his support for his home city. I’ve no doubt his poetic voice will brighten countless journeys and bring plenty of smiles along the way. We can’t wait to see everyone come together to celebrate 100 years as a city.”
Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “With Salford celebrating a centenary, it’s brilliant to have the city's very own punk poet lending his unmistakeable Salfordian tones to the Bee Network and for us to be part of this huge landmark.
"While the city of Salford is turning 100, the area was making transport history long before then, and in 1824 the first ever regular horse bus service ran from Pendleton to Manchester.
"A huge thanks to John and make sure you keep an ear out when you’re next on the tram over the next few days.”
2026 marks 100 years since King George V officially granted Salford city status by Royal Charter. The Salford 100 Programme is a year-long celebration of cultural, civic and community events, marking a century of people, neighbourhoods, culture and civic institutions that have shaped Salford’s identity, pride and ambition. It is rooted in neighbourhoods and led by communities, from street parties and exhibitions to storytelling and arts festivals, the programme reflects the people and places that make Salford unique.
Photo credits: Jody Hartley and Ed Hill