Swinton Sounds is back – and you’re invited!

Councillor Jack Youd, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration, said: 

“Swinton has plenty to celebrate, and has the potential to be one of the best places to live in Greater Manchester. Local people have told us they want to see a more vibrant Swinton, with more going on - and more reasons for people to visit and spend their leisure time in the area. This exciting weekend of activities is part of a programme of events developed in response to that community ambition - and is a great opportunity for people to explore the town and experience something new.”

Music everywhere you look
From Swinton Grand Palais to the leafy bandstand in Victoria Park, local favourites will become mini-festival stages. Friday night opens in style at the Grand Palais (7.30pm to 10 pm) where Manchester’s genre-hopping Untold Orchestra promise a dance-floor-filling set of disco, funk and soul classics.

Saturday afternoon, 12pm to 3 pm, moves to the open-air stage in Swinton Square. Expect R&B from Yemi Bolatiwa, sun-kissed grooves courtesy of Good Afternoon DJs, and plenty more, all hosted by the larger-than-life Judy Brush. Later, sip something local while soaring vocals fill Swinton independent bars: catch indie-folk gem Evie Moran at The Swinton Hop House, or mellow R&B crooner Amatiime at The Wobbly Stool (both 6pm to 9 pm).

Sunday is the big park party (1pm to 5 pm). Legendary DnB queen Jenna G comperes a feel-good line-up featuring Senegalese percussion maestros Sens Sagna & The Kajamor Family, ska-flavoured crowd-pleasers Madame Claude and a glitter-bomb of vogue and catwalk fun from dance collective Ghetto Fabulous. Keep an eye (and ear!) out for a roaming parade led by avant-pop rebels Stealing Sheep on their marching-band bikes.

Family fun sorted
Bringing the kids? They’ll love meeting Walk the Plank’s giant honking Canadian goose, getting messy with Manchester’s Little Artists, or glowing under UV lights at Arts Let Loose’s “Glow Crazy” disco-craft session. Over in the park, Clay Life will help budding sculptors create take-home treasures, while Salford Mad Pride offer chilled creative corners celebrating wellbeing.

Fuel for the festivities
Street-food stalls will keep bellies happy, Swinton’s best bars are pouring the drinks, and community hub The Hive has softer sips on standby. Just follow your nose – and the music!

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure said: 

“Culture plays a vital role in strengthening our communities - bringing people together, celebrating local talent, and creating shared experiences that foster pride and belonging. Events like Swinton Sounds not only showcase the incredible creativity within our city but also support wellbeing, inclusion, and economic vitality. I’m proud to see this festival grow each year, making culture more accessible and meaningful for everyone in Swinton.”