Salford’s much-loved festival of new music, Sounds from the Other City (SFTOC), announces its 20th anniversary lineup for Bank Holiday Sunday 4th May 2025, featuring Du Blonde, Grove, Astrid Sonne, The Orielles and over 100 more acts.
Celebrating two decades of programming the best emerging artists and genres from across the UK, SFTOC returns with an eclectic lineup curated by a diverse group of independent local promoters, selectors and tastemakers. The festival will once again take place in unconventional venues across Salford, with 15 stages around Chapel Street and The Crescent, from pubs and churches to concert halls and in-between spaces.
Expect incendiary energy from the incredible combination of Grove ft. Toya and TaliaBle plus freewheeling scuzzy rock from Newcastle’s Du Blonde, both at Salford University’s brutalist Maxwell Hall. Just round the corner you’ll find the alt-pop of German-Australian producer Hachiku at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, and the woozy wonky compositions of Danish violist Astrid Sonne in Peel Hall.
Indie-avant-pop group The Orielles and party punk queens Loose Articles will both be playing Islington Mill’s event space alongside electronic producer and WH Lung member Tom Sharkett, and Dublin’s electro-punk trio YARD take on a true festival favourite, The Old Pint Pot.
The historic Bexley Square sees the return of SEEN after their blistering day-party at SFTOC 2024, this year hosting a back-to-back set from two of Manchester’s best: Chunky B2B Samrai; and the gorgeous St Philips Church will play stage to the kuduro-flavoured grooves of London-based bassist Marla Kether.
This milestone edition of SFTOC highlights the ongoing importance of organisations like From The Other, the team behind SFTOC, Fat Out and a range of special projects and residencies, reinforcing the positive impact independent festivals and promoters have on both the local community and the wider UK music scene. As the grassroots music sector faces increasing challenges, SFTOC stands as one of the country’s longest running independent festivals.
The festival has long been a launchpad for some of the most exciting talent in the UK, with past performances from celebrated artists such as Sampha, IAMDDB, Black Country New Road and The Ting Tings. The 20th anniversary edition will continue this legacy, offering a unique snapshot of the Greater Manchester music scene, showcasing the next generation of independent artists. This anniversary edition is not only a celebration of SFTOC’s history but also a reaffirmation of the festival’s role in shaping the future of UK music.
The unique model of SFTOC means that the line-up curation is ever-evolving; each year the festival organisers invite a selection of the region’s best promoters and selectors to book the artists that most excite them. This year they include promoters such as Heavenly Recordings, Now Wave and Band on the Wall alongside new and emerging selectors such as Crop Radio, $eamu$ Presents, Rare Mags and FLUFF.
Bristol-based artist Grove, who will perform their collaborative soundclash show at Maxwell Hall said: “I’m so hyped to bring our soundclash to Sounds From The Other City. Toya Delazy, TaliaBle and I have been working on Afrorave X Afropunk, bringing together perspectives from South Africa, North London and Bristol. SFTOC is a home for raw, authentic and experimental expression. We’re glad to be part of it and excited to bring plenty of that energy.”
The festival returns at a critical time for the UK’s grassroots music scene, with hundreds of grassroots music venues currently at risk of closure. Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary recently described grassroots venues as “the heartbeat of the UK music scene,” acknowledging that the sector has been under increasing pressure due to funding pressures and rising operational costs.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said, “For 20 years, Sounds From The Other City has been a driving force for new music and underground culture, not just in Greater Manchester but across the UK. Our grassroots music scene in the North is something to be proud of—it’s bold, independent, and constantly pushing boundaries. This festival is a perfect example of that spirit, and this year’s lineup shows just how much talent is coming through. Grassroots venues and promoters are the lifeblood of music, and it’s brilliant to see them celebrated in such a big way.”
Mark Carlin, SFTOC Founder and Co-Director of From The Other said, “Like many of life’s great things, Sounds From The Other City started with no grand vision and no real idea how to do it. To reach this 20 year milestone and still remain as a truly independent, community-led platform proves that, with the right support, grassroots music can thrive even in tough times.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 7th February, with pre-sale access for registered subscribers from Tuesday 4th. Find out more, explore the line-up and register for pre-sale at soundsfromtheother.com
