BBC Radio Manchester will mark 100 years of Salford’s city status on Tuesday 21 April, with a special day of music celebrating one of the most influential cities in British music history.
In 1926, Salford was officially granted city status by Royal Charter due to its importance in industry, its location on the Manchester Ship Canal, and its booming population.
Now, BBC Radio Manchester will dedicate the centenary day itself to Salford-born artists and Salford-made records – creating a soundtrack that reflects the city’s huge cultural impact on British pop, rock, and alternative music.
Listeners will hear music from Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, Elkie Brooks, 10cc, The Hollies, and The Charlatans — artists whose stories are rooted in Salford’s streets.
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This will also include a special segment from presenter Mike Sweeney, former member of the band The Salford Jets, playing his most famous track “Who You Lookin’ At”. Mike’s section will bring listeners together to discuss the city’s grassroots music scene – and Radio Manchester’s longstanding connection to it.
At 10am, presenter Michelle Dignan will broadcast live from Salford Museum & Art Gallery, bringing listeners the stories, voices and memories that have shaped the city over the last century. The programme will celebrate the people who make Salford what it is today. Joe McGrath will be live into the show with some birthday‑surprise moments from across the city, there’s even a walk down some famous cobbles.
BBC Radio Manchester is based in Salford and broadcasts live from MediaCity in the heart of Salford Quays every day. Part of BBC Local, the station also broadcasts unrivalled local sports coverage and celebrates homegrown heroes with it’s Make A Difference Awards.
Andrew Bowman, BBC Radio Manchester’s executive editor, said: “Salford has such a great musical heritage, and we’re proud to be able to mark the city’s 100th birthday with a special playlist that reflects just how influential it’s been.”
Salford-born presenter Sweeney added: “I love Salford. I worked on the docks when I was 23 and it shaped me, and now I present every day from MediaCity at BBC Radio Manchester – it’s a dream come true.”
Listeners can tune in on BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Sounds.
