In pictures: BBC 6 Music festival takes over Greater Manchester

BBC News

30-03-2025

The BBC 6 Music Festival returned to Greater Manchester this week, attracting thousands to sold-out shows across the city. The event, which was broadcast live on the Radio 6 Music station, featured a line-up of acts from across the UK, as well as abroad, including Ezra Collective, Mogwai and Perfume Genius. The festival kicked off on Wednesday with BBC Introducing, a showcase of local and emerging acts jasmine.4.t, Renee Stormz and Adult DVD. Speaking ahead of the event, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "Our music scene has always been strong, but right now, there's an incredible amount of new talent coming through, alongside a thriving independent scene."
Thursday's line-up featured post punk outfit Fat Dog, named one of BBC 6's Artists of the Year for 2024, who were joined on stage at Victoria Warehouse by surprise guest Jessica Winter for a rendition of Satisfaction by Benny Benassi and The Biz.
Jazz quintet Ezra Collective then graced the stage, joined by members of London youth organisation Kinteka Bloco for a performance which celebrated the importance of youth clubs across the UK. Speaking on stage, Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective said: "If you want to make something last forever, you need to create a legacy."He added: "And the legacy comes from giving it away to other people and the other people we choose to give it to are our youth clubs and schools."
On Friday, English Teacher, who won the Mercury prize last year for their debut album This Could Be Texas, were joined on stage by surprise guest Richard Hawley to play Transmission by Joy Division. Of the performance at Victoria Warehouse, Hawley said: "[English Teacher are] from Leeds, I'm from Sheffield and we've played a Manchester classic.""Some people might say sacrilege, but I think it's respectful and honourable."
Scottish post-rock band Mogwai then played, including two songs in collaboration with local brass ensemble KNDS Fairey Acid Brass.
The final night of the festival saw Seattle art pop act Perfume Genius take to the stage at Victoria Warehouse, the day after the release of his new album Glory.
Poet and musician Kae Tempest closed the festival, treating the crowd to never-before-heard material. Tempest told 6 Music's Cerys Matthews earlier this week: "I've been lucky enough to be welcomed by 6 Music since the very beginning...and it just feels like the perfect place to be starting a new campaign."
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