BBC 6 Radio Music Festival returns to Manchester with star-studded line-up

After a hugely successful event last year, BBC Radio 6 Music Festival is returning to the UK’s greatest music city.

Taking place from the 7th-10th March in Greater Manchester, Radio 6 music presenter Lauren Laverne announced the lineup on her show earlier this week.

BBC Radio 6 Music Festival

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester said: “It’s fantastic to see the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival returning to Greater Manchester this year.

“We’re immensely proud of our musical heritage, but also the phenomenal depth of talent and the exciting independent scene across our city region right now.

“As BBC Radio 6 Music has always supported new and alternative artists, it’s a perfect fit for the festival to have its permanent home here for years to come”.

The festival is now permanently based in Greater Manchester and will feature unique performances, up-and-coming artists and surprise guests. Bands and artists will play across the city at multiple venues including the O2 Victoria Warehouse, Band on the Wall, YES and more.

In a statement about the event, American indie-rockers Gossip said the following: “We’re so excited – Manchester is going to be the first to hear our new record live!

“Such a special crowd, we’ve missed you so much and can’t wait to be back!”

Irish country singer CMAT had the following to say:  “My performance at the 6 Music Festival will be the best show you’ll see in your whole entire life!

“Expect camp, gay people, energy, country music as well as mediocre guitar playing from me and very good guitar playing from other people.

“When I was making my first album and listening to 6 Music most days, Iggy Pop played one of my songs on his show. I heard it from the other room and ran in to hear Iggy Pop’s mouth forming my name – it was a crazy day for the parish.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2KFpkItJQg/?hl=en

Headliners will be performing at the O2 Victoria Warehouse:

Thursday 7th March:

Young Fathers, performing a unique collaboration with the Hulme and Moss Side-based NIA community choir, supported by Hak Baker and SHERELLE (DJ set)

Friday 8th March:

Gossip, performing their first U.K. date in four years and premiering unreleased material exclusively for Radio 6 as well as celebrating International Women’s Day, supported by CMAT and AFRODEUTSCHE (DJ set)

Saturday 9th March:

The Smile and the London Contemporary Orchestra with a world-exclusive performance. It will be the first time the Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner project have performed with an orchestra. They will be supported by Jordan Rakei and Mary Anne Hobbs + Anna Phoebe (a unique performance with a DJ set from Mary Anne and Anna playing violin and viola)

A BBC Music Introducing night will take place at Band on the Wall with ‘New Music Fix Live’ will take place at YES, with this being the first time Radio 6 have visited the venue.

Club nights called ‘Indie Forever’ and  ‘Rave Forever’ will also take place in partnership with the Warehouse Project.

‘Morning After Mix Live’ events are also set to take place in RAMONA from 1-4pm on the Saturday and Sunday- with guests including Children of Zeus, Cerys Matthews and Femi Koleoso.

Highlights from the festival will be broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio Manchester from MediaCityUK in Salford, as well as on BBC Sounds, BBC Four, BBC iPlayer and BBC Music’s YouTube channel.

Tickets for the events are on sale NOW by clicking here