This summer, Manchester is humming with something more than the usual bumping basslines and bopping buskers.
Music for the Senses, a colourful city-wide art trail from Wild in Art and Manchester City Council, is turning the streets into a spectacular homage to the sounds, people, and stories that have shaped the city.
Music for the Senses by Wild in Art
But for some, like artist Jodie Silverman, the project hits a deeper note.
Jodie’s hand-painted guitar stands proudly in the Royal Northern College of Music, one of the city’s most iconic musical institutions. Her artwork is inspired by the 1960s hit Something tells me I’m Into Something Good, not just because it’s a catchy tune from Manchester’s Big Beat era, but because it connects her to her late father, Charlie Silverman, who co-managed Herman’s Hermits alongside Harvey Lisberg.
“My dad passed away when I was still at uni,” Jodie said. “When I was a teenager, I was deep into grunge and alternative rock.
“So when he talked about bands like Herman’s Hermits, I kind of rolled my eyes. It wasn’t until I got older that I realised how incredible his stories were.”
That realisation became the heartbeat of her guitar design.
“Taking part in this trail gave me a chance to step into his world for a while,” she said. “I’ve spoken to people who knew him back then, including Harvey’s son Philip. He’s taught me so much about Manchester’s music scene in the ’60s and ’70s, the gigs, the stories, the chaos of it all. It’s been emotional.”
The personal stories behind Music for the Senses
That emotion is exactly what Music for the Senses sets out to tap into.The personal stories behind Music for the Senses
Julie Gaskell, from Wild in Art, explained: “This project is about access and inclusion. We wanted something that anyone in Manchester could be a part of, even if they can’t afford to go to a big summer gig. The trail is free, it’s out on the streets, and it’s there for everyone.”
Celebrating Manchester’s Summer of music
The idea was born as a companion to Manchester’s Summer of Music and Summer Live 25′ events: a free, family-friendly experience that gives a platform to both local talent and legendary musical names.
More than 48 guitars, each transformed into unique works of art, now appear in shop windows, cultural venues, and public spaces across the city. Some are abstract and colourful. Others are tributes to Manchester’s musical icons. Every one of them tells a story.
“Some of the guitars have faces of grassroots musicians stencilled on the back,” Julie added. We even had a draw for people to get their faces featured. It’s about celebrating Manchester’s rich musical fabric, top to bottom.”
For Jodie, the journey to her final piece was just as important as the guitar itself. The more she spoke to her mother and Philip, the more she pieced together fragments of her dad’s past.
“Someone even sent me a photo of my dad at Keith Moon’s 21st birthday party,” she laughed.
“He looked totally worse for wear! But it’s beautiful. I’ve got this time capsule now. Through this guitar, I’ve been able to honour a part of him I never really got to know.”
Jodie’s story is far from the only emotional thread in the trail.
Amazing bands that have donated guitars
The donated guitars from famous bands, including Oasis, Pixies, Elbow, Doves, New Order, and Peter Hook, also carry history. Some were hand-delivered by the artists themselves, keen to support Manchester’s grassroots music scene.
And that’s where the real magic of the project lies: in its community impact.
“At the end of the trail, all the guitars, painted and donated, will be auctioned off,” Julie explained. “The money raised goes directly into a new fund managed by Forever Manchester. That means more mixing desks, rehearsal spaces, choirs, and support for artists at the very start of their journeys.”
Guitar exhibition at the People’s History Museum
The guitars will also have a final moment in the spotlight. From 5–7 September, they’ll be gathered at the People’s History Museum for a special exhibition. The entry fee has not been decided yet, but it’s likely to be great value. After that, they go under the hammer at an auction at Halle St Peter’s, a venue that, fittingly, blends Manchester’s industrial past with its musical future.
But the trail isn’t just about the guitars. Alongside them are large-scale murals by international and local street artists, from Lei-Mai LeMaow and Nomad Clan, adding bold colour and character to city walls.
“We’ve also got the Manchester Music Mooch,” said Julie. “It’s an interactive walk around some of the city’s best grassroots venues. With augmented reality and digital rewards, it’s like a treasure hunt for music lovers.”
All of it ties into one idea: that Manchester’s musical soul is something everyone should get to feel.
“You don’t need to be at a festival or headline gig to be part of this city’s music culture,” said Julie.
“You just need to open your eyes and take a walk around town!”
When is Music for the Senses on?
Music for the Senses runs from 7 July to 31 August across Manchester. Trail maps and the official app will be available from launch on Monday.
You can find out more on their website here
