“Songs of Salford is a powerful example of what can happen when a city’s creative community, its institutions and its people come together.”

– Tim France, Director, Performance, Music, English & Dance at the University of Salford

‘Dirty Old Town’ has had its time as Salford’s song; it’s time to write the city’s new anthem!

To mark 100 years of the city, we present a new body of music that reflects life in the city in 2026, inviting music producer and songwriter, Charlie Deakin-Davies, to undertake a city residency. Deakin-Davies, who has worked with acts such as Raye, Kate Nash, Gary Barlow, James Bay and Fred Again…, is already underway with getting under the skin of the city of today, exploring its people’s history, to bring together a range of collaborators to create new songs that celebrate the character of Salford.

The record features collaborators: classically-trained vocalist and pianist Salo, spoken work artist The Thirsty Poet (AKA Matt Concannon), infamous battle rapper Che3kz who works with young people at Salford’s Youth Zone, Zimbabwean-born songwriter & poet Meduulla who studied at Salford City College and singer-songwriter Sam Seth, a University of Salford alumni. The record also features communities from Age Friendly Salford, Salford Youth Zone, Monton Community Choir and music engineering students from University of Salford - celebrating Salford’s history, people and future.

Further details about the record release will be available soon.