Next summer some of the most acclaimed live artists and shows including Guy Garvey, Haçienda Classical, James Bay, Stereophonics and Catfish And The Bottlemen are taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl throughout July 2016 for Sounds of the City.

So far five dates have been announced for the beginning of July which follow a series of events over the last three years which have seen sold out performances by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Charlatans, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Paolo Nutini, James, Pixies and The Courteeners.

Guy Garvey will be headlining a very special hometown show on Friday 1st July. After nearly twenty five years and counting as a member of elbow and one of the UK’s most recognised and celebrated musicians and lyricists, Guy Garvey recently released his debut solo album, ‘Courting the Squall’. The album received rapturous reviews and has seen Guy play sold out shows across the UK.

Having sold out two dates in Manchester and a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in a matter of minutes, Fac 51 The Haçienda and Manchester Camerata, the city’s experimental orchestra are to bring Haçienda Classical to the infamous Castlefield Bowl on Saturday 2nd July.   The event sees the Camerata collaborate with the DJ’s who shaped The Haçienda’s sound – Mike Pickering and Graeme Park – for a night of classic dance music,  innovatively adapted and arranged especially for the occasion.

Following the sell-out success of his ‘Chaos And The Calm Tour’ this autumn, James Bay will be appearing at Manchester’s iconic location on Wednesday 6th July. A singular modern talent; a damn good guitar player, singer and song-writer, Bay has spent the last two years touring, his mesmerising live show connecting with audiences across the globe. The 24 year old British musician is fast becoming a worldwide star with having sold out tours in the UK, Europe, Australia and the U.S along with his No 1 debut album ‘Chaos And The Calm’.

Currently on of a massive 10 date UK arena tour, one of the UK’s best live bands Stereophonics will be playing a very special outdoor show on Thursday 7th July.   Their ninth studio album ‘Keep The Village Alive’ marked their sixth number 1 album when it was released back in September.  Their Castlefield bowl show in 2016 will be in the midst of festival appearances including Isle of Wight plus dates at Cardiff City Stadium and Edinburgh Castle.

Taking to the stage on Friday 8th July is Catfish And The Bottlemen.  2015 has been an amazing year for the band who have conquered the UK with critically acclaimed sold out tours. The band will perform at Sounds of the City on 8th July, with their debut album ‘The Balcony’ and singles ‘Homesick’, ‘Kathleen’ and ‘Cocoon’ mainstays on the radio, the band don’t look to be slowing down one bit next year.

The line-up so far:

1 July   –   Guy Garvey
2 July   –   Hacienda Classical
6 July   –   James Bay
7 July   –   Stereophonics
8 July   –   Catfish and the Bottlemen

More guests are set to be announced.

Tickets for Sounds of the City go on sale at 9am on Friday 11 December.


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