Manchester was the proud host of the prestigious BBC Radio 6 Music Festival last week (7-10), with some of the country’s best musicians, DJs and bands playing at venues across the city.
This was not the first time Manchester has hosted the event, but this is the first time since the city was announced at the festival’s permanent host.
The headline acts performed each night at Victoria Warehouse. Some of the big names included The Smile, the latest project from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood, who performed for the first time with the London Contemporary Orchestra; and Gossip, who played their first UK gig in four years, with frontwoman Beth Ditto taking the stage with special guest Alison Moyet. John Grant also made a special appearance during CMAT’s set supporting Gossip.
Local Mancunian talent also featured in the line-up. Singer Pip Millett performed with Jordan Rakei and the Hulme-based community singers Nia Choir performed with Young Fathers.
BBC Radio 6 also played and broadcast from other locations such as Band on the Wall, YES, Ramona and Mayfield Depot.
1. Thom Yorke and The Smile at BBC Radio 6 Music
Thom Yorke performs at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse with fellow The Smile members Johnny Greenwood and Tom Skinner, accompanied for the first time by the London Contemporary Orchestra. Credit: BBC Radio 6 Music Photo: BBC Radio 6 Music
2. Thom Yorke performing with The Smile
Thom Yorke on stage with The Smile at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse during the BBC Radio 6 music festival 2024/ Credit: BBC Radio 6 Music.
3. The Smile
Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood and Tom Skinner perform as The Smile at the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival 2024 at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse. Credit: BBC Radio 6 Music Festival.
4. The Smile and London Contemporary Orchestra
The Smile (Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood and Tom Skinner) perform with the London Contemporary Orchestra at the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse. Credit: BBC Radio 6 Music