MANCHESTER’S SOUNDS OF THE CITY RETURNS FOR 2025
With an extensive reputation for being the UK’s music capital, Manchester is once again providing its annual lineup of exceptional artists to take to Castlefield Bowl for Sounds Of The City 2025.
In previous years, the space has seen the likes of The National, Jungle, Manic Street Preachers, Loyle Carner and Tom Grennan (to name a few), however this year there seems to be an artist for every occasion and taste at Manchester’s iconic, outdoor celebration of music.
We’ve collated a list of some of our favourite artists expected to take the roof off of Castefield Bowl, just in case you missed any!
elbow - wednesday 2nd july
Opening the amazing stage on the waters of Castlefield, to an amphitheatre style crowd - one of Manchester’s most iconic bands Elbow are returning to the city for a night of incredible music.
From the Glastonbury Pyramid to the COOP Live, there really isn’t a stage this band haven’t graced in all their years. However, with their incredibly successful album Audio Vertigo taking 2024 by storm and their latest EP release Audio Vertigo Echo continuing the much loved sound of the record, there is a large excitement and buzz surrounding the band’s forthcoming appearance at SOTC 25.
we reccomend:
Grounds For Divorce, Magnificent (She Says), Adriana Again.
The charlatans - thursday 3rd july
Famed for their incredible contributions to the iconic Britpop scene of the 90s - The Charlatans (fronted by industry icon Tim Burgess) are still in action performing their catalogue of hits for audiences around the country, with a stop at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl evoking much excitement with fans.
With largely successful albums Tellin’ Stories and Some Friendly soundtracking a large part of many fans’ lives - The Charlatans live in Manchester is not one to miss, especially with special guests The Coral and Embrace joining them on the bill.
we reccomend
The Only One I know, Sproston Green, North Country Boy
shed seven - friday 4th july
Continuing the theme of iconic indie rock bands headlining this year’s SOTC, Shed Seven will be getting your weekend party started at Castlefield Bowl joined by The Lightening Seeds and The Sherlocks.
After a hugely successful 2024, scoring 2 consecutive number 1 albums, the hype surrounding this band doesn’t seem to be going anywhere - with bouncing crowds and an evening full of sing-along tunes expected as the sun sets over Manchester.
we reccomend
Chasing Rainbows, Disco Down, Going For Gold
The black keys - wednesday 9th july
Reopening a stage after a few days break may prove difficult for some, however we expect America’s pride and joy The Black Keys to claim the soil as their own and bring a party like no other to Manchester.
With extremely raw rock and roll with the foundations of America’s beloved blues scene, the Ohio duo have a notorious reputation for bringing the highest of energies to their live shows, with the obvious accompaniment of their extensive back catalogue of incredible tunes.
Joined on the bill by rock and roller Miles Kane, this lineup is not for the faint hearted. Expect ringing ears, sore feet and an immense sense of post-gig happiness for days after. We expect you won’t want the show to end.
we reccomend
Howlin’ For you, Fever, Lonely Boy
bloc party - thursday 10th july
From hooky, post-punk tunes to ambitious, genre-mashing indie classics, Bloc Party cemented themselves as one of the essential bands of the early 2000s in Britain. From the presence of frontman Kele Okereke to their invigorating riffs and undeniably catchy tunes - the band helped shape an iconic decade for British music.
Last time the band took to the stage at Castlefield Bowl, the entirety of the crowd were seen to be bouncing all night long, clearly unable to get enough of the energy emitted from the stage. This year, that same energy is again expected as the band play the entirety of Silent Alarms in full with the inclusion of their hits too. We cannot wait.
we reccomend
Banquet, This Modern Love, Helicopter