Sounds is a music festival first and foremost – but it’s all the unexpected, creative, weirdo bits that make it the true ‘Salford Christmas’ experience. Those are the bits we cleverly like to call ‘Special Stuff’.

Here’s a quick round-up of speshest of the specialist Stuffs…

Plug One FM

Broadcasting live from the festival on our favourite radio station Reform Radio, make sure you swing by and give Baz a wave!

Look for ‘Plug One FM’ on the map – AKA the back of Unit 2 Regents Trading estate, AKA where Partisan used to be – and we’ll have a stream on our homepage on the day too. Find out more about Plug One FM here.

OneFiveEight’s 50 Years of Hip Hop

The fun time mega party crew of OneFiveEight & Friends are making a nod to 50 years of hip hop round the back of Hot Bed Press where you can find Rapper’s Delight with a beer and a bite in the courtyard. Ain’t nothin but an SFTOC thang: check out the line-up.

Miss Krystal’s Psychic Massage Parlour & Emporium

It’s fortune-telling and tea-leaves galore on Regent’s Trading Estate, courtesy of this year’s Art Director Miss Krystal Balls. Make sure you get there early for the full psychic experience.

Echo Salford

Partnering up with Miss Krystal, the team at Echo Salford will be bringing you something very special, telling the story of Salford’s rich musical heritage like never before. Find QR spots around the festival site and read more here.

Banner-Making Workshop

No Borders Manchester will be running a banner-making workshop in the Mirage Bar where you will be able to show your support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers – read more in the Performances pages.

Sexquisite presents Artists and Activism

Join the creative team of Sexquisite Events for a panel discussion on sex work in the arts, and how performance can impact meaningful change. Read more here.