NEIGHBOURHOOD FESTIVAL: Ones To Watch

By Craig McInnes

As we back away our tents from this year’s very wet festival season, we turn our attention to the second half of the year and to the indoor festivals that take place across the country. Manchester City centre see’s the return of Neighbourhood Festival after a year off - taking over various venues across the city pulling in regular festival names & the current rising stars. With the festival fast approaching taking place on the 5th October, we look at some of the must see acts who’ll be taking to the stage across the day. 

Kicking off with local rising stars Corella. The Mancunian 4-piece are out to create unity through their inspiring, anthemic and passionately written songs. Coming together from meeting in the same university halls, they bonded over their same love for indie bands and have risen their way up to play sold out shows and main stages of major festivals like Kendal Calling and recently Reading Festival. Their sound is filled with Manchester influence fused with their own groovy guitar-driven indie bangers. Returning home to take on NBHD will surely be a spectacle given the energetic and powerful performance they put on. 

Sticking with local acts, we turn our attention to singer songwriter Issy Sutcliffe. Recent single releases have given off a strong indication of things to come from her. The reviews speak volumes of the talent she brings into her work singing about real life. Her power blend of classic blues and punk make her stand out from the rest allowing her to build a serious following in recent years. Her seductive vocals and catching hooks bring her work to life and add a personal feel to everything she sings and has rightfully gained the excitement that surrounds her. 

Another exciting name joining the bill is Lancashire born singer and producer Pixey. Bursting on to the scene in 2016, she has quickly risen to fame that has seen her secure notable mentions for best newcomer along with some big support slots with the likes of The Libertines, DMA’s & Tom Grennan alongside her debut album that reached number five on the U.K. independent charts. Her upbeat and catchy tracks are often described as indie however her music goes beyond with the introduction of some psychedelic pop with a tinge of 90’s baggy along with some breakbeat hardcore. Her visions know no bounds and is aiming for the highest peaks in music - her life so far in music is just a glimpse of her future ambitions. 

Nottingham 3-piece Girlband! bring their exciting live show to the stacked bill. Their songs come from personal experiences adding that extra feel to their work. The dynamic band brings together influences from 50’s right through to the 90’s releasing some thrilling pop punk sounds. Their music is filled with joy that help you move weather it’s live or through a speaker - Much of the music related to feelings of being different and accepting who you are as a strength. Songs about finding yourself in the world even though you always knew you were different. 

Festival regulars The Academic bring their electric and high energy life show back to the UK following a string of appearances over the summer. The Irish indie band always deliver the highest standard every time they step on stage with their hypnotic melodies and fast jumpy beats. Ever since their debut album in 2018, they have reached new heights time and time again powering their way from grass root venues to main stages and iconic venues across the U.K. and beyond. Their fan base raise the bar for every show electrifying the atmosphere and then some. Manchester brace yourself. 

Labelled as ‘your dads new favourite band’, Manchester duo ‘Dirty Blonde’ get ready to unleash their northern rock vibe with a twist of punk sound on a hometown crowd. After meeting on Instagram in 2022, the pair have built up a solid relationship bringing out the best talent in each other. Playing big time shows at The Great Escape and a sold out show at The Deaf Institute while achieving some notable moments with radio play on Radio One and Radio X during their early career. Gathering momentum at a very quick pace, we’ll be seeing more and more of the due for years to come. 

Rounding off with this year’s headliners and another of Manchester finest acts. Pale Waves deservingly topping a major festival bill for the first time having built their empire over the years as their gear up to drop studio album number four ‘Smitten’. Singing with Dirty Hit in 2017, the Mancunians have worked their way up the musical ladder over the years taking to the stages of major festival across the globe while touring with fellow Manc’s, The Courteeners & The 1975.