Manchester Music Companies Unite to Bring Grassroots Artistry to South Manchester
South Manchester town set to hold one of the busiest live music events over the Bank Holiday Weekend Manchester. The Northenden Fringe Festival (TNFF) is set to return in 2024 with a star-studded launch and an expanded programme, bringing together established artists and grassroots talent in a celebration of music and community.
The legendary Pete Doherty of The Libertines will headline the festival’s launch event on August 8th at the historic 350 capacity Cringlewood Social Club, marking the first time in decades that an artist of his stature has performed at the venue. Support will come from Strap Originals artists Jack Jones (Trampoline), Vona Vella and Evan Williams.
It will be hosted by Manchester icon John Robb, with additional support will come from Edinburgh’s Del Bhoy Kennedy and Manchester’s own E.M.A.
Pete Doherty has said: “Northenden Fringe/Strap Originals – an independent festival supporting independent artists – what’s not to like?’
Following its successful debut in 2023, TNFF has expanded to a series of events from August 22nd-25th. This multi-venue event will coincide with the New Order and Blossoms super shows at neighbouring Wythenshawe Park, offering an alternative, community-focused musical experience. Festival founder Dean Skarratt, a Wythenshawe native, has partnered with Andrew Hirst of Modern English Digital to bring this vision to life via new company Broken Wing Club.
“I’ve known Dean since I first moved to Manchester, from bands he’s been in and booking artists such as the Wu Tang Clan, so we have set up Broken Wing Club to support him with events such as this,” says Hirst. “While Modern English works with global acts like Foo Fighters and The Rolling Stones, we’re passionate about supporting grassroots music in Manchester.
The Northenden Fringe Festival is our way of giving back to the community and showcasing talent in a way that the suburbs of Manchester, particularly Northenden, has never seen before.”
The festival has also attracted support from innovative music industry players. Gig Pig, a tech platform for aspiring musicians, will host a series of takeover events featuring hand-picked artists from their platform.
Further collaborations are to be announced soon.
Scott Forrest, Head of Partnerships at GigPig has said, “GigPig are delighted to partner with, and support The Northenden Fringe festival. It is clear to us that the team behind the Fringe have a strong passion for live music and, in particular, the grassroots sector of the Industry. Our company missions and values align and we are thrilled to contribute to the elevation of the grassroots space both for artists and venues’.
The main festival weekend will feature free performances from established and emerging artists, such as Aziz Ibrahim, former Stone Roses and Tommy Scott from Space, alongside a host of local talent. The Friday is set to support local women in music, with a headline set from JJ Rox, and more surprise artists are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Dean Skarratt, TNFF founder, emphasised the festival’s community focus: ‘As a Northenden native, Manchester based booking agent & event promoter for acts such as Kyle Falconer (The View), Jon McClure (reverend&themakers) & The Wu tang clan, it’s with great pride to gather a litany of the music industries biggest & brightest alongside local and grassroots talent for what promises to be something super fresh and, dare I say, never been seen before in our quarter of the city. To launch with Peter Doherty, Strap Originals, Modern English and Gig Pig is a dream come true and promises great things for the future.’
The Northenden Fringe Festival from August 22nd-25th will be free or heavily discounted, staying true to the festival’s commitment to accessibility. Tickets for Pete Doherty’s launch show on August 8th are available now from Skiddle via the following links:
Pete Doherty & Strap Originals:
JJ Rox and support:
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/G-M-T-Cringlewood-Club/JJ-ROX-plus-support-from-Nico-Harmony/39268200/
For more information and press opportunities contact
For updates follow @NorthendenFringe on social media
Venues involved in the Northenden Fringe Festival include: The Cringlewood Social Club, Lounge About, Northenden
