Salford is continuing its year-long “Salford 100” celebrations after officially marking 100 years of city status on April 21, 2026.
The milestone commemorates the day King George V granted Salford official city status in 1926, with events taking place across the borough throughout the year celebrating the people, communities, culture and history that have shaped the city over the last century.
A packed calendar of exhibitions, festivals, performances and community projects has been organised as part of the celebrations.
Here are some of the major events currently taking place as part of Salford 100:
• “Your Salford 100” – Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Running from February 14, 2026 until January 10, 2027, the exhibition features 100 objects and artworks chosen by local residents and organisations to help tell the story of Salford over the past century.
• “Salford Voices” – Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Taking place between February and May 2026, the project includes podcasts, exhibitions and pop-up events exploring identity, memories and life in Salford.
• “Childhood Memories: Salford in the Second World War” – Imperial War Museum North
Residents who lived through wartime Salford will share memories of the Blitz, evacuation and VE Day celebrations during a series of talks and events.
• “Then & Now Salford: 1977–2026” – Pendleton
A photography exhibition comparing archive images of Salford with present-day scenes, highlighting how dramatically parts of the city have changed. The event runs from Tuesday 21 April 2026 – Saturday 25 July 2026.
• “General Strike 100” – Working Class Movement Library
An exhibition marking the centenary of the 1926 General Strike and exploring Salford’s rich working-class and trade union history, the event runs from the 1st May till December 31st.
• “Irlam Live” – Prince’s Park
The popular music festival returns from May 29 to 31 for a special anniversary edition featuring more than 40 acts across two stages.
• “Wagon Train: Celebration of Green Spaces” – Parr Fold Park, Walkden
A community event featuring live music, brass bands, performances and family entertainment will take place on May 30.
• “Print Lives Here” – Islington Mill and Ordsall
Running from June 5 to 7, the exhibition celebrates five decades of printmaking and community artwork linked to Salford.
• “We Invented the Weekend” – Salford Quays and MediaCity
The large-scale free festival returns on June 6 and 7 with hundreds of activities, performances and community events.
• “The Pink Picnic 2026” – Peel Park
Salford Pride’s flagship event will return in June 13th as organisers celebrate 15 years since the first Pink Picnic was held.
• Roe Green Cricket Club Festival – Roe Green
The community festival on August 22 will feature live music, DJs, fairground rides, food stalls and family entertainment.
Organisers say the celebrations are not just about looking back at Salford’s past, but also recognising the city’s future and the communities that continue to shape it.
More events are expected to be announced throughout the remainder of the centenary year.
The whole list of current events can be found on the Salford 100 events page.
