The University of Salford is helping lead plans to create a new anthem for the city as part of Salford’s centenary celebrations.
While Dirty Old Town remains a much-loved tribute to the city and its people, the new Songs of Salford project aims to create a fresh collection of music that reflects Salford’s creative community and tells the story of the city to a new generation.
The University is partnering with arts organisation From The Other on the project, which will see celebrated songwriter and producer Charlie Deakin-Davies collaborate with Salford creatives and University alumni to create songs representing life in the city in 2026.
Charlie, who has worked with artists including Raye, Gary Barlow, Kate Nash, James Bay and Fred Again, will work alongside six collaborating artists. They include singer-songwriter Sam Seth, a graduate of the University’s BA Popular Music and Recording programme.
The new collection will be recorded in the recording studios at the University’s New Adelphi building, with Salford students involved throughout the songwriting and recording process. The final body of music is set to be released later in 2026.
Tim France, Director of Music, Performance, English and Dance at the University of Salford, said: “Songs of Salford is a powerful example of what can happen when a city’s creative community, its institutions and its people come together.
“It is especially inspiring to see one of our star alumni, Sam Seth, returning to Salford as a songwriter, collaborator and performer, exemplifying the talent that grows here and continues to shape our cultural landscape.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Charlie and From the Other for leading this ambitious project, and to Salford City Council for their support and belief in the city’s creative future.”
The project will also involve young songwriters, musicians and performers from Salford Youth Zone, alongside members of Age Friendly Salford, who will contribute stories and memories to help shape the final record.
Emma Thompson, co-director of From the Other, said: “Music drives everything From the Other does. To celebrate Salford’s 100th anniversary, we’ve brought together a group of musicians to create a concept record dedicated to our city.
“This project isn’t just about history; it’s about the people who make Salford home today; from the born-and-bred to the newly arrived, the students to the teachers. By blending genres and perspectives, these musicians are capturing the spirit of Salford in 2026, through a collection of songs that will mark this centenary and create a lasting legacy that will resonate in the unique, timeless way that only music can.”
Joining Charlie and Sam on the Songs of Salford project are underground hip-hop artist Strategy, classically-trained vocalist and pianist Salo, spoken word artist The Thirsty Poet, rapper Che3kz and Salford City College alumnus Meduulla.
Dirty Old Town was written in 1949 by folk singer Ewan MacColl as a tribute to his home city. The song later gained international recognition through covers by artists including Rod Stewart, The Dubliners and The Pogues. Known for its vivid lyrics about Salford’s industrial past, it has served as the city’s anthem for decades.
