poppedmusic

Neighbourhood Festival 2019

Various venues, Manchester, 12 October 2019

Words by Gary Lambert

Within a few years, Neighbourhood Festival (the slightly-nerdier older brother of Neighbourhood Weekender) has become somewhat of a fans favourite as Manchester city centre becomes even more populated with music fans on a Saturday afternoon. It is a celebration of the brightest young acts in the country and is full to the brim with bands you love, or you will love once you see them. For Popped Music it is basically all of our favourite playlists put in one city together from morning until night.

With that in mind, it’s been pretty tough trying to decide who to choose for our recommendations…

The Lathums

This young band are taking the world by storm right now. It’s not normal for a tour of basement venues to sell out in about ten minutes flat, but that is exactly what these lads have done in the last few days. They’re going to be tight, sharp, and take your heart as a trophy. You can’t get a ticket for their own shows, so you might as well try your best to see them at Neighbourhood.

Listen to The Lathums here:

Blanketman

With this being a hometown show, you’re going to have to get there early to get a space for this one I’d guess, but it will be well worth your time. They are furious, quirky and one of the most exciting live acts I have taken in this summer. If the concept of Joy Division covering Sex Pistols makes you smile, then Blanketman might just be the band for you.

Listen to Blanketman here:

The Big Moon

This four-piece have been big favourites of Popped Music since well before the release of their debut album, but recent release Your Light has seen jaws dropping across the country. With world class harmony work underpinning beautiful rock music which is both accessible yet expansive, if you go to see The Big Moon I promise it will be one of the best sets you’ve seen all year.

Listen to The Big Moon here:

Walt Disco

These stars of the ridiculously good Glasgow scene have the best name and match it up with a talent for the dramatic, the bold, and the toe tapping. Think Bowie, Sparks, and Sundara Karma as your touchstones, and then add a swig of Buckfast-powered punk. Like all of my favourite bands, they are not going to be for everybody, but for some you will gain a band that you absolutely love.

Listen to Walt Disco here:

You have got to get yourself a ticket for Neighbourhood before it sells out. You will find several bands who you will follow for years. Honestly this festival will improve your life for one Saturday and beyond. It’s a Saturday day out in Manchester city centre with great music. Now there’s never been an excuse needed to go for something like that, but don’t just take our word for it…

“You can never run out of things to do in Manchester” – Dirty Laces

“The music coming out of Manchester is insane right now” – Bloxx

“Manchester is one of our favourite places to play, everybody just knows how to have a good time” – The Pale White

Get your tickets for Neighbourhood here.