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Taking place on Monday, 31 March, at Stockport Plaza, the concert will feature performances from a mixture of Manchester icons, past and present. Special guests include Peter Hook, bassist of Joy Division and New Order, Clint Boon of Inspiral Carpets, and Andy Couzens, one of the founding members of the Stone Roses. The venue has a capacity of just over 1300 seats, and with only 163 tickets remaining at the time of writing, fans must act quickly to secure a place.

Founded in 1968 by Peter Tattersall, Strawberry Studios began life as a modest space above a shop in the centre of Stockport, lined with egg cartons as DIY soundproofing. Eric Stewart, then of The Mindbenders, quickly became involved in the project, naming the studio after his favourite Beatles song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. The studio would be pivotal in the formation of 10cc, bringing together all of the founding members and becoming their home studio.

Tattersall shared his vision  for the studio in a Daily Mail article in 1968, telling the newspaper: “We hope to make the studios into another Memphis, a small place that has built up its own sound in America and is attracting artists away from the big studios in New York and Los Angeles.” Future 10cc member Graham Gouldman joined as an investor within months, and shared his wish for the Beatles to record there one day. Paul McCartney would use the studio to record the debut solo album for his brother, Mike McGear, in 1972.  

The ‘Strawberry Studios Forever’ event on Monday night will feature a variety of performers, including The Lottery Winners, who are set to perform The Smiths’ classics ‘Hand in Glove’ and ‘This Charming Man’. The evening will end with Peter Hook performing ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ by Joy Division, and ‘Ceremony’ by New Order.  

Along with the event, The Stockport Music Story has also issued a vinyl release, also named ‘Strawberry Studios Forever’. The 11-track record features covers of songs originally recorded at the studio, and has been mastered in nearby Bredbury by Jim Spencer, known for his work with Johnny Marr, The Charlatans, and Black Grape. Like the live show, it  features a mixture of established artists and emerging talents.

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 Reflecting on the legacy of the studio, The Stockport Music Story’s John Barratt, who organised the events, said: “The legacy of Strawberry Studios is so important not just locally but internationally. Peter Tattersall’s vision helped put Stockport on the global musical map, nurturing bands like Joy Division, New Order, and The Smiths.”

Fusing nostalgia, history, and emerging local artists, the event is a must-see for music fans in and around Stockport. It celebrates an often overlooked part of music history, though without it, the face of music today would be unrecognisable. Tickets for the event can be found here.

This announcement comes as national efforts to support the UK music industry ramp up. Liverpool and Birmingham have both secured government funding to boost music-focused technology, while Spotify recently launched a grassroots funding initiative to help save fifteen small music spaces across the UK after partnering with Youth Music. With growing concerns about AI-generated music threatening artists’ livelihoods, Factory Sounds underscores the importance of investing in human creativity.  

STEAM Radio, part of the 2024 cohort earlier this year, exemplifies the programme’s impact. Based in Hulme, the community station launched during the COVID-19 lockdown and now hosts 80 presenters spanning diverse genres. STEAM provides a platform for emerging talent to established presenters, and everything in between, showcasing music from local artists to contributions from as far afield as Jakarta and Rio de Janeiro.

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Factory Sounds’ flexibility embraces both cutting-edge and traditional art forms. A 2022 recipient, Obeka, used the grant to create a soundscape album inspired by South American, African, and Caribbean influences. 2025’s programme will continue to champion diverse voices, supporting underrepresented artists, including those from the global majority, trans and non-binary creators, and those who identify as disabled or neurodivergent. 

Factory Sounds plays a key role in building upon Manchester’s storied artistic heritage. Named after the iconic Factory Records, the initiative also benefits from design input by Peter Saville, known for his iconic album covers, including Unknown Pleasures. Factory International’s mission is to fuel artistic ambition, offering space for innovation, collaboration, and experimentation in its home at Aviva Studios.

The Adidas Originals Creator Network North, another initiative under the Factory International umbrella, complements Factory Sounds by supporting young creatives across Manchester who are involved in visual arts. Participants receive mentorship from industry professionals, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and £600 bursaries. The six-month programme culminates in a collaborative showcase at Aviva Studios, offering participants real-world experience and a chance to build valuable industry connections.   

Aviva Studios itself is a landmark for the city’s cultural ambitions, supported by £7 million from Arts Council England and a £35 million sponsorship from Aviva Insurance. Over the next decade, it is expected to contribute over £1 billion to Manchester’s economy. It will host an exhibition of David Hockney’s work throughout December.

@factoryinternational Meet David Hockney – one of the most influential British artists of our time bringing his exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) to Aviva Studios Learn more abiut the legendary artist on Factory+ by clicking the link in our bio. #Art #ArtTok #EduTok #DavidHockney #LGBTQ #ImmersiveArt #ImmersiveExperience ♬ original sound – Factory International

Sam Malik, a 2022 grant recipient, summed up the programme’s value: “Receiving this support not only enabled my project but validated the need to support underrepresented musicians in Greater Manchester.” With this year’s expanded offering, Factory Sounds continues to reflect Manchester’s diverse population while paving the way for its artistic future.

The 2025 grants, open for applications until 20 January, invite written or video submissions. Applicants must outline their project plans, budget allocation, and previous work. Grants are available to a wide range of music professionals, from musicians and DJs to promoters and label owners. You can apply here.