The festival season may well be drawing to a close, but don't feel too disheartened. There are still a few gems left to be explored, one of which is right on our door step. It's Salford's turn to take centre stage this September, when the third annual Salford Music Festival takes place from September 26th - 29th. 

St Philip's Church is just one of the venues taking part in the festival

Taking place over a platform of 20 unique venues in Salford and Salford Quays including The Black Lion, St. Phillip's Church, The Eagle Inn and Dock Bar, the festival will showcase the region's incredible wealth of creativity and talent - with a focus on young, unsigned artists. The line-up boasts a few big names too, such as local breakthrough Ren Harvieu, who kicks off proceedings at the fittingly haunting St. Phillips Church on Thursday 26th September with her breathtakingly romantic pop-soul that shows scant regard for modernisation.

Ren Harvieu plays at St Philip's Church on September 26th

Other highlights include legendary DJs Dave Haslam and Graeme Park who'll be taking to the decks on Saturday 28th at Dock Bar Media City, as well as reggae collective Aswad, The Minx, The Rubys and The Cornelius Crane.  

Most of the events are absolutely free with the remainder of high-profile gigs priced at a mere £10 each. And with 340 bands and DJs gracing the stages over the four-day period, it shouldn't be too much of a challenge to scout something of interest. Check out the website for the full line-up.