In The City 19th to 22nd October

Tony Wilson's unsigned festival lives on...

Of all the things the late, great Tony Wilson did during his lifetime, his decision to set up In The City with co-founder Yvette Livesey was one of the greatest.

 

The reason we say this is not because we love big industry parties (though we do) or debates about the music industry (though we do), but because In The City has probably launched more great unsigned bands than any other festival in the world. For three days, Manchester hosts everyone who is anyone in the UK record industry as they fight to sign up the Next Big Thing. Oasis, Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Daft Punk and Chemical Brothers all made their mark here before going on to dominate the airwaves, and that's just for starters.

Scrolling through the list of bands that have played In The City is a staggering experience: Radiohead, Bjork, The Verve, The Fall, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, The Charlatans, Skunk Anansie, Stereophonics, Cypress Hill, Muse, Jamelia and Snow Patrol are just some of the household names that have cut their teeth or leant their support to the festival over the years.

This year's festival is better than ever. Highlights include:

Catch ITC, a showcase 250 bands at 7 venues over the four days

 

Break ITC, a series of free seminars, workshops and panels for people wanting to work in the record industry

 

Under the Trees, a fantastic roster of acts in an all-dayer at the King's Arms, Salford

 

Twisted Wheel at One Central Street, Sunday 21st

 

The Beep Seals at the NME Party, Studia (Late Rooms), Sat 20th

 

Oneyesblue at the Red Stripe Music Award Showcase, South,  Sat 20th

 

Entry to events varies by venue. For full details of the lineup of the festival, visit www.inthecity.co.uk