What is Salford Famous For?
When it comes to cities in the North West, you might be more familiar with Manchester than Salford. But while Salford is used to living in its neighbour’s shadow, it’s a proud city with a character and history all of its own.
From an industrial heritage that helped shape modern Britain to an influential music scene, world-famous art and one of the UK’s biggest media hubs, Salford has plenty of claims to fame. So, what is Salford famous for? Let’s take a closer look.
It's music scene
Salford and Manchester’s musical histories are heavily intertwined, and the two cities have produced some of the most influential British music of the last 50 years. From post-punk to Madchester to indie and electro-pop, plenty of musicians have Salford connections. Here are some of the biggest names.
Joy Division & New Order
Joy Division are undoubtedly one of the most influential bands to come out of Salford, and were famously formed after Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook watched the Sex Pistols play Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976. After the death of lead singer Ian Curtis in 1980, the remaining members formed New Order, blending guitars, drum machines and synths to produce era-defining tracks such as Blue Monday and Bizarre Love Triangle.
Happy Mondays
These Salford hellraisers were formed in 1980 and, with their baggy clothing, psychedelic tees and trippy, guitar-based dance music, became an integral part of the Madchester music and cultural scene. Songs like Step On and Kinky Afro remain indie-dancefloor fillers today.
The Ting Tings
That’s Not My Name is one of the late noughties' most enduring hits; it’s appeared in ads, countless films and even went viral on TikTok in 2022. Band members Katie White and Jules De Martino lived and worked at Salford’s Islington Mill, where they threw parties and came up with the catchy hook and drum beat that would become their most famous song.
Everything Everything
This art-pop four-piece formed in Salford in 2007 after two of the members met at the university. Songs such as Distant Past and Spring / Sun / Winter / Dread showcase their distinctive mix of offbeat lyrics and operatic melodies.
Ewan MacColl
If his surname seems familiar, it might be because he was the father of singer Kirsty MacColl. The Salford-born folk singer wrote The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which became a hit for Roberta Flack in the early 70s. His 1949 song, Dirty Old Town, inspired by his hometown, was later famously covered by The Pogues.
A university with industry connections
When thinking about what Salford is famous for, we can’t forget its university. With more than 20,000 students and three campuses, it’s a big part of the city’s identity.
The Guardian’s 2027 university guide ranked Salford as 57th in the UK, up 18 places from the previous year, with 85.4% of students saying they were satisfied with the teaching.
The university’s strong industry links and a career-focused approach to learning attract students who want to gain practical, real-world experience alongside their studies. It’s got some impressive industry-standard facilities too, such as TV and radio studios, sports science laboratories and specialist engineering and health facilities.
Its industrial heritage
The Bridgewater Canal
The Bridgewater Canal was built to transport coal from the Duke of Bridgewater’s mine at Worsley to Manchester. Opened in 1761, it was the first canal in Britain to follow its own route, rather than an existing river. Its efficiency in transporting coal halved its price in Manchester and helped fuel the two cities’ growth.
The Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Docks
The Manchester Ship Canal transformed the fortunes of both Manchester and Salford, providing a port for the landlocked cities by allowing ocean-going ships to sail straight in, cutting out the time and expense of transporting goods from Liverpool. The canal and Salford Docks were completed in 1894 and became the third-busiest port in Britain.
LS Lowry
Salford’s industrial heritage was immortalised in the works of LS Lowry, the artist whose paintings of “matchstick men” (as they were known) became some of the most well-known depictions of northern working-class life in the 40s and 50s. Today, you can see the world’s largest public collection of his work at Lowry, in Salford Quays.
An major TV hub
Since MediaCity opened in Salford Quays in 2011, the city has become one of the UK’s major media hubs. It’s the BBC’s northern home, where the channel produces shows including BBC Breakfast, Match of the Day, Blue Peter and University Challenge. ITV also have studios here, and the famous cobbles of Coronation Street are just around the corner.
Famous faces
Salford’s cultural reach is pretty huge, with many famous names hailing from the region. Here are a few you might recognise.
Jason Manford
Jason grew up in the city, and followed in Peter Kay’s footsteps after the comedian advised him to take an HND in Media and Performance at the University of Salford. He’s since gone on to become one of TV’s best-known entertainers.
Sarah Storey
Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, was born in Eccles. She won 30 Paralympic medals, including 19 gold, across cycling and swimming.
Benedict Wong
Also born in Eccles, Benedict is probably best known for playing Wong in the Doctor Strange movies. It’s well worth seeking out his brilliant turn alongside Sean Lock in cult sitcom 15 Storeys High.
Tony Wilson
Larger-than-life impresario who co-founded Factory Records and iconic Manchester nightclub, The Haçienda. Salford-born Wilson’s influence on UK culture can’t be understated.
Wendy Tan-White MBE
Tech entrepreneur Wendy co-created the first cloud-based website builder. She is now CEO of Google’s AI robotics group, Intrinsic. Born in Salford, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford Business School in 2018.
Mike Leigh
Revered auteur of kitchen-sink dramas such as Secrets and Lies, and Vera Drake, Mike Leigh grew up in Broughton, in the east of Salford and was educated at Salford Grammar.
Green spaces
Salford might be part of one of the UK’s biggest urban areas, but it’s surprisingly green. Around 60% of the city is made up of green spaces, with ten currently holding a Green Flag Award. Here are some of the best places to escape the urban jungle.
Peel Park
Located right next to the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus, you’ll get to know this park pretty well during your time here. With plenty of lush green grass, colourful flower beds and a tree-lined riverside walk, it’s the perfect spot for a study break, kickabout or stroll along the river.
RHS Garden Bridgewater
If you love gardens, you can easily while away a few hours in the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Bridgewater. Set in the grounds of Worsley New Hall, its 156 acres offer plenty of peaceful spots to explore, including a walled garden, the Mediterranean and Asiatic-inspired Paradise Garden and a wildflower meadow.
Kersal Wetlands
Created on part of the former Manchester Racecourse, Kersal Wetlands is an urban nature reserve where you can spot all kinds of birdlife, including herons, buzzards, cormorants and kingfishers. It’s a great place for running and cycling too.
Clifton Country Park
A former coal mine, Clifton Country Park is now 119 acres of woodland, fields, riverside and lake. It’s also home to part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, and with plenty of walking routes to follow, you can make your walk as long or as short as you like.
So, what is Salford famous for? From its iconic music scene and industrial heritage to its award-winning green spaces and thriving media industry, it’s easy to see why Salfordians are proud of their city.
Thousands of students choose to make it their home too. If you’d like to join them, why not take a look at our Salford student accommodation. With spacious en-suite rooms, welcoming communal spaces and a full calendar of social events, you’ll feel right at home in Salford from day one.
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