Young Fathers, Gossip, and The Smile to headline BBC Radio 6 Music Festival 2024

16 January 2024, 10:58 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(Young Fathers) (Gossip) (The Smile) (Hak Baker) (Ezra Collective) (Jordan Rakei) (Witch Fever) (BBC 6 Music Festival)

The line up for this year’s BBC Radio 6 Music Festival, which takes place from 7-10 March in Greater Manchester, has been announced and includes Young Fathers, Gossip, and The Smile.

On 7 March, Young Fathers will be performing a unique collaboration with the Hulme and Moss Side based NIA community choir, supported by Hak Baker and SHERELLE (DJ set). With their first show in four years, Gossip will celebrate International Women's Day and premiere unreleased material. They will be supported by CMAT and AFRODEUTSCHE (DJ set).

The Smile are joined by the London Contemporary Orchestra with a world exclusive performance as the first time the Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner project have performed with an orchestra on 9 March. The Smile will be supported by Jordan Rakei and Mary Anne Hobbs + Anna Phoebe (a unique hybrid performance featuring a DJ set from Mary Anne and Anna playing live violin and viola).

“6 Music has been a long-time supporter but I feel since the birth of my debut you lot have just taken it to another echelon. I just can’t thank you enough for broadcasting my messages on the airwaves. Outside East London, Manchester, home of the Haçienda, has long been my fave city. We always sell out over there and we always have it large, most importantly so bringing it heavy on March 7th 2024. Couple of newbies no one’s ever heard and a few more tricks up the old wizard sleeve. Hold on to ya hats!!," says Hak Baker.

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Further shows include a BBC Music Introducing night at Band on the Wall and New Music Fix Live at YES, the first time the 6 Music Festival has visited the venue. Club nights will include Indie Forever at Band on the Wall and Rave Forever at Archive, Depot Mayfield Manchester in partnership with the Warehouse Project. There will also be Morning After Mix Live events on the Saturday and Sunday at RAMONA: Jamz Supernova will broadcast her 6 Music show from the venue on Saturday 9 March (1pm-4pm), which will feature a live DJ set from Children of Zeus, and Cerys Matthews will present from RAMONA on Sunday 10 March (10am-1pm), with a live DJ set from Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective.

DJs playing across the city at the festival during the weekend include Lolly Adefope, Space Afrika, 96 Back, Daphni, Lily Fontaine (English Teacher), Mary Anne Hobbs, I. JORDAN, Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective), Amy Lamé, LCY, Mica Levi, Rainy Miller, Not Bad For A Girl, DJ Paulette, Emily Pilbeam, salute, DJ Seinfeld, Nathan Shepherd, Iceboy Violet, Yyre and Children of Zeus.

Tickets for each event will be available from 10am on 18 January via bbc.co.uk.