If you’re in town for the May 6 Bank Holiday, be sure to hop across the River Irwell where Salford, our city-within-a-city, will be hosting this year’s Sounds from the Other City festival:

Sounds from the Other City returns for the third year running after last year’s triumphant sell out. This year, we’ve lined up an EVEN BIGGER live music fiesta. Starring seven of Manchester’s finest promoters and club nights, Salford’s pubs will be overwhelmed once again with over 40 bands – all for just £9!

The promoters in question are Golden Lab, Contort Yourself, Rain or Shine, Club Brenda, Red Deer Club, Blowout and High Voltage – all of whom contribute to (Greater) Manchester’s music scene in their own way.

A quick scan over the lineup for some potential SFTOC 2007 highlights: Gideon Conn, Lone Lady, Magic Arm, Modernaire and Cortina Deluxx. Google them, Myspace them and enjoy.

The stars of the festival, however, are the criminally neglected pubs and makeshift venues in Salford – Kings Arms, the river-side Mark Addy and Sacred Trinity Church in particular, though all of them have their charms.

Tickets are available from Piccadilly Records on Oldham Street or via QuayTickets.com, which gives all profits to The Lowry. You’ll find SFTOC on Myspace and you can contact the organisers at info@deaddigital.com.

There’s an aftershow party at Salford’s mecca of alternative culture, Islington Mill. It’ll be celebrating the 14th year of Manchester’s longest-running club night, Smile. A limited number of tickets for this are available on the day.