CUPRA City Garage Manchester calls for new talent as it marks first anniversary

Salo

Open call for creatives headlines a one-night music event celebrating CUPRA FM’s 30th episode in Manchester...

CUPRA City Garage Manchester is putting out a call for new talent as it marks its first anniversary, inviting the city’s next wave of artists, DJs and promoters to step forward.

The venue will host ‘Let’s Talk Music’ on 14 May, a one-night event designed to spotlight emerging creatives while shaping CUPRA’s 2026 programme. Framed as both a live showcase and an open invitation, the night aims to connect directly with Manchester’s music community and build future collaborations.

At the centre of the line-up is Manchester’s own neo-soul star SALO, whose distinct vocal style has marked her out as one to watch. She’ll be joined by Pola & Bryson, the drum and bass duo known for their melodic, high-energy sets, bringing a mix of emotional depth and club-ready sound to the bill.

Pola & Bryson

Hosting duties fall to Strategy, a long-standing figure in the city’s scene, whose two decades behind the mic reflect the grassroots connection CUPRA is aiming to strengthen through the event.

With capacity capped at 200, the night is positioned as an opportunity for Manchester’s creative network to engage directly with the CUPRA team, explore future bookings and collaborations, and play a role in shaping the space’s next chapter.

Strategy

Over the past year, CUPRA City Garage Manchester has staged more than 200 events, establishing itself as a hub for music, culture and conversation. Through initiatives including CUPRA FM and CUPRA Live, it has platformed both international acts and local talent, with an emphasis on building community-led programming.

As it moves into its second year, that focus is shifting further towards discovery. ‘Let’s Talk Music’ marks the starting point, with CUPRA looking to expand its creative network and bring new voices into the fold.

cupra garage

A spokesperson for CUPRA said: “This space is built for creatives. As we mark our 30th episode of CUPRA FM, we want to open the doors to new voices and begin shaping the next year of programming together.”

The event happens from 7pm on 14 May at CUPRA City Garage Manchester on St Ann Street.

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