Two performers in colourful costumes entertain an outdoor audience in front of a decorated stage with bright flowers and gears.
Two performers in colourful costumes entertain an outdoor audience in front of a decorated stage with bright flowers and gears.

Salford 100: The Wagon Train

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The Wagon Train is a pop-up festival in your neighbourhood with free, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer. Expect music, poetry, play space, karaoke, talent competitions, in a programme co-created with Salford’s citizens.

Part of Salford's centenary celebrations, celebrating the heart and soul of Salford. Events will take place whatever the weather, and there will be toilets and refreshments available at all locations.

Please check individual event listings on the Salford 100 website for further information on our programme, partners and accessibility at each site.

  • Saturday 4 July - Middlewood Locks Festival
  • Saturday 22 August - Celebrating Peel Park's 180th anniversary
  • Sunday 30 & Monday 31 August - Irlam and Cadishead Festival
  • Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September - BBC Contains Strong Language

Keep an eye out for further Wagon Train events, including our grand finale in October 2026, to be announced doon.

Group of elderly musicians playing guitars and ukuleles on a decorated outdoor stage during a sunny day event.

Salford 100: The Wagon Train

More about The Wagon Train

Walk the Plank has created a Wild West-inspired Wagon: part pop-up stage, part DJ booth, a creative space for communities in Salford to use May - September 2026. The Wagon Train is inspired by Buffalo Bill’s visit to Salford 150 years ago, and the incredible changes in the city since then. 

During October 2025, we took our Wagon on a tour of Salford's neighbourhoods and asked the people of Salford: what should take place on or around the Wagon in your community? A fashion show, a band night, a karaoke night, hokey cokey, or a food festival? We invited communities to speak to us at Pendleton Shopping City, Ordsall Hall, Cadishead Park, Eccles Church Street, Castle Community Centre & Ivy St Park, Peel Park Community Little Hulton, Boothstown Community Centre and Buile Hill Park. We hope the centenary programme represents people from as many neighbourhoods and communities as possible.


Part of Salford 100, celebrating one hundred years of our city. Taking place across all of Salford and finishing with a fantastic finale this autumn. Find out more at: salford100.org.uk. The cultural programme is co-produced by Walk the Plank and From The Other.

The Wagon Train Credits:

  • Designed by Candida Boyes and George Babington.
  • The artwork was painted by street artist Brezaux and supported by Salford University student Josie Dickinson.
  • Scenic painter/art technician Kizzy Yuill.

Birthday City

Birthday City

Also part of Salford's centenary celebrations, on Tuesday 21 April 2026 we celebrated six local residents who share their birthday with Salford on 21 April with a surprise of music, a three metre high cake and dancing cupcakes. Live music came courtesy of Manchester Dhol Drummers, Mr Wilson's  Second Liners, Fat Cat Brass and, a trio from BC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following a nomination process earlier in the year, we brought joy to people across Salford, including seven-year-old Samuel at River View Primary School, students Jayden & Horstan at Chatsworth Futures and Eccles College, and teaching staff at St Teresa's and Eccles College. We also surprised Ronak doing his weekly shop, Jane at her birthday brunch, and a whole host of Salford commuters on the morning train from Salford Crescent.

Birthday City was produced by Walk the Plank for Salford 100 celebrations.

Birthday City, Salford 100, Darren Robinson, 2026

Research and Development

Read the Wagon Train R&D Report below

Read here
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