NRTHRN is a new Manchester label set up by alt-R&B act Vzion with support from MIF Sounds, our initiative to help Manchester musicians make music during lockdown – and they took over the three Festival Square stages on Sunday 11 July for a brilliantly eclectic afternoon, with sets from fast-rising soul star Yemi Bolatiwa, glue70 & ZULA, rapper-producer Ceeow, singer-songwriters Nyree and Ava, and DJs Tommy Tickle and David Birch.

Ríoghnach Connolly’s Honeyfeet and electronic pop upcomer Ellysse Mason were live in the Square during the evening, bookended by DJ sets from Girl Gang Manchester (making their third visit to the Square this week) and Queer Latifah. And to open up, there was a family-friendly gig courtesy of Babyrocksampler – with live music from the space-rocking HENGE.

We would like to thank Therme Group, Co-op, JW Lees, Hawkins\Brown, Buro Happold and Civic Engineers for their contributions to Festival Square.