Following an open call out back in May for artists from Greater Manchester, we are excited to announce the line up, theme and artistic director for the prestigious opening concert on the first night of WOMEX on Wednesday 23 October. 

The theme of the opening concert is Together in Music: We Welcome the World. The world’s first industrialised city, the birthplace of the suffragette movement, the city that split the atom – Manchester’s radical ideas have inspired the modern world. 

But Manchester’s history of innovation – in science, technology, design, and of course music – would not have been possible without the city’s people and communities. A proud international city, Manchester’s globally connected population and open, collaborative spirit is a crucial part of its past, current and future success.

This year’s Opening welcomes 3-Night Festival Pass holders and WOMEX delegates 24 with performances from four artists that represent the breadth of Greater Manchester’s music scene. Eclectic musical styles, united by the Mancunian spirit, all under the artistic direction of Jenna G.

Meet the artists:

Vulva Voce create radical musical experiences with performance at the forefront, combining movement, experimentation and improvisation to produce a truly dynamic show. They combine their musical influences of folk, contemporary classical, techno, and beyond, to push the boundaries of how a string quartet can sound, perform and engage with an audience. The music they play is entirely created by women and underrepresented artists from across history, including original music and specially commissioned works.

Over the past two years, their innovative approach has gained them publicity on the GRAMMYS website, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Manchester, The Strad and Slipped Disc. In March 2024, they attended South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas and most recently performed at Glastonbury Festival 2024.

Dirty Freud is an electronic live and recording artist who has found success since moving to the North of England. Described as “wonderfully wonky” by BBC Radio 6Music’s Nemone, their music is live electronica wrapped in jazz melodies. 

Over the years, Dirty Freud has played headline slots at UK festivals including Glastonbury, All Points East, Citadel, Boomtown, Beat-Herder, as well as at gigs across Europe. He has gained key support in his journey from Jon More of Coldcut and Ninja Tune, Rough Trade and Keep It Dirty Records.

Heather Ferrier is a force to be reckoned with, who captivates audiences with musicianship and a sound that is unapologetically her own. An “engaging talker and magnetic performer”(NARC magazine), the Stockport born accordionist, clog dancer and composer is changing the perceptions of alt-folk on her own terms. 

Her latest EP ‘Engine for the Sound’ creates music that sets the accordion free from its stereotypes, and with an extended line-up of musicians, expresses everything Heather stands for using powerful melodies and jazz-influenced harmony. Bold, passionate and enthralling; the EP has been played on BBC Radio 6Music, and has been favourably reviewed in local and national publications.

Agbeko are an Afrobeat-inspired 12-piece juggernaut born out of reverence for music of West Africa in the 1970s and mixed in a cauldron of psychedelic rock, funk, Ethio-jazz and UK jazz. Drawing as equally from Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke as from Led Zeppelin and Woody Guthrie, “Agbeko are their own force of nature, with a message, an understanding and a consistent ability to erupt a dance floor” (Groovement).

Agbeko’s latest album, ‘There Must Be Another Way’ was independently released and toured in 2023, and has been featured on BBC Radio 6Music, Worldwide FM, Groove Africa (Ghana), Radio Capital (Italy) and Radio 3 (España). According to Songlines Magazine, “the spectacular chemistry shared by this large band is electric and emotive”.

About the artistic director, Jenna G:

Manchester-born artist Jenna G has been a force in the music scene for over 25 years. Emerging from the city’s vibrant club and pirate radio culture of the late ’90s, she quickly became a staple in the UK Drum & Bass scene with releases on Soul, MetalHeadz, Hospital Records and more. A versatile creative, Jenna has collaborated with legends like Nile Rodgers and Disclosure, and even hosted BBC 1Xtra’s weekend breakfast show.

Only 3-Night Festival Pass holders and delegates can access this performance. With limited wristbands remaining, secure yours now.

This year’s Opening is presented by Manchester Music City, Manchester City Council, Brighter Sound and English Folk Expo. The Artistic Director is Jenna G. 

Supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester Airport Group.