Salford 100: The Wagon Train

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Salford 100: The Wagon Train

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Salford & Manchester

The Wagon Train was a pop-up festival in your neighbourhood with free, family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer. Now, we're producing the finale production which will celebrate Salford's 100-year history, shine a spotlight on today's talent, and look to Salford’s future

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.

The Wagon Train Finale

A magical outdoor spectacle for a family audience, created by outdoor arts pioneers, Walk the Plank. As the clocks turn back, we celebrate the city's heritage, shine a spotlight on today's talent, and look to Salford’s future…

This half term, join us to celebrate our city’s 100th Birthday, in a not-to-be-missed extravaganza in Seedley Park, inspired by the city's industry, the Salford Sioux and a summer of cultural events co-created with communities across the city.

Expect aerial performance, a glittering glowing Time Capsule, the Wagon Train of inventions (celebrating innovations such as electricity and space exploration)... and the return of the gigantic birthday cake! The event will feature dancers representing the heydays of Salford’s entertainment nightlife from ballroom to northern soul; live music from drummers, plus DJs. There will also be a parade of lanterns (made and carried by local children) representing the Fuel of the Future, and Pride of Salford torch bearers will ignite a huge fire drawing, designed by young people. The event will draw to a close with a firework finale illuminates the night sky.

When: Sunday 25 October, 6pm

Where: Seedley Park

For more information click here: Salford 100 website

Salford Residents, Get Involved!

We are looking for adults of all ages and young people to get involved and be part of this large-scale community celebration as torchbearers, Geolight carriers, audience greeters, and members of the Spirit of Youth ensemble, which involves movement and carrying flags.

You will need to be available on the performance date, as well as the evening of Fri 23 and/or Sat 24 October to rehearse. No previous experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.

Support and assistance are available, including with transport.

Read the FAQs here.

To find out more, please come along to one of the following in-person or online information sessions:

In person, Wednesday 30 September, 6–7pm, Pendleton Ex-Services Club, 221 Langworthy Road, Salford, M6 5PQ
In person, Thursday 1 October, 1.30–3pm, Seedley Pavilion (part of Buile Hill Park), M5 5LY
Online Zoom meeting (with live captioning), Tuesday 6 October, 6–7pm
In person, Thursday 15 October, 4–5.30pm, Seedley Pavilion (part of Buile Hill Park), M5 5LY

Please let us know of any access requirements if you're attending these sessions.

Please register your interest by Sunday 11 October by completing this form.

Walk the Plank insight

The Wagon Train Finale Advert

Listen to our audio advert created with Live Well Broughton at their August fun day.

Listen Here Watch the live report from Seedley Park here

Access Information

The performance is mainly non-verbal and focuses on movement and dance. For speaking segments, there will be BSL interpretation.

Stewards in high-visibility vests will be stationed around the area to help assist with directions or any other concerns. Stewards with sign language skills will be in differently coloured high-visibility vests.

There will be portaloos, including two accessible portaloos on site
First Aid Provisions on site.
The event will take place outdoors – no matter the weather!
All site access entryways measure 2 metres at minimum, 3 metres at maximum.
Please be aware that there are some ramps with an incline above 30 degrees.
Wheelchair user access: We are currently in the process of investigating wheelchair designated spaces. Please let us know if not having a wheelchair dedicated viewing area would make this event inaccessible.
Personal Assistants/Companions: Personal Assistants and Companions are welcome.

Please note, there will be nowhere to purchase refreshments on site.

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

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.