Steve Coogan, John Thomson and 24 Hour Party People stars reunite in Salford to celebrate major milestone

A Century of Salford Spirit

The North of England has long been a powerhouse of creativity, a region defined by its grit, its music, and its enduring influence on the national landscape. This year, the spotlight turns toward Salford, a city currently basking in the glow of a momentous landmark: its centenary. One hundred years have passed since the city was officially granted its status by Royal Charter on 21 April 1926, and the celebrations unfolding across the region are a testament to a century of evolution, resilience, and artistic flair. At the heart of these festivities is a commitment to the industries that have helped shape the local identity, marking a proud chapter in a narrative that stretches from industrial beginnings to modern media dominance.

The Party Returns Home

Among the most anticipated moments of this celebratory year occurred at MediaCity, the sprawling hub of creative endeavour that serves as a cornerstone of the modern Northern landscape. It was here, during the Beyond The Music 2026 festival held between 6 and 9 October, that a piece of cinematic history was revived. The stars of the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, a work that captured the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the music scene, returned to their old stomping grounds. The reunion, featuring familiar faces such as Steve Coogan and John Thomson alongside other key members of the production cast, offered a rare glimpse into the legacy of a project that remains deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Greater Manchester. As the actors gathered, the nostalgia was palpable, serving as a reminder of how effectively the screen can reflect the soul of a city.

Creativity at the Core

Why does such a reunion matter in the grander scheme of the city’s centenary? The answer lies in Salford’s unwavering dedication to the arts. By bringing together the figures behind a cult classic, the city underscored its status as a breeding ground for original, bold, and distinct creative work. The presence of Coogan, Thomson, and their colleagues during the Beyond The Music festival was far from a mere walk down memory lane; it was an active acknowledgement of the city’s role in nurturing talent that eventually ripples out to influence the wider UK cultural scene. MediaCity provided the perfect backdrop for this reflection, standing as a living monument to the professional industries that keep the creative gears turning in the North.

Looking Toward the Future

As the festival concluded, the echoes of the 24 Hour Party People reunion continued to serve as a symbol of the broader, year-long programme of community-led festivities that define this centenary year. Salford is not merely looking back at the last hundred years with fondness; it is using this milestone to propel itself forward. The energy seen during those days in October highlighted a city that is comfortable in its skin and confident in its creative future. By bridging the gap between the film’s 2002 cultural contribution and the contemporary spirit of 2026, the city has successfully threaded its past into its present, ensuring that the legacy of its people remains a vibrant, evolving force.

This centenary is ultimately a celebration of the human element—the actors, the creators, and the local communities who have spent a century making Salford a place of significance. Whether through the lens of a camera or the bustle of MediaCity, the spirit of the region remains as robust as ever. As the festivities continue to unfold, the message is clear: Salford is a city that honours its history while simultaneously building the foundations for the next century of innovation. The reunion of 24 Hour Party People was a highlight, but it is also a signpost of what is yet to come, proving that when a city celebrates its heritage with such passion, it secures its place in the national conversation for generations to come.