Salaam Festival

Salaam Festival is a pioneering celebration of Islamic art and culture, bringing together local, national and international artists to Manchester. With a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary Muslim artforms, the festival creates a unique platform that honours heritage while embracing bold new expressions.

In turbulent times, Salaam Festival offers a space to grieve, heal and hope through inspiring performances, workshops and the power of community.

This year’s programme includes Dhīkr, a heartfelt evening of remembrance through rhythm and voice featuring Hāmza Bouzhār, Maryām Al-Säeīd and headline artist Büşra Kayıkçı, who performs in Manchester for the first time. Songs of the Sufi explores the untold story of Qawwali, tracing an unbroken 800-year tradition through music, history and culture, with live performances and scholarly insight.

Workshops provide opportunities for hands-on creativity, with Rayhaan Ouadi leading a screen printing session where audiences can design their own tote bag or t-shirt, and Rayhaana Ouadi returning to guide participants in mosaic-making, creating personalised coasters using Arabic text, colour and texture.

The festival closes with a specially curated evening led by Palestinian oud player Reem Anbar and Pakistani Qawwal Imran Rahat Ali Khan. Together they weave oud, poetry and devotional Qawwali into a moving performance that reflects on freedom, migration and the enduring power of love and unity.

At the heart of the festival is headline artist Büşra Kayıkçı. Making her Manchester debut, the Istanbul-born composer and pianist brings a distinctive voice at the intersection of music, space and visuals. With acclaimed works including Eskizler, Places and Weaving, she embodies the festival’s spirit of innovation and boundary-crossing creativity.

Salaam Festival 2025 invites audiences to discover Islamic art and culture in all its richness—past, present and future.