Steve Coogan hails Oli Wilson at Beyond The Music opening
Beyond The Music kicked off the 2026 edition with a bang, launching its inaugural event in Salford on Wednesday. The festivities immediately set a high bar, starting with a retrospective screening of the celebrated 24th anniversary reissue of the iconic 24 Hour Party People.
This isn’t just a music event; it’s a cultural gathering, and it brought some serious talent to the stage. The evening was headlined by a stellar lineup of creative forces, including actor Steve Coogan, director Michael Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton, who joined the celebration as keynote guests.
The atmosphere in Salford was electric as these celebrated figures brought their unique perspectives to the celebration of a legendary cultural moment. The convergence of music history and cinematic creativity provided a truly unique experience for attendees.
The event successfully blended nostalgia with contemporary artistic vision, proving that classic sounds can still resonate powerfully with a modern audience. It was a powerful statement about the enduring legacy of the 24 Hour Party People and the ongoing influence of the creative community.
Beyond The Music has clearly established itself as a premier platform for bringing history and the present together, offering audiences more than just a screening—it offers an unforgettable communal experience anchored by some of the brightest minds in the industry.