Details of huge guitar trail revealed as manchester braces for 1. 3m tourists

'MUSIC FOR THE SENSES' WILL HOST A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED GUITAR-LED TAKEOVER OF THE CITY CENTRE 10:57, 20 May 2025Updated 19:52, 20 May 2025 A guitar signed by Liam and Noel Gallagher,

a massive music-themed installation on King Street and a interactive trail are just some of the things visitors can expect to find across Manchester city centre this summer as it gears up

for one of the biggest celebrations of music in recent years. Over July and August, 'Music for the Senses' will host a not-to-be-missed guitar-led takeover across the city centre.

Commissioned by the city council from global art producer Wild in Art, in association with charity Forever Manchester, it will see guitar-themed artworks, exhibitions and other installations

appear throughout the city's streets and squares from 7 July to 31 August. It comes from the same organisation behind the popular Bee in the City trail and will feature brightly

painted guitars all around the city and surrounding areas for visitors to admire, each featuring a unique design created by artists from across the UK. Meanwhile, guitars donated by Oasis

and other major bands and musicians will form the centrepiece of a specially curated auction of new and 'pre-loved' guitars - with each of the donated guitars also on display in

shop windows and other venues across the city too. Those heading into the city over the summer months can also expect pop-up shops, performances, music-themed markets and a festival bar.

Article continues below Manchester is currently preparing to welcome a massive 1.3 million music tourists over the summer, with the Oasis concerts front and centre of what is being billed as

'Manchester Live 25' - an unmissable three months of music in the city. Parklife, Manchester International Festival (MIF) and Pride are just some of the other events set to bring

thousands into the city over the coming months too. Ahead of 'Music for the Senses' taking over the city streets, organisers have now given more details about what to expect

including a sneak peek at some of the guitars that will be part of the trail, and information on the map and app that visitors can use to make the most of the musical takeover. "In

terms of where we're up to, we've had around 120 guitars donated but need another 150 for the installation," explained Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art at

an event unveiling some of the designs. "We've has the Oasis guitar donated to put on display and have just had confirmed another band today. We're hoping have about ten

household names that have donated guitars to this initiative. "Those guitars are in original form and will be displayed as pop-up exhibitions in various locations, and all the other

painted by artists, you will see some examples of those today. "They all get auctioned at the end and all the money raised goes to grassroot music venues and projects in and around

Greater Manchester. "The project is all about supporting the future artists, without thriving grassroot venues we don't get the next Oasis or Doves." THE ART TRAIL The art

trail will see up to 50 donated guitars that are no longer playable painted or otherwise adorned by professional artists, turning them into beautiful individual artworks for display in shop

windows and other venues across the city, alongside the donated guitar from Liam and Noel and those from other musicians. The guitar from the Burnage brothers is a Epiphone Riviera, signed

by the pair. It will go on display in Selfridges on Exchange Square ahead of the band's live return to their home city this July, and will remain there throughout the summer. The

guitars whether donated by musicians or painted by artists will be spread across the city and on view at locations including Co-op Live, Hulme, Mayfield, Salford, with up to 80 pieces of

artwork for people to find via the map which can be printed off or viewed on the dedicated app. A number of painted guitars have now also been unveiled including one designed by artist Jim

Medway based in Furness Vale. The 12-string acoustic guitar has taken inspiration from the Chorlton folk scene, with the artwork depicting a live folk jam. Another, which will no doubt be

popular with younger music fans, is former prop maker and artist Sally Adam's amazing giraffe-inspired work. Sally has worked on Wild in Art trails for ten years, and is also known as

the The Duckorator, decorating large sponsored ducks for Norfolk's Break charity duck races. In a nod to another beloved Manchester band, artist Tim Sutcliffe has channelled Stones

Roses' album sleeves for his creation, with intricate detailing and "even a lemon or two." The art trail will also feature a number of music-themed murals. Locations are still

be confirmed but it looks like Oxford Road Railway Station will be one. Still in the works is 'Music Mooch', a series of AR interactive experiences in five locations across

Greater Manchester. CITY CENTRE GUITAR INSTALLATION A further 100 plus broken guitars will also be used for Guitar Street - an interactive, nest-like installation on King Street by

Manchester artist Liam Hopkins aka Lazarian, whose artwork will lovingly repurpose the donated guitars. The working title for the piece is 'Cathedral of Sound' which gives visitors

an idea of the style of installation to expect with a bird nest-style artwork in the works. It is being billed as a 'multi-sensory' experience that will be a

'destination' for music lovers to flock to this summer. GUITAR AMNESTY A callout is still live for Mancunians and others to contribute guitars to become part of the Music for the

Senses art trail and auction. So far, around 120 guitars have been collected, but another 150 are needed for Liam's huge guitar installation. New, old, broken or revered instruments in

any condition are welcomed. All donors will be named and credited as part of the trail and will be able to seek out their own contributions and discover the works of art they have become.

Guitars can be taken to Manchester libraries and venues across the city and more details on locations are on the Music for the Senses website. Article continues below Any guitars donated for

the art trail that are in very good, still-playable condition will be assessed by partners Rigby Music MCR and donated to a music charity, giving them a second life in the hands of aspiring

musicians and the next generation of artists. Businesses wishing to get involved as sponsors can find more details here.