Exploring the Future of Islamic Art and Culture
Salaam Festival brings local, national and international artists of diverse backgrounds and art forms to produce innovative work in Manchester and beyond.
Welcome to Salaam Festival
A pioneering festival exploring the future of Islamic art and culture. We bring together local, national and international artists from diverse backgrounds to create original work in Manchester and beyond.
With our deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary Muslim artforms, we offer a unique platform that celebrates the rich tapestry of Islamic heritage while embracing bold new expressions-beyond colour, creed or interpretation.
Despite the turbulent times across the globe we hope to share words and performances that respectfully grieve, heal and raise our hopes through inspiring artists and the power of community.
Programme
Screen Printing
Discover screen printing with Salaam Festival.
Transform your own tote bag or bring a spare t-shirt and experiment styles. This a print workshop guided by Rayhaan Ouadi. Whether you are a complete beginner or a creative looking to learn new skills we have something for you.
Tote bag and ink materials are provided. Limited numbers of tote bags available, so once they’re gone - they’re gone.
Date: Sat 01 Nov 11am, each hour
Tote bag included in ticket price
Songs of the Sufi
In an unbroken chain spanning over 800 years, a form of music has inspired, entranced & enlightened people. Songs of the Sufi takes viewers on a musical and artistic journey that catalogues traditional “Qawwali”, the mystical music tradition of the Indian Subcontinent associated with 13th-century Sufi seminaries, which is enjoyed globally today.
The story is told from the lens of two families—A Qawwali lover who grew up with Qawwali around him, his mother a Sufi disciple who reminisces about her listening experiences as a teenager in India; and Qawwali singers who have been paying homage to this genre for 25 generations.
Live performances of various Qawwalis, the use of secret syllables and odes written in the 13th century blend with modern Qawwalis to create a meditative visual and listening experience. Dr. Katherine Schofield, a renowned musicologist shares her scholarly insights. The film explores the history, culture, etiquette, and the universal message of love that Qawwali embodies. Q&A will follow with the film producer Kamran Anwar.
Email: boxoffice@contactmcr.com
Date: Sat 01 Nov 3pm (Running time 60 mins)
Venue: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
Dhikr
Join us for a heartfelt and huge evening of remembrance through rhythms.
Experience the spiritual and human connection as we welcome Hāmza Bouzhār, Maryām alSäeīd and headliner Büşra Kayıkçı. We promise an evening to inspire us through the passion of their voices and melodies to open, reflect and remember.
Box Office: Contactmcr.com Email: boxoffice@contactmcr.com
Date: Sat 01 Nov 7pm (Running time 150 mins)
Doors open 6:30PM
Venue: Contact Theatre. Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
Büşra Kayıkçı
We are delighted to announce the powerful and talented Büşra Kayıkçı will headline the festival this year.
Playing for the first time in Manchester this outstanding interdisciplinary artist seeks to forge a unique voice at the intersection of music, space, and visuals. Since her debut recording, 'Eskizler' (2019), she has consistently sought to expand her sonic palette, further developing her sound in the album 'Places' (2024) and most recently in the EP project 'Weaving' (2025).
Born and raised in Istanbul, the composer and pianist Büşra Kayıkçı has an artistic foundation deeply rooted in a diverse range of disciplines. While devoted to piano since the age of nine, she also pursued ballet and attended art school on the weekends, fostering a multifaceted creative sensibility. Her academic background in interior architecture and environmental design at university further informs her unique approach to music, where structure and fluidity intertwine.
Date: Sat 01 Nov, 8pm (Running time 60 mins) Doors open 6:30PM
Venue: Contact Theatre. Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
Mosaic Coffee Coaster
Discover mosaic-making with Salaam Festival.
Rayhaana Ouadi returns to run a workshop on how to personalise your own coffee coasters with Arabic text or mosaics. This is a hands on creative workshop to use colour, texture, mosaics and text to create unique pieces of art for your cup of chai, sitting in the office or the comfort of your home.
Coaster and mosaic materials are provided.
Date: Sun 02 Nov, 11am, each hour
Düā
Palestinian artist Reem Anbar and Pakistan’s Imran Rahat Ali Khan will close the festival for a specially curated and unique evening.
Reem Anbar begins the evening with rhythms and chords that whisper desires of hope for those who seek freedom.
This performance connects us with the past, present and future hopes through the Oud, tabla and songs of poetry-whispering praise. Exceptional voices and devotional echoes recall the illustrious predecessor Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who made Qawwali known to the world. Imran Rahat Ali Khan and his party take us on a painful journey of migration, the music weaving ancient poetry and intense rhythms with complex melodies to invoke a deeply-moving spiritual atmosphere.
Box Office: Contactmcr.com Email: boxoffice@contactmcr.com
Date: Sun 02 Nov, 7pm (Running time 150 mins)
Doors open 6:30PM
Venue: Contact Theatre. Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
Creating Cultural Impact
Salaam Festival weaves together artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational outreach to create meaningful cultural experiences. Through our three key initiatives, we're fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and building a more connected society.
Keep up to date with Salaam Festival
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest programme announcements, artist updates and cultural insights.