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Whilst Dirty Old Town is a beloved homage to the city and its people, the time has come for a new song that will showcase the city’s creative community and tell its story to a new generation.

Therefore, as part of the city’s centenary celebrations, the University is partnering with arts organisation, From The Other, on the Songs of �������� project that will see celebrated songwriter and producer Charlie Deakin-Davies work with a range of �������� creatives and University alumni to create a collection that best represents life in the city in 2026.

Charlie, who has worked with the likes of Raye, Gary Barlow, Kate Nash, James Bay and Fred Again, will be teaming up with six collaborating artists, including singer-songwriter Sam Seth, a graduate of our BA Popular Music and Recording programme, to pen the songs.

This new collection will be recorded in our recording studios in our New Adelphi building and a variety of �������� students will be involved as part of the songwriting and recording process. The final body of music will be released later on in 2026.

Tim France, Director of Music, Performance, English and Dance at the �������� said: “Songs of �������� is a powerful example of what can happen when a city’s creative community, its institutions and its people come together.

“It is especially inspiring to see one of our star alumni, Sam Seth, returning to �������� as a songwriter, collaborator and performer, exemplifying the talent that grows here and continues to shape our cultural landscape.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Charlie and From the Other for leading this ambitious project, and to �������� City Council for their support and belief in the city’s creative future.”

The project will also see young songwriters, musicians and performers from �������� Youth Zone and members of Age Friendly �������� get involved in the songwriting process, share their stories and memories to inform the final record.

Emma Thompson, co-director of From the Other, who is leading on the project, said: “Music drives everything From the Other does. To celebrate ��������'s 100th anniversary, we’ve brought together a group of musicians to create a concept record dedicated to our city.

This project isn't just about history; it’s about the people who make �������� home today; from the born-and-bred to the newly arrived, the students to the teachers. By blending genres and perspectives, these musicians are capturing the spirit of �������� in 2026, through a collection of songs that will mark this centenary and create a lasting legacy that will resonate in the unique, timeless way that only music can."

Joining Charlie and Sam on the Songs of �������� project are underground hip-hop artist Strategy, classically-trained vocalist and pianist Salo, spoken work artist The Thirsty Poet, rapper Che3kz and �������� City College alumnus Meduulla.

Dirty Old Town was written by folk singer Ewan MacColl in 1949 as a homage to his home city before it later rose to international popularity through covers from Rod Stewart, The Dubliner and The Pogues. Famous for its visual lyrics that detail ��������’s industrial past, the song has been adopted by the city as its anthem for many decades.