BBC 6 Music’s night two of fierce performances at YES

Two great bands played at YES for the second night of this year’s festival which is putting the spotlight on the city’s independent grassroots venues.

Walking into the Pink Room, SILVERWINGKILLER had just started playing and the floor was shaking – you could feel the bass in your chest.

SILVERWINGKILLER (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

The electronic duo of James Baca and Yushang Ni gave an energetic, fast-paced performance with breakbeats played on a live drumkit.

Rising stars of Manchester’s underground DIY scene, they really sold their brand of industrial-tinged electronic punk.

Mandy, Indiana headlined the night with another hard and heavy performance – these were two bands that definitely warranted the use of hearing protection.

Mandy, Indiana (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

The noise rock outfit did not disappoint and brought an energy to the venue that really got the crowd moving.

Lead singer Valentine Caulfield – who sings almost entirely in French – even invaded the crowd near the end of the band’s set.

At the same time, Band on the Wall hosted Kelly Lee Owens for a DJ set and R&B singer Wesley Joseph.

Wesley Joseph (Image: BBC Radio 6 Music)

Elsewhere in Manchester, 6 Music presenters SHERELLE and Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective each won a MOBO award – SHERELLE for Best Electronic Act and Ezra Collective for Best Jazz Act.

The 2026 edition of the festival places a spotlight on independent venues across Greater Manchester, with events running from 25–28 March at spaces including Band on the Wall, YES and, new for this year, the Eccles Town Hall Ballroom. 

The festival also features new partnerships with local promoters FaT OuT and Homobloc.

BBC Radio 6 Music remains the UK’s most listened‑to digital‑only radio station, reaching a weekly audience of 2.4 million. 

Performances and DJ sets from the festival will continue to be added to BBC Sounds, while highlights will appear on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Music YouTube channel. 

Short clips and updates will also be shared across 6 Music’s Instagram and TikTok accounts.