Grand Auction
Friday 12 September at Hallé St Peter’s.
This is your chance to own a unique piece of art or a guitar donated and signed by Oasis, Elbow, Doves, Peter Hook, Pixies and many more!
Over 50 guitars from Music for the Senses will go under the spotlight to raise money for the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
You can now view the lots, buy tickets or place bids online.
Exhibition and Art Fair
Last chance to see!
All the guitar artworks will be displayed at the People’s History Museum on Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 September 2025.
Enjoy an Art Fair, live music celebrating Manchester’s grassroots music scene, live painting, buy official merchandise and more.
Ready to rock and stroll?
Find the unique four-digit codes at each artwork, collect and learn more about each one, vote for your favourites and unlock some amazing rewards along the way!
Read more about over 80 incredible artworks on the trail, all inspired by Manchester’s people, places, moments and instruments. Pick up a map from our five hubs.
The trail’s decorated guitars will be auctioned on Friday 12 September to raise funds for grassroots music projects and venues in Manchester. Online bidding is now open.
An art arrangement for a musical city
Manchester is the place for music, and this summer, while the city celebrates an incredible line up of musical talent, Wild in Art – the team behind the award-winning Bee in the City – takes over the streets with a brand new art trail, Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city.
Created in collaboration with Manchester City Council, the trail runs from 7 July – 31 August 2025.
The trail features 48 guitar artworks, 9 musician-donated guitars, 4 brand new murals, 2 show-stopping installations and lots more that all celebrate the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene.
Event Dates
The Trail
7 July – 31 August
Manchester City Centre
The Grand Auction
At the end of Music for the Senses the decorated and musician donated guitars will be auctioned to raise money for the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
The fund will support grassroots music projects and venues throughout Greater Manchester.
The auction takes place on Friday 12 September at the Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats, Manchester with online bidding also available now.
View the online catalogue, register for tickets or place bids online now.
An art arrangement for a musical city.
“Manchester has always been the place for music, and the time is now, as 2025 is set to become another landmark moment in the city’s rich musical history.” Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development, Wild in Art
Our Sponsors & Partners
A message from Wild in Art
We’re delighted to be back in Manchester, Wild in Art’s home city!
Music for the Senses is a slight departure from our traditional sculpture trails – it’s our first ever guitar trail and we’ve loved working with so many talented artists to repurpose musical instruments into stunning works of art.
It’s also a real pleasure to highlight Manchester’s iconic music inspired artwork as part of the trail, alongside unveiling four brand new murals, created by some of the very best street artists in the business.
We are particularly grateful for the support we have received from Manchester City Council and huge thanks must go to everyone who has supported us; our sponsors, artists, musicians, venues and, of course, all those who have donated guitars to be part of the project.
We very much hope you will enjoy exploring the trail!
`Legacy` by @michaelheaton features original hand-drawn sketches of iconic artworks from throughout @representclo`s history – some that made it and others that were never released. From Thoroughbred, Reaper, and Storms in Heaven, to nods to the Metallica collaboration and Love Hunter, this piece is layered with graphics dating back to FW13.
Unlock the guitar in the Music for the Senses app and claim one of four limited-edition keyrings, featuring artwork as seen on the guitar.
You`ve got just over one week left to view it in store at Represent!
The guitar will appear alongside our 50+ guitars from the trail at the Exhibition and Art Fair at the People’s History Museum, 6–7 September, before heading to auction in support of the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
Link in bio for more 🔗
@representclomcr @wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
📷 David Oates Photography
`Legacy` by @michaelheaton features original hand-drawn sketches of iconic artworks from throughout @representclo`s history – some that made it and others that were never released. From Thoroughbred, Reaper, and Storms in Heaven, to nods to the Metallica collaboration and Love Hunter, this piece is layered with graphics dating back to FW13.
Unlock the guitar in the Music for the Senses app and claim one of four limited-edition keyrings, featuring artwork as seen on the guitar.
You`ve got just over one week left to view it in store at Represent!
The guitar will appear alongside our 50+ guitars from the trail at the Exhibition and Art Fair at the People’s History Museum, 6–7 September, before heading to auction in support of the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
Link in bio for more 🔗
@representclomcr @wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
📷 David Oates Photography
🎸 This Charming Man by @amandaquellinart is a homage to Morrissey and The Smiths.
🎸 A Tribute to Peter Saville’s Artwork by @adriana.de.matos.artwork is inspired by the iconic Joy Division and New Order vinyl record sleeves created by Mancunian artist and designer Peter Saville.
🎸 Girls Like Us by @kim_a_tron is a design on a guitar donated by @wearepins – a band the artist has adored since attending their early shows at The Bunker, Manchester. This retro girl gang piece is inspired by their music.
🎸 Akse P19’s mural of Kurt Cobain was created to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the Nirvana lead singer. Based on a photograph by Mark Webb/Avalon and commissioned by Headstock to raise awareness of mental health charity SHOUT.
🎸 Audium Aftertone by @nomad.clan is a brand-new mural about Manchester and its music, its history, and the industries that built it.
🎸 Guitarred with a Different Brush by @thomaswolskiart was created especially for this trail. It’s a visual treasure hunt so grab your magnifying glass and see what you can spot!
🎸 Work of Guit-art by @thomaswolskiart is a uniquely freehand illustrated instrument, inspired by Tom’s father who was a huge fan of a guitar solo, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and the rest.
🎸 Mother Plucker MTV VMAs by @thomaswolskiart is a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar.
🎸 See a guitar played by Sir Paul McCartney for a BBC Session at @johnnyroadhousemusic.
🎸 See a guitar played by Bonehead of Oasis at @johnnyroadhousemusic.
Thank you to our partners and guitar hosts @kimptonclocktower, @jwleesbrewery, @firststreetmcr, @networkrail, @homemcr, @johnnyroadhousemusic, @jwlees.rainbarmcr.
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
🎸 This Charming Man by @amandaquellinart is a homage to Morrissey and The Smiths.
🎸 A Tribute to Peter Saville’s Artwork by @adriana.de.matos.artwork is inspired by the iconic Joy Division and New Order vinyl record sleeves created by Mancunian artist and designer Peter Saville.
🎸 Girls Like Us by @kim_a_tron is a design on a guitar donated by @wearepins – a band the artist has adored since attending their early shows at The Bunker, Manchester. This retro girl gang piece is inspired by their music.
🎸 Akse P19’s mural of Kurt Cobain was created to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of the Nirvana lead singer. Based on a photograph by Mark Webb/Avalon and commissioned by Headstock to raise awareness of mental health charity SHOUT.
🎸 Audium Aftertone by @nomad.clan is a brand-new mural about Manchester and its music, its history, and the industries that built it.
🎸 Guitarred with a Different Brush by @thomaswolskiart was created especially for this trail. It’s a visual treasure hunt so grab your magnifying glass and see what you can spot!
🎸 Work of Guit-art by @thomaswolskiart is a uniquely freehand illustrated instrument, inspired by Tom’s father who was a huge fan of a guitar solo, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and the rest.
🎸 Mother Plucker MTV VMAs by @thomaswolskiart is a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar.
🎸 See a guitar played by Sir Paul McCartney for a BBC Session at @johnnyroadhousemusic.
🎸 See a guitar played by Bonehead of Oasis at @johnnyroadhousemusic.
Thank you to our partners and guitar hosts @kimptonclocktower, @jwleesbrewery, @firststreetmcr, @networkrail, @homemcr, @johnnyroadhousemusic, @jwlees.rainbarmcr.
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
The last day of Music for the Senses on 31 August is fast approaching but there is the opportunity to see all the artworks in one place! 🎸
For the first and only time, all the 50+ guitar artworks and instruments donated by musicians will be on show at the People`s History Museum on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September.
You’ll also find the Music for the Senses Art Fair showcasing exclusive arts, crafts and unique gifts from some of our guitar artists and makers.
Book your tickets: https://musicforthesenses.co.uk/exhibition (link in bio)
#MusicForTheSenses
The last day of Music for the Senses on 31 August is fast approaching but there is the opportunity to see all the artworks in one place! 🎸
For the first and only time, all the 50+ guitar artworks and instruments donated by musicians will be on show at the People`s History Museum on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September.
You’ll also find the Music for the Senses Art Fair showcasing exclusive arts, crafts and unique gifts from some of our guitar artists and makers.
Book your tickets: https://musicforthesenses.co.uk/exhibition (link in bio)
#MusicForTheSenses
A quick journey along Oxford Road leads to our display at the Royal Northern College of Music, presenting seven guitars with one more at the Martin Harris Centre.
OXFORD ROAD
🎸 Superstar DJs by @lobsterhousestudios celebrates ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl’ by @thechemicalbrothers, who formed after meeting at the University of Manchester.
🎸 Music in the Heart of Manchester by @pipandrach celebrates Manchester’s striking architecture and the musical harmony that flows through the city.
🎸 Keep the Faith by @charlotte_mason_design is inspired by the Northern Soul movement that emerged in the early 1970s at iconic venues like Twisted Wheel in Manchester and Wigan Casino, known for its soul ‘all-nighters’.
🎸 I’m into Something Good by @jodiesilverman is based on the Herman’s Hermits song of the same name. The design is dedicated to Jodie’s dad Charlie who was co-manager of the Hermits along with Harvey Lisberg. At the display you’ll also find a special exhibition of beat era photographs which take you on a journey through Manchester in the 1960s.
🎸 Judit has been kindly donated by @mcrsguitar_ and is named after a chess grandmaster Judit Polgár.
🎸 Manchester Communications Academy entered their design to our Guitar Competition and it has been brought to life by @carolinecoatesart.
🎸 @humbugarteccles’ League of Artists entered their design to the competition and also brought it to life!
🎸 The Icons of Manchester display features a fascinating collection of signed rarities from Mancunian musicians, courtesy of @kylebittersweethome and @tonymccarroll1.
HULME
🎸 A mural of Denise Johnson is a touching tribute to the late Manchester singer, based on a photograph by Flick of the Finger Studio. The mural was curated by Denise Johnson’s friends and family and painted by Akse P19.
🎸 Kim’s Kitchen features a variety of photographs and artworks which celebrate of Hulme’s history and music scene.
Thank you to our partners and hosts @rncmlive, Martin Harris Centre, @manairportuk, @rebuildwithhope.
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
A quick journey along Oxford Road leads to our display at the Royal Northern College of Music, presenting seven guitars with one more at the Martin Harris Centre.
OXFORD ROAD
🎸 Superstar DJs by @lobsterhousestudios celebrates ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl’ by @thechemicalbrothers, who formed after meeting at the University of Manchester.
🎸 Music in the Heart of Manchester by @pipandrach celebrates Manchester’s striking architecture and the musical harmony that flows through the city.
🎸 Keep the Faith by @charlotte_mason_design is inspired by the Northern Soul movement that emerged in the early 1970s at iconic venues like Twisted Wheel in Manchester and Wigan Casino, known for its soul ‘all-nighters’.
🎸 I’m into Something Good by @jodiesilverman is based on the Herman’s Hermits song of the same name. The design is dedicated to Jodie’s dad Charlie who was co-manager of the Hermits along with Harvey Lisberg. At the display you’ll also find a special exhibition of beat era photographs which take you on a journey through Manchester in the 1960s.
🎸 Judit has been kindly donated by @mcrsguitar_ and is named after a chess grandmaster Judit Polgár.
🎸 Manchester Communications Academy entered their design to our Guitar Competition and it has been brought to life by @carolinecoatesart.
🎸 @humbugarteccles’ League of Artists entered their design to the competition and also brought it to life!
🎸 The Icons of Manchester display features a fascinating collection of signed rarities from Mancunian musicians, courtesy of @kylebittersweethome and @tonymccarroll1.
HULME
🎸 A mural of Denise Johnson is a touching tribute to the late Manchester singer, based on a photograph by Flick of the Finger Studio. The mural was curated by Denise Johnson’s friends and family and painted by Akse P19.
🎸 Kim’s Kitchen features a variety of photographs and artworks which celebrate of Hulme’s history and music scene.
Thank you to our partners and hosts @rncmlive, Martin Harris Centre, @manairportuk, @rebuildwithhope.
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
ONLINE AUCTION 🎸
Fallen in love with an artwork on the trail? Now`s your chance to take it home!
Our stunning guitar artworks and musician-donated instruments are up for sale to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund (managed by Forever Manchester) which will directly support Greater Manchester`s emerging musicians.
Online bidding is now open – browse the lots and place bids in advance of the live auction.
Lots include instruments donated and signed by Oasis, Elbow, Pixies, Peter Hook, Doves and more.
You can also choose to join us in person for the Grand Auction at Hallé St Peter’s on 12 September. Register your interest as a buyer to place bids in person.
Don’t miss out on owning a one-of-a-kind piece of musical art: musicforthesenses.co.uk/auction (link in bio)
#MusicForTheSenses
ONLINE AUCTION 🎸
Fallen in love with an artwork on the trail? Now`s your chance to take it home!
Our stunning guitar artworks and musician-donated instruments are up for sale to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund (managed by Forever Manchester) which will directly support Greater Manchester`s emerging musicians.
Online bidding is now open – browse the lots and place bids in advance of the live auction.
Lots include instruments donated and signed by Oasis, Elbow, Pixies, Peter Hook, Doves and more.
You can also choose to join us in person for the Grand Auction at Hallé St Peter’s on 12 September. Register your interest as a buyer to place bids in person.
Don’t miss out on owning a one-of-a-kind piece of musical art: musicforthesenses.co.uk/auction (link in bio)
#MusicForTheSenses
Your bank hol weekend sorted ✅ Discover Manchester in a unique way using the Music for the Senses app to explore 80+ artworks and installations around the city 🎸
⭐️ Collect artworks
⭐️ Unlock rewards
⭐️ Vote for your favourites
⭐️ Upload selfies
25% of each app purchase goes directly to the Forever Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
Printed maps are also available to pick up 🗺️
Link in bio for more info 🔗
If you fancy seeing all our guitars together, come along to the Exhibition at the People’s History Museum on 6-7 September!
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
Your bank hol weekend sorted ✅ Discover Manchester in a unique way using the Music for the Senses app to explore 80+ artworks and installations around the city 🎸
⭐️ Collect artworks
⭐️ Unlock rewards
⭐️ Vote for your favourites
⭐️ Upload selfies
25% of each app purchase goes directly to the Forever Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
Printed maps are also available to pick up 🗺️
Link in bio for more info 🔗
If you fancy seeing all our guitars together, come along to the Exhibition at the People’s History Museum on 6-7 September!
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
Step inside the stunning @kimptonclocktower and make your way to the Winter Garden, where you’ll discover three incredible artworks by @thomaswolskiart.
Each instrument showcases the artist`s signature style and the centrepiece – a bass guitar titled Guitarred with a Different Brush – has been created especially for this trail. It’s a visual treasure hunt so grab your magnifying glass and see what you can spot!
Enjoy a £6 `Wolski Cocktail` when you unlock them in the Music for the Senses app 🍸 T&Cs apply.
Guitarred with a Different Brush is available to buy through our auction, with proceeds supporting the Forever Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
View the auction catalogue, register for tickets and bid online now through the link in our bio 🔗
#MusicForTheSenses
📷 David Oates Photography
Step inside the stunning @kimptonclocktower and make your way to the Winter Garden, where you’ll discover three incredible artworks by @thomaswolskiart.
Each instrument showcases the artist`s signature style and the centrepiece – a bass guitar titled Guitarred with a Different Brush – has been created especially for this trail. It’s a visual treasure hunt so grab your magnifying glass and see what you can spot!
Enjoy a £6 `Wolski Cocktail` when you unlock them in the Music for the Senses app 🍸 T&Cs apply.
Guitarred with a Different Brush is available to buy through our auction, with proceeds supporting the Forever Manchester Grassroots Music Fund.
View the auction catalogue, register for tickets and bid online now through the link in our bio 🔗
#MusicForTheSenses
📷 David Oates Photography
While you’re visiting the trail around the NQ and Piccadilly Gardens, stop by the MCR Live Bar in Piccadilly Gardens and get a free refreshment when you unlock it in the app!
Search ‘Music for the Senses’ in your app store to explore the trail 🎶
🎸 Manchester in the House is Pumpin’! by @lordbeastly1 is inspired by the many joyful nights the artist spent dancing at the Haçienda.
🎸 She’s Electric by @jennyleonardart features stylised women’s faces and is inspired by the Oasis song of the same name.
🎸 Street Music by @jenny.marshall.arts is a twist on Manchester artist L.S. Lowry’s iconic style.
🎸 On the outside of Northern Quarter institution Afflecks are mosaics by Mark Kennedy, one of which is a celebration of Factory Records.
🎸 It’s Art by @thehammo was the very first completed guitar artwork for the trail. It depicts the band @loosearticles, a firm favourite in Hammo’s house, and the first band his daughter saw live.
🎸 @dovesofficial generously donated a signed guitar for the trail and auction.
🎸 Sound of Manchester by @danielle_rhoda is a celebration of the city’s iconic venues including @bandonthewall, @nightanddaycafe, @mattandphreds, YES and @alberthallmcr.
🎸 Mosaics by Mark Kennedy and Mary Goodwin celebrating The Fall musician Mark E Smith.
Thank you to our partners and artwork hosts @zambrerouk, @ibisstylesmcr, @fredaldous, @gobeyondmcr, @penandpencilnq, @afflecks_manchester, @piccadillyrecords, @nightanddaycafe
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
While you’re visiting the trail around the NQ and Piccadilly Gardens, stop by the MCR Live Bar in Piccadilly Gardens and get a free refreshment when you unlock it in the app!
Search ‘Music for the Senses’ in your app store to explore the trail 🎶
🎸 Manchester in the House is Pumpin’! by @lordbeastly1 is inspired by the many joyful nights the artist spent dancing at the Haçienda.
🎸 She’s Electric by @jennyleonardart features stylised women’s faces and is inspired by the Oasis song of the same name.
🎸 Street Music by @jenny.marshall.arts is a twist on Manchester artist L.S. Lowry’s iconic style.
🎸 On the outside of Northern Quarter institution Afflecks are mosaics by Mark Kennedy, one of which is a celebration of Factory Records.
🎸 It’s Art by @thehammo was the very first completed guitar artwork for the trail. It depicts the band @loosearticles, a firm favourite in Hammo’s house, and the first band his daughter saw live.
🎸 @dovesofficial generously donated a signed guitar for the trail and auction.
🎸 Sound of Manchester by @danielle_rhoda is a celebration of the city’s iconic venues including @bandonthewall, @nightanddaycafe, @mattandphreds, YES and @alberthallmcr.
🎸 Mosaics by Mark Kennedy and Mary Goodwin celebrating The Fall musician Mark E Smith.
Thank you to our partners and artwork hosts @zambrerouk, @ibisstylesmcr, @fredaldous, @gobeyondmcr, @penandpencilnq, @afflecks_manchester, @piccadillyrecords, @nightanddaycafe
@wildinart @manchestercitycouncil @4evermanchester
#MusicForTheSenses
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