Tickets for the tenth anniversary of the BBC festival Contains Strong Language went on sale on 17 August. The event takes place from 24 to 27 September 2026 in Salford and MediaCity. This marks the first time the poetry and performance festival has been hosted in Salford. The dates coincide with the centenary celebrations of the city of Salford.
The line-up includes John Cooper Clarke, Jackie Kay, Joelle Taylor, Len Pennie, Jason Allen-Paisant, Liz Berry, Owen Sheers, Alice Oswald, Testament, Andrew McMillan, and Toria Garbutt. Scheduled programming features live recordings of BBC Radio 4 shows including Front Row, Loose Ends, Start the Week, and The Verb. Other events include a presentation of Simon Armitage's adaptation of Gilgamesh and a conversation between Armitage and Cooper Clarke.
The festival includes a collaboration between the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Radio 3's Words and Music. Local engagement activities involve BBC Radio Club school projects, partnerships with the Salford Youth Zone, and animations produced by students at Manchester Metropolitan University. Director Sue Roberts confirmed the festival will feature both established UK performers and emerging artists from Manchester and Salford.
Several events throughout the weekend are available to book free of charge. The festival occurs as the BBC marks 15 years of operation in Salford. The BBC moved its North division to MediaCity in 2011.