New Order are set to launch a new Manchester music festival and conference with a show at South By Southwest Music Festival (SXSW).

Due to take place at multiple venues across the city in October, the group will kick off the countdown to Beyond The Music next month. 

The launch show will be on March 13 at the Moody Theatre and will feature appearances from The Orielles and Loose Articles.

According to a press release,  the event is “the first festival and conference to have integrated decision-making structure to create actions, and exist as more than just a talking shop.”

Beyond The Music founder Oli Wilson said: “It’s a pivotal time in the history of the music industry and for Manchester, so it’s only right the two are coming together again to decide what the future is going to look like.

“Whether it has been with technology or creating new business models within the industry, from the very beginning of their career, New Order have always led the curve. Now in 2023 we are proud to have New Order as our first artists ambassadors, as they embody the spirit of Manchester and share the same commitment to innovation as Beyond The Music.”

New Order added: “We’re supporting Beyond The Music to help change and innovation in the music industry, particularly in mental health which is something close to our hearts.

“Manchester is a place where this can happen, our home and the city of revolution, and we’re looking forward to the launch of Beyond The Music with a live show at SXSW and being a part of this positive movement for the music industry.”

It comes ahead of New Order’s forthcoming shows across the US, with the group playing The Factory in Dallas on March 9, with dates in San Antonio, Houston and New Orleans on March 18.