After six long months the Salford Music Map was finally launched!

In celebration of Salford’s musical heritage, we were commissioned by Salford City Council to create a map highlighting hotspots across the city. Salford has a rich musical history and the Music Map aims to cover all genres across the ages from The Smiths to The Ting Tings, Russell Watson to New Order. The map highlights venues, artists’ birthplaces, concert halls and iconic locations.

If you were tuned into BBC last night in the north west, you might have spotted some of us. The programme, Inside Out, did a feature on the map and sent Nigel Pivaro on the trail of Salford’s musical past. You can watch the program on BBC’s iPlayer.

Pictured with the map at the launch party is Salford’s very own Peter Hook (New Order).

Yesterday the Northern Quarter was transformed into the set of the new Guy Ritchie film, Sherlock Holmes, and we had the perfect view to overlook it all. We were all a little excited in the office, but it’s not every day you look out your window and see Jude Law (Dr Watson) and Robert Downey Jr (Sherlock Holmes) filming their latest movie. Above are a couple of exclusive shots; one of Guy taking time out to have a sing song with his guitar, but what’s he playing? My money is on Like a Virgin!

Anya Chambers recently completed a work placement here at Spark Towers and whilst she was here, we asked her to work on an internal project for us, a visual interpretation of Creative Spark.

She came up with a three dimensional paper sculpture. We think you’ll agree that the outcome is a fantastic piece of art which totally represents the personality of Creative Spark. Thanks to Anya for all her hard work and the all the guys at Studio 2 for use of their studio and photography skills.

Guy Ritchie and the cast of the new Sherlock Holmes film have heard Creative Spark are in town and there’s a set being built literally outside our window. We sent down a couple of our finest detectives to find out what was happening. After a short but intense battle of wit, charisma and whimsical pleasantries, the security guard let them take a few photos while his back was turned!

Unfortunately since our profession doesn’t usually involve evidence-gathering all we managed to deduce was that the film will contain a Watchmaker & Jeweller/Pawnbroker and some posters. Still, it’s mighty impressive work; Carl actually thought he’d found a genuine vintage pawnbroker behind our office when he first spotted it.

If we manage to invite Guy Ritchie, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and Robert Downey Jr in for a brew we’ll make sure to post some photos!

Our very own Andy Mallalieu is taking part in this years Noise Festival, a showcase for the best new creative talent aged 25 and under, in film, architecture, fashion, music, design. His work is featured on the latest nationwide campaign material, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you have a spare minute you can give him a helping hand by voting for his work here