A NEW music commission for Greater Manchester should be a lasting legacy for the late council leader David Greenhalgh.

Metro Mayor Andy Burnham says the Conservative was a driving force behind the city region's cultural development, as the lead member for the discipline.

This includes the Town of Culture initiative, currently held by Bury, and a new voice for musicians, in the form of a GM music commission.

This weekend will see Burrs Live, a music festival promoted by The Met in Bury, hit the ground running, with headliners Badly Drawn Boy and Everything Everything appearing for Head for the Hills' return later.

Live turns from the Bootleg Beatles and folk legends A Show of Hands, as well as a festival inspired by comic Victoria Wood, are also pencilled in.

Mr Burnham said: "The launch of the Commission and the ongoing Greater Manchester Town of Culture initiative will be a legacy of Cllr David Greenhalgh and his contribution to culture in Bolton and across Greater Manchester.

"It was his drive that helped to bring the commission and Town of Culture to fruition and his genuine passion for our cultural sector shone through in all the work he did.

"I am grateful for his contributions to Greater Manchester and the work we did together as part of the GMCA.”

The Met has already hosted several gigs in lockdown and was a key supporter of United We Stream, the online channel bringing acts to a wider audience despite coronarvirus restrictions.

Each of the 10 boroughs will be represented on the commission, which is now looking for representatives from the music industry, including artists, venues, promoters, festivals, labels and managers, to join up and make contributions.

Mr Burnham added: "Greater Manchester is a global capital of music, but we must always be wary of trading on past glories and resting on our musical laurels.

"One of the strengths of this city-region is its willingness to bring on the new and that is what I hope this new Greater Manchester Music Commission will help us to do.

“Right now, our 10 boroughs are home to a vibrant music scene, and we recognise the need to do everything we can to nurture it.