Manchester’s Great Northern Warehouse has announced the return of its much-loved free grassroots music festival, Mews Fest, for its sixth year this late May Bank Holiday. Marking an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival will expand beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe.
Set across venues in Deansgate Mews, including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar, the festival will feature 40 bands performing across a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages. The full line-up will be announced soon.
Mews Fest Fringe
The fringe will take place across the second May Bank Holiday weekend, kicking off on Friday 22 May. The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern, transformed into a vibrant hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the space will welcome artists, designers, collectors and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
Entrance to the both the fringe and Mews Fest will be free.
Stallholder information
Stallholder spaces are available at £25 per day or £45 for the full weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 1pm–7pm).
Mews Fest Fringe is now welcoming applications from:
- Bands looking to sell merchandise
- Record sellers and vinyl collectors
- Vintage and clothing curators
- Arts and crafts makers
- Independent creatives of all kinds
You can find stallholder applications and further information here.
With its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture. The addition of the Fringe event sets the stage for its most ambitious and inclusive edition to date.