Returning for its seventh year in Manchester, the popular Festa Italiana weekender returns this August Bank Holiday weekend, with an epic line-up in-store for Italian food lovers. Be still, my carb-loving heart!
Confirmed to take over Cathedral Gardens over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 23−25), the free-to-attend festival will celebrate all things Italy over the weekend, with some of the very best local restaurants and chefs participating in the occasion. A passion project dreamt up by Salvi’s owner Maurizio Cecco with the intention of bringing the Italian community of Manchester together as one, Festa Italiana takes in the very best in authentic food, drink, music, and performance.
Bringing back the slice of the Med that has gone down incredibly well over previous years, attendees will be able to soak up the sun (which will hopefully be in attendance) on the grass, while pottering around food trucks and canopies filled with Italian treats from Manchester’s best Italian street food vendors and restaurateurs.
The ever-evolving festival programme promises a breathtaking journey to Italy right in the heart of Manchester, with a brand-new festival structure, a vibrant market, and a fresh music line-up being just a few of the latest additions, as well as the much-anticipated return of the Festa Italiana Della Donna (Women’s Day) following its hugely popular debut in 2023. Festa Italiana Della Donna, a special day dedicated to the outstanding female chefs, will return with pastaia Carmela Sereno Hayes (Carmela’s Kitchen) and chef Sofia Gallo (Masterchef UK 2021 quarter finalist), alongside nonna Anna, the much-loved Salvi’s pasta-making expert.
As ever, the festival is striving to keep things fresh and is offering up some brand-new additions to its line-up for 2024 including a showstopping opening ceremony by Fornovo Taro flag wavers Ducato di Parma, a piccolo mercato (mini market) selling authentic Italian and local produce, a volcanic lemonade experience straight from Naples, and cooking class with a wild party twist Viva la Cucina.
A stunning musical parade will open the Festa on the Friday, paying homage to the inception of the festival, which traces its roots to the very first Salvi’s venue, nested in the iconic Corn Exchange building, where the idea first struck Maurizio. The procession, including 12 flag bearers, will then head to Cathedral Gardens where food vendors, Festa favourites and exciting new additions to la famiglia (the family), will welcome visitors for three days of authentic Italian flavours and experiences.
The sun-drenched corners of Italy will gather into a bustling market, inspired by the mercati, as traders from Sicily, Naples, and more offer hand-made Italian products, created with decades of generational knowledge and craftsmanship. Plus, Italian cooking legend, Gennaro Contaldo (Saturday Kitchen, Two Greedy Italians, Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast) and star baker Giuseppe Dell’anno (Great British Bake Off 2021 winner) will also make a starry return, delivering mind-blowing talent, delectable food and must-know tips and tricks to the masses.
Also adding to the Festa Italian programme is Viva Cucina, a cooking class with a difference on Saturday 24th August at 7pm. Viva la Cucina will give you the chance to learn from the best in the business as a line-up of renowned, charismatic celebrity chefs lead you through a carefully curated, delicious chaos.
Forget about following recipes to the letter, at Viva la Cucina, it’s all about the unexpected; from spontaneous dance sessions fuelled by lively Italian tunes that turn the kitchen into a full-blown party zone, to exciting cooking games that challenge your creativity and teamwork, and not forgetting the generous pours of a selection of fine Italian wines and cocktails guaranteed to keep your spirits up as you cook. As well as being served up a healthy portion of LOLs, you will also learn to create classic Italian dishes like from homemade pasta to decadent desserts with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Festa Italiana creator, Maurizio, said: “I’m thrilled to see how our Festa has grown over the years, and this one is going to be grande; an unmissable Italian party with lots of brand-new things to eat, drink, see and do.
“I’m so proud to have Festa Italiana Della Donna back for all the talented women that move us forward. Professional cooking is so competitive already, and we’re all about creating opportunities and breaking the stereotypes. So come along, explore and celebrate Italy with us!”
The diverse programme has once again been inspired by traditional Italian festivals, inviting local communities to revel in the ravishing spirit of Italy. Visitors of all ages can enjoy inspiring workshops, authentic food and drink, an energetic soundtrack, and more. Make sure you to follow the Festa Italiana social media channels for the latest news.
📍 Festa Italiana will take place at Cathedral Gardens, Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG.