Returning for its eighth 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!
Festa Italiana 2025 promises to be the most exciting edition yet, with celebrity chefs, brand new music, top-tier food and drink vendors from Italy and across the UK, and exclusive collaborations with iconic Italian brands.
When and where will Festa Italiana take place?
From Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August, Cathedral Gardens in the heart of Manchester will once again be transformed into a bustling Italian piazza filled with the sights, sounds, and incredible flavours of Italy and this year marks the eighth glorious year of Festa Italiana bringing la dolce vita to the city.
What to expect at Festa Italiana 2025
Live cookery demos
At the heart of the festival will be the iconic Demo Tent, where chef demonstrations will be taking place all weekend long- completely free of charge. Expect flair, flavour and plenty of chaos from returning Festa favourite Gennaro Contaldo, as well as exciting new faces including Manchester-based chef Jonny Mulyk. New for 2025 is Festa della Donna- a Friday celebration of women chefs, spotlighting incredible talent in what remains a male-dominated field.
Salvi’s very own Limoncello
Another major announcement: Salvi’s will ocially launch their own Limoncello during the festival, marked by the debut of the brand-new Salvi’s Limoncello Garden. This zesty activation will bring sunshine and spritzes from the beloved Manchester restaurant throughout the weekend.
An abundance of Italian food and drink to try
This year’s Festa Italiana is set to be bigger and better than ever before, bringing award-winning street food traders, Italian eateries and artisanal Italian producers. From fresh pasta to Neapolitan pizza, and cannoli to spritzes of all kinds – it’s a three-day foodie paradise not to be missed. Once again, Festa Italiana will be teaming up with some of Italy’s most loved and respected brands to bring you an unforgettable taste of la dolce vita – think exclusive product tastings, interactive masterclasses, and immersive pop-ups.
Sip your way through the Aperitivo Bar, cool down in the Limoncello Garden, enjoy a refreshing Spritz in the sunshine, or roll up your sleeves at the pasta-making stations. Plus, don’t miss the Piccolo Mercato Italiano – a vibrant mini market filled with incredible independent and artisanal producers showcasing the very best of Italy’s food, drink, and craftsmanship. There’ll be a stellar food line-up too with favourites like Pasta Factory, Rizzo’s, Cafe Cannoli, Proove and Conni’s, plus some exciting new faces joining the festa.
Live music and entertainment
Festa Italiana 2025 is also turning up the volume with a fresh wave of Italian music and irresistible new vibes. From traditional folk to modern Italian pop and party anthems, incredible live bands will have you dancing the night away and celebrating like you’re in the heart of a piazza in Napoli. Get ready for joyful singalongs, hands-in-the-air moments, and proper Italian-style partying all weekend long!
Maurizio Cecco, Founder of Festa Italiana UK, said: “Every year Festa gets bigger, better and more full of heart but this year feels extra special. We’ve got new faces, new flavours, and we’re finally launching our own Limoncello! It’s a proper celebration of everything we love about Italian food, drink and community and Manchester always brings the energy. I can’t wait to see everyone there!”
Do I need a ticket to attend Festa Italiana?
Entry is unticketed and completely free, and all are welcome – whether you’re dropping by for an Aperol Spritz in the sun, settling in for a full day of feasting, or coming to soak up the atmosphere of Manchester’s biggest Italian celebration.
Find out more about the festival here.
Festa Italiana takes place on Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August at Cathedral Gardens, Corporation St, Manchester, M4 3BG.