A huge Hungarian celebration of Székler people is coming to Manchester late this summer, shedding a spotlight on the little known culture of the Hungarians that reside in Transylvania. Taking place at Cathedral Gardens – which is also home to the Manchester Food & Drink Festival and beloved Italian food festival, Festa Italiana – Góbéfest will combine food, drink, live folk music and dancing, bringing the very best of the Székler culture back to the city.
This year’s festival will mark Góbéfest’s ninth year in Manchester, after launching in Albert Square back in spring 2017 when it attracted over 10,000 people to the event. Since then, the event has attracted thousands more visitors, and promises to be a “unique celebration, offering a dazzling extravaganza of music, dance, cuisine and multicultural activities, captivating the whole family with the authentic and diverse sounds, tastes and flavours of Transylvania and the Carpathian Basin.”
Between Friday 20 − Sunday 22 June, the little slice of Transylvania will be home to plenty of delicious, Hungarian street food, alongside workshops, performances and all round good fun.
Travelling from Transylvania are the Udvarhely Folk Dance Workshop, who will be performing an original dance production called ‘Rare Hungarian’, whilst Tilia, a five piece jazz band from Budapest features founder Róza Hárs singing in both Hungarian and English.
Festival regulars and returners include Mátyás Király Zither Ensemble from Hungary, Salford University’s global music group Scattered Collective (South Africa/Portugal/Bulgaria/England/Ireland/Wales) and La Mort Subite, a Transylvanian-fronted Balkan Gypsy band, featuring accordion, double bass and hurdy gurdy.
Hebden Bridge’s Soma Music, who recently headlined the Todmorden Folk Festival, are returning to Góbéfest for 2025, as are Chorlton’s all-ages Kalinka Balalaika Orchestra, formed in 1984 and the only regularly performing balalaika group in the UK. Returning for the second year are Tulipan Zither Band & Folk Arts Academy, a 4-14 age group of young enthusiasts who play the citera, a unique Hungarian version of the string instrument.
Sunday, which has become known as dance day, will feature a rainbow riot of groups from six Central and Eastern European countries. Podilya, from Ukraine, Tezaur, from Romania, Polonez, from Poland. Bulgarian Rhythms and TK Ripni Ka, from Bulgaria, Hunique, from Hungary and Perkunas, from Lithuania, will showcase the unique costumes, rhythms and steps from their countries.
The festival takes its name from the Hungarian word góbé, which is a friendly word for a ‘crafty Székely’. Góbéfest is, for the first time, introducing the ‘pay what you feel’ ticket model, meaning if you can’t pay and would like to attend for free, you’re welcome to grab a free ticket.
However, if you can make a small contribution, your support will make all the difference and Góbéfest really appreciates it. The festival will sprawl across Cathedral Gardens in Manchester – just next door to the National Football Museum – from Friday 20 – Sunday 22 June. Find out more here.
🕛 Friday 20 – Sunday 22 June 2025.
💷 Tickets are available here – even if you go for free, you must book.
📍 Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG.