There’ll be so much to see and do.
Ancoats-based Hope Mill Theatre is set to launch an exciting three-week-long festival this summer, after over a year of the arts and culture industry suffering at the hands of the pandemic. Operating for over five years now, the theatre has become a part of the fabric in the ever-growing neighbourhood Ancoats, spearheading itself as the regional home for new musicals and musical revivals.
Now, culture fans from Manchester and beyond will be able to enjoy the theatre in a whole new way, thanks to the pop-up Hope Fest which will be taking up residence on the vast green space beside the New Islington tram stop.
Boasting an impressive roster of arts and culture events over a three-week period, Hope Fest will house an array of talent under its giant tent, with a little something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to acts covering a range of family-friendly theatre, comedy, music, and plays, the pop-up venue will also feature an on-site bar stocked with local beers, spirits and more, as well as a BBQ and dining area to enjoy between shows.
The diverse festival line-up will see the likes of side-splitting comedy stars take to the stage, the NQ’s Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club and touring production Judy & Liza take to the stage, as well as a number of other productions, including a Jersey Boys tribute, and a celebration of musical theatre by Hope Mill themselves. If that wasn’t all, there’ll also be a fantastic Dog Fest especially for the local dog lovers – with fancy dress competitions, treats from Betty and Butch, a doggy DJ and dog training by CB Dogs, and cinema screenings, too, with Coyote Ugly so far confirmed for the lineup.
Ben Cross, Electric Park said: “The pandemic had an immediate and substantial impact on the arts and cultural sector and is,
unfortunately, likely to be the slowest in its recovery. And so, in that context, we’re immensely privileged and proud to play our part in supporting this incredible grassroots organisation at a time when it is needed most.
“Through their exciting programme of accessible events, HOPE FEST will celebrate the best homegrown talent Manchester has to offer. And everyone’s welcome because we’re all about bringing people together and providing best-in-class social and cultural amenities at Electric Park. It’s a place where everything’s possible.”
Kicking off on 16th July, the festival will take place until 8th August, and you can find more information about the festival’s lineup and how to get tickets here.