11 Fantastic Festivals Happening Across Greater Manchester This Summer
Festival season is officially upon us!
Laura Rogan - Editor
‘Ere she is: our first restriction-free summer of festivals, festivals and more festivals. Bringing the best of music, food, drink and culture (whatever it is that floats your boat!), the summer schedule is looking pretty packed this year, and we have a feeling it’s gonna be a pretty special season. From food-filled havens to some of the biggest music events around, here’s our guide to the best Manchester festivals to attend this year.
1. Parklife
Parklife Festival returns this weekend, and as usual, there’s a huge line-up in store for fans. 50 Cent, Megan Thee Stallion, Lewis Capaldi and Tyler the Creator are all headlining, alongside other big names in music such as Chase & Status, Bicep, Jamie XX and Carl Cox. The festival will take place at Heaton Park, where it’s called home for a number of years. Get tickets here.
2. Bluedot
bluedot will finally return after COVID-related delays, with BJÖRK in attendance for the huge celebration. The festival will bring together ‘music, science and cosmic culture’, with talks, live stage shows and stunning installations to enjoy throughout the weekend. Groove Armada and Tim Peake also feature on the line-up this year. bluedot takes place between 21-24th July. Get tickets here.
3. Neighbourhood Festival
Neighbourhood Festival is returning this October for the first time since before the pandemic, taking over numerous venues in the city such as the O2, Albert Hall and Gorilla. Sundara Karma and Everything Everything headline this year’s festival, with more acts set to be announced soon. Get tickets here.
4. Macclesfield Festival
The annual family festival will return to Macclesfield’s Priory Park this July, bringing tons of 80s and 90s music, family-friendly entertainers, a kids talent show and so much more. There’ll be plenty more to do on the day, too, alongside a traditional fun fair with plenty of rides. Macclesfield Festival returns on July 16th. Get tickets here.
5. Manchester Pride
While the Manchester Pride Live aspect of the festival will not return this year, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies can still celebrate equality at this August bank holiday‘s festival – which will involve the iconic parade, Village party and touching vigils to those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDs. The city will stand together against discrimination while celebrating the liberation movement and Manchester Pride charity. Find out more here.
6. Manchester Food and Drink Festival
The popular Manchester Food and Drink Festival will return for its 25th anniversary this September, with tons of local food and drink traders in store for the huge celebration. Taking over Cathedral Gardens, guests can expect plenty of live music, delicious grub, pop-up bars and more, with tons of masterclasses, artisanal stalls and more to enjoy during your visit. Find out more here.
7. Góbéfest
This June 24-26th, a huge celebration of Székler culture is coming to Manchester, bringing food, drink, live folk music and dancing to Cathedral Gardens. There, Mancs can learn more about the Székler people, while enjoying native grub such as langos, Romanian sausages (also known as mititiei), grilled pork steaks, Hungarian honey bread and more. Find out more here.
8. Festa Italiana
Salvi’s Festa Italiana is expected to return this August bank holiday, bringing an infusion of Italian culture to Cathedral Gardens. Like years before, the free festival will consist of an array of fantastic local Italian food traders, alongside live music, masterclasses, and an array of one-off special events. Stay tuned for more details.
9. Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival
The first-ever Heaton Park Food and Drink Festival will land in Manchester between 20th-21st August this summer, bringing tons of delicious Northern grub to one space. Boasting live music, tons of activities and, of course, plenty of food to go at, guests will be able to try out new cuisines made by the talented street food vendors and shop delicious baked treats and more. Find out more here.
10. Manchester Craft Beer Festival
The incredibly fun Manchester Craft Beer Festival is returning this 22-23rd July, with over 40 world-class breweries in attendance serving up hundreds of beers. Guests are given a tasting glass at the start of the festival to refill as they go, with unlimited booze on offer for all guests to enjoy. Expect top Northern breweries such as Beatnikz Republic, Brew York, Manchester Union Brewery and Vocation in attendance, alongside plenty more talented brewers. Get tickets here.
11. Gin & Rum Festival
Spirit lovers, rejoice, because the Gin & Rum Festival is back. Taking place at Manchester Cathedral this September, guests can taste gin and rum created by an array of distillers, alongside tasty mixers, street food, and fun DJ sets setting the tone. If that wasn’t all, there’ll also be a number of masterclasses to attend, too, alongside talks that’ll help you expand your knowledge and show off to your mates next time you’re down at the pub. Get tickets here.
Also published on Medium.