Spring is officially in sight, and with it we can look forward to the beginning of festival season – which we do incredibly well here in Manchester. Now, the much-loved Moovin Festival has announced its 2026 line-up, and it’s set to be better than ever.
Moovin Festival returns to the idyllic surrounds of Whitebottom Farm this summer on the weekend of 12–14 June 2026 with a heavyweight, eclectic phase one line-up. Packed with legends, pioneers, upcoming talent, and guaranteed party starters, the festival is all set within one of the UK’s most beautiful and intimate sites.
Where is Moovin Festival & what makes it special?
Tucked away in the lush greenery of Etherow Country Park, Stockport, Moovin is a proudly independent boutique festival that continues to punch well above its weight in both line-up and atmosphere. It proves you don’t need arena-sized capacity to deliver arena-sized moments, giving fans the chance to see major acts up close and personal in a truly intimate environment.
Renowned for one of the friendliest festival crowds around and genuine value for money including ticket prices to the famously affordable £5 pints, it’s a refreshing, party-first ethos that makes for a very special weekend.
Beyond the names, Moovin’s real magic lies in discovery. The festival proudly champions emerging talent alongside established icons, creating those unexpected moments you stumble across between Barn sessions and the other four stages.
Set on a cow farm just 30 minutes from Manchester and one hour from Sheffield, yet feeling worlds away, Moovin is a lovingly independent, counter-culture gathering. The main stage is a converted barn, straw bales double as dancefloor seating, lakes and tree canopies frame the site, and festival-goers enter through a dramatic gorge before losing themselves in music.
No VIP areas. No corporate gloss. Just cutting-edge sound systems, holistic healing, yoga, circus performers, warm crowds and a touch of that 90s free-party spirit, all wrapped in an intentionally limited capacity that keeps the atmosphere intimate and inclusive.
Moovin Festival 2026 line-up highlights
The 2026 edition sees something special at the top of the bill as two former Moovin headliners unite on the same line-up: Groove Armada and 2manydjs. Both have previously torn the roof off the Barn Stage in their own right and now they return together to headline what promises to be one of the standout sessions of the weekend.
They’ll perform DJ sets inside the unique Barn Stage, a converted cow barn that this year takes on a new DJ-led format and refreshed look – complete with the usual first-class production, this year the promoters transform it into “the ultimate rave den”.
On the line-up announcement Groove Armada said: “At the bottom of a tree lined valley, a hay barn with a fat sound-system. A freewheeling crowd, no VIP red ropes, no hassle from the authorities, just music and good vibes. 90s free party? No, it’s the wonderful Moovin festival.”
Gilles Peterson, Nightmares On Wax and Quantic bring colour, soul and global rhythm. A serious nod to the heads comes from Danilo Plessow (aka Motor City Drum Ensemble) – a selector’s selector, revered by diggers worldwide, his appearance marks a huge moment for lovers of deep, soulful and beautifully curated house music and Moovin hints there’s plenty more of this calibre still to be announced.
They’re joined by musical encyclopaedia Luke Una, and Moovin favourite Mr Scruff, whose legendary daytime sets have become a festival highlight over the years, drawing huge crowds for those feel-good field sessions. Add disco pioneer Greg Wilson, celebrating 50 years behind the decks with a special set, and the ever-classy Dan Shake, and you have a dream run for anyone who likes their dance music with depth, character and heritage.
Talking of heritage and adding serious Manchester energy is a rare performance from original Haçienda residents Mike Pickering and Graeme Park. They’re joined across the weekend by DJ Paulette, Mark XTC, K-Klass and Justin Robertson who reinforce Moovin’s deep northern roots and club culture credentials.
Moovin Festival 2026 phase one line-up
- Groove Armada (DJ Set)
- 2manydjs (DJ Set)
- Gilles Peterson
- Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set)
- Quantic (DJ Set)
- Chali 2na (Live)
- Mungos Hi Fi
- Danilo Plessow (MCDE)
- Moonchild Sanelly
- Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi
- Galliano
- Luke Una
- Mike Pickering & Graeme Park
- Micky Finn
- Ozric Tentacles
- DJ Paulette
- DRS (Live)
- Freestylers
- Porij
- Greg Wilson
- Jaguar Skills
- Dr Meaker
- K-Klass
- Plump DJs
- Dan Shake
- Xpress 2
- Utah Saints
- Nicky Blackmarket
- Bill Brewster
- Justin Robertson
- Jon Dasilva
- Sarahtonin
- DJ Woody
- Soul of Man
Tickets for Moovin Festival 2026
Tickets are on sale now, here.