Returning to Wythenshawe Park & Gardens for its second year, South Manchester Food Festival is bringing an exciting programme filled with family activities, live entertainment and diverse food and drink offerings this weekend. Taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, the festival, from the organisers behind Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival, will feature more than 20 street food and dessert vendors, an artisan market with 80+ local businesses alongside new attractions such as eccentric performances, interactive workshops and immersive experiences.
What to expect at South Manchester Food Festival
Family Activities
Families and festival-goers alike can join in The Foodie Olympics, featuring varying food and drink-inspired games, or test their aim with Within Range Airsoft workshops. Various roaming performances, including guests The Old Time Rags, will engage with attendees throughout the park.
Younger guests can explore the site through The Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt, enjoy making their favourite treats with Artisan Cooks Kids Cooking Classes, or encounter farm animals at Fisher’s Mobile Farm. Further attractions include a traditional fun fair, an Inflatable Land, a live comedy improv show, Axes to Ashes Axe Throwing, a Kids Drawing Competition and more.
Live Chef Demonstrations, Music and Entertainment
The Live Cookery Theatre, presented in collaboration with The Great British Bake Off’s Makbul Patel, will host culinary demonstrations with acclaimed experts and mentors. Four demonstrations will be led by celebrity chefs, and both halves of the former Alberti Twins, John & Ton Alberti. Having risen to fame on the first season of Love Island, guests can enjoy tutorials from two globally-recognised chefs, cookbook authors, and TV personalities at the festival. Plus, MasterChef semi-finalist Yemi Adelekean, BANT-Registered nutritionist Eva Humphries, and The Great British Bake Off fan-favourite Gill Howard will also be in attendance.
Festival-goers can also expect live music from the region’s up-and-coming talent, alongside two acclaimed tribute acts throughout the weekend. The Killaz UK, tribute to the all-time classics of The Killers, headlines Saturday evening, whereas Sunday evening hosts Standing on the Shoulders of Oasis, tribute to the legendary Mancunian rock band. Alternatively, circus workshops, family magic shows, and performing arts will take place hourly on the Live Entertainers Stage.
Street Food Arena and Artisan Market
The Street Food Arena returns once again with its largest display of global flavours yet, showcasing 29 independent street food and dessert vendors. Plus, the Artisan Market has also expanded, hosting more than 80 local businesses offering sweet and savoury goods, homeware, beverages, crafts and more.
Both of these attractions are complemented by the 13 independent vendors offering specialty spirits, cocktails, wines, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Those searching further refreshment can visit the Full Ale House, in partnership with Vocation Brewery, for draught IPAs and lagers.
How to get tickets to South Manchester Food Festival
Tickets to South Manchester Food Festival at Wythenshawe Park & Gardens start from £10.95 for adults (plus booking fee) for either Saturday or Sunday and £13.95 (plus booking fee) for the full weekend. For children aged 16 or under, single day tickets start from £6.95 and £7.95 for the full weekend, whilst children under the age of 5 get free entry.
Donations from ticket sales will go to Manchester Mind, hoping to add to the £127,000 collectively raised for mental health initiatives through the festival and its sister events.
Free parking is also available beside the event’s main entrance. For more information, tickets and updates, head here.