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Manchester hosts a range of exciting festivals that offer great music, amazing food and art, which is why if you’re planning a trip to this city, you must make sure that you plan your trip in a way that it coincides with these festivals.
Here are a few festivals that are held in Manchester that you just cannot miss:
Sounds of the City is one of the biggest music festivals in Manchester. This year, it offers an exciting line-up that includes Razorlight, Foals, Crowded House, Kaiser Chiefs, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, The Streets, Hacienda Classical, DMAs, Lewis Capaldi, and more.
Where: Castlefield Bowl, Rice Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4JR
When: 1 July 2020to11 July 2020
If you’re someone who’s always felt immensely intrigued by the universe, then the Bluedot festival is perfect for you. The festival is marketed as a festival discovery, with its program spanning across science, arts, music, food, film, culture, and even technology. You can expect the music line-up to be quite stellar, with artists like Bjork, Groove Armada, Tangerine Dream, Roisin Murphy, EOB, Metronomy, Squarepusher, and more.
Where: Jodrell Bank, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL
When: 23 July 2020 - 26 July 2020
The Manchester Pride Festival celebrates the city’s LGBTQ community and is one of the most vibrant festivals in the city. This internationally acclaimed festival includes events like the Gay Village Party, the Candlelit Vigil, Manchester Pride Live, the Superbia Weekend, and the Youth Pride MCR.
Where: Mayfield, Fairfield Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M16 8FT
When: 28 Aug 2020 - 31 Aug 2020
While it’s an independent music festival, the Parklife is one of the biggest ones in Manchester. This year, the festival boasts of a great line-up in the form of DJ Khalid, Tyler the Creator, Fatboy Slim, Green Velvet, Anderson. Paak and the Free Nationals, Eric Prydz, Subfocus, Lucky Dave, Too Many Man, Mahalia, Romy, Artwork, Black Josh, Dimension and more.
Where: Heaton Park, Prestwich, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M25 2SW
When: 13 June 2020 - 14 June 2020
The Manchester Gin and Rum Festival lets you sample a myriad of different gins and rums, while also having your fill of street food and live music performances. Do expect to be treated to a vibrant experience that will stay with you for life. Keep in mind that your ticket price includes not just the privilege of entry, but also a Gin and Rum festival satchel, a Copa glass, and even a Gin and Rum guide for you to peruse. Additionally, you’ll also get two miniature bottles and a metal straw that you can use throughout the festival.
Where: Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1SX
When: 27 Mar 2020to28 Mar 2020, 18:30 - 23:00
If you’re a fan of animated films, or simply love to explore different types of art forms, then you must head down to the Manchester Animation Festival. This festival is a hotspot for the biggest animators in the UK and extends an open invitation to the internal community of graphic designers and animators. Apart from watching a range of animated films, you’ll also get to meet panels of artists and animators and ask them questions about their journey in this industry.
Where: HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 4FN
When: 8 Nov 2020 - 11 Nov 2020
The After All Festival celebrates everything that is innovative and exciting in Manchester. This year, the festival will include a range of great artists like Bones Shake, INEGO, Leah Karis, The Maitlands Mississippi Riot, The Last Clouds, The Any Numbers, Ian Lockett, Valve, Pave, Charlie Mechan, Mark Pratt, Jouska, Broomhead, and the Pagans SOH. One of the things to keep in mind about this festival is that the proceedings go to the Make a Wish Foundation and Musicians Against Homelessness. If you book your tickets in advance, they will cost around £10 - £12, however, if you buy your ticket on the day of the festival itself, then it will cost £15.
Where: Various venues, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN
When: 17 May 202015:00 - 22:00
The Manchester International Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the city, and often offers world premieres and great events for people to enjoy. From art exhibitions to cultural events, film screenings to musical performances, you can experience a wide range of wonderful events at this festival. As this is one of the largest festivals in the city, do keep in mind that you should book your tickets in advance as it they may be sold out as the date approaches.
Where: The Manchester International Festival takes place across a range of venues that are spread all over the city.
When: 1 July 2021to18 July 2021
