Y’alright ar kid? Welcome to Manchester, the centre of the fucking universe and we’re buzzin’ to ‘ave ya! As Tony Walsh put it in his moving and classically Northern ode to my city, “This is the place“.
Forget London with its posh, soft and unfriendly mob, up ‘ere we’ve got northern grit in this northern powerhouse.
Pull up a chair cus we’ll make you a brew if we do nowt else and mither you with tales of legendary bands, artists, revolutionaries and rebels.
This is the place where communism and the Industrial Revolution were born. Where Alan Turin broke the code to the modern computer. Where Emmeline Pankhurst marched her suffragettes to a new dawn. Where L. S. Lowry painted the streets of factory workers and Tony Wilson changed the face of British music forever.
We’ve got a lot going on up ‘ere and like the bees that buzz all over the city from our coat of arms to my tattooed limbs, we’re always up to something!
We’ve got events for anything and everything and in truth, it was a tough decision when it came to selecting the BEST festivals in Manchester.
So if you’re coming, and you bloody well should, get yourself down to these awesome Manchester festivals and have a right knees-up (or whatever you do at literature festivals)
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Festivals in Manchester
Manchester goes off in the summertime with some of the UK’s best festivals. From music and food to art and culture, you’re gonna have your socks blown off.
You can catch some of the biggest artists at Parklife or drink a few pints at the Manchester Beer Festival. Either way, here are the ten best festivals in Manchester that you should deffo consider adding to your UK backpacking plans.
Parklife
- When: June
- Where: Heaton Park, Manchester
Parklife is one of the most popular festivals in Manchester, if not THE most popular. It’s been around since 2010 and is a must-attend in the summer. So grab your bucket hat, cus we’re off to Parklife.
Parklife Festival is a music event held in Manchester’s Heaton Park. It is the biggest music festival in the UK and features a mixture of genres like hip hop, grime, pop, rock, club, house, and dance DJs, and it goes absolutely bloody insane.
Parklife has had performances by music legends like Wu-Tang Clan, Mark Ronson, Disclosure, George Ezra, The XX, Liam Gallagher, The Chemical Brothers, Snoop Dogg, The 1975, and others in the decade-plus since its first event. I’m telling you, the lineup is always amazing.
But it doesn’t end there; Parklife also has art, food, and installations to keep you entertained all day long. And if that’s not enough, the festival creates a unique atmosphere with its proper Mancunian vibe where you can get lost in the music, have fun with your mates and go mad fer it!
The festival is for a full weekend every June, and GA tickets are sold out in 48 hours, so you must be quick if you want the cheapest option available. Tickets start at £110, so it’s worth grabbing them early. You can also buy day passes if you don’t want to pay for the full weekend.
Where to Stay:
Sadly, this is a non-camping event, so I highly recommend snagging a room at the Moxy Manchester City Hotel. It’s a stylish hotel that you’re sure to feel at home, but of course, I just got a lift from my slightly disgruntled Dad back to my actual home! If you’re not in my dad’s car, then you could stay in one of the great B&Bs in Manchester instead.
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Manchester Jazz Festival
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- When: May
- Where: Manchester
10 days of pure, unadulterated jazz. Why the fuck not! With over 80 events taking place in some of Manchester’s most iconic venues, it makes up one of the largest celebrations of jazz music in Europe.
MJF is a music festival that started in the summer of 1996 and is the longest-running festival in Manchester. It offers a diverse range of music genres, ranging from traditional and funk in city pubs to gospel and blues. It’s all over the place in the best way possible! But isn’t that just jazz?
The festival hosts a diverse range of talents each year in the city, including big-name artists as well as underrated ones (these are my favourites). Along with all of the fan favourites, discovering new, unknown artists adds an extra layer of sparkle to the festival.
Every year, the event hosts loads of free events, and in the last year, they started including the entire opening weekend to allow visitors to experience the best of what the Manchester jazz scene has to offer.
So, if you want to groove along to some funky tunes and support talented local and international artists, then be sure to check out the Manchester Jazz Festival. You won’t regret it!
Where to Stay:
Enjoy a few fun nights at the Brew Dog Dog House. The hotel is right in the centre and offers free bikes and breakfast. It has a super cool terrace to hang out on and meet other travellers. If you want something a bit fancier then you’re well-placed to stay in one of the few hotels with hot tubs in Manchester too.
Manchester International Festival
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- When: June
- Where: Manchester
It’s groundbreaking, exploratory, and it’s everything the art world needs and more. The Manchester International Festival (MIF) is a biennial international festival of contemporary performing arts that takes place in and around the city of Manchester.
This festival is like none other, offering a wide range of art forms, including music, dance, performance, theatre, exhibitions, and gaming. They seriously do it all. And the programs are anything but ordinary as they strive to bring together various practitioners and types of art to create something like never before.
The festival’s vision is to “invent tomorrow together,” making it near impossible not to keep their eyes beyond the horizon. They explore the frontiers of creativity, pushing boundaries and inventing new ways to perform.
It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates art, with many of their shows being unique experiences that will never be recreated.
The festival is such a spectacle and only takes place every two years. You’ll experience 18 days of curated shows, performances, and events that you absolutely can’t miss. You’ll be moved by what you see as the venues are all around the city, giving you the full Manchester experience. To include everyone, they offer a ton of free events too.
Where to Stay:
These studio apartments are great for travellers who are looking to stay a little longer than a weekend and want to spread out.
If that doesn’t suit then you could also check out many of the other awesome Manchester Airbnb’s.
Sounds of the City
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- When: June
- Where: Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
One of Manchester’s most beloved summer concert series is the Sound of the City. The concerts span two weeks, and a headliner is set to perform every night. Past performers have included Beck, Elbow, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
General admission tickets start at £55.45 per night. Unfortunately, they don’t have multiple-night passes, so if two of your favourite artists are playing on different nights, you may have to pony up the money for both tickets. But the price is still reasonable.
But it’s worth it as the atmosphere is always electric, with fans enjoying great food and drinks while dancing the night away. Not to mention you get an amazing view of one of my favourite areas of the city, the Castlefield Viaduct. It really turns the concerts into an unforgettable experience in this dramatic location.
People from all over the country flock to Manchester for the Sounds of the City festival, and it’s getting bigger each year. It’s been going strong since 2016 and shows no signs of stopping. The weather is more likely to be decent at this time of year, the vibes are immaculate, and it’s truly the event that starts off the summer season.
But hey, even if it’s pissing down, us Manc’s still know how to have a proper rave!
If you’re looking for a great time, this is one of Manchester’s best summer festivals and should be on your must-visit list. So mark it down in your calendars and get ready to party!
Where to Stay:
Stay right down the road at the Motel One at St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy the convenience of being close to the venue. The breakfast and bar downstairs are the perfect send-off and welcome home during the festival. It’s a great spot for a weekend trip to Manchester.
Manchester Pride
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- When: August
- Where: Manchester
Over the past 15 years, Manchester Pride has evolved into a jubilant showcase of queer identity and self-expression. Every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the streets of Manchester become a celebration of LGBTQ+ life.
The hub of the celebrations is centred around the legendary Gay Village which is draped in all colours of the rainbow year-round but becomes a real feast for the eyes and ears during Pride. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Manchester, whatever time of year you visit.
The three-day event includes live music performances, comedy shows, cabaret, and other entertainment options. The Pride Parade is one of the main attractions and sees hundreds of participants dressed in outrageous costumes and carrying colourful banners.
The Manchester Pride Parade is the largest parade in the city. It brings together tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who march for equality. It’s one of the most anticipated events of Manchester Pride due to its colourful and spectacular display.
This pride event in Manchester is special because the city has a history of pioneering progress and pushing for equality. Manchester has a legacy of achievements, from splitting the atom to championing anti-slavery and women’s suffrage movements.
The city has a culture of openness and acceptance, which makes it no wonder that it is a significant player in the UK’s LGBT liberation movement. Being a part of the Manchester Pride Parade is an incredibly powerful experience and one that makes me so proud to be from this fab city.
Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, simply want to show your support or just have a fun and fantastic time, then join the festivities at Manchester Pride. With its vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of unity, this event brings hope for a better future where everyone can be free to express who they are.
Where to Stay:
This Manchester-themed hotel is located in the heart of Manchester and offers stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy a typical English breakfast in the morning and a pint in the evening in the cosy bar. It’s a great choice for those looking to stay up late and make the most of Pride and is one of my favourite places to stay in Manchester when I don’t make it home… which usually coincides with Pride!
Manchester Literature Festival
- When: November
- Where: Manchester
The Manchester Literature Festival celebrates the written word and brings together people from around the world each autumn. It’s one of the oldest festivals in Manchester and has been running since 2006, hosting talks, workshops, book signings, and more.
The Manchester Literature Festival brings together a diverse group of storytellers, poets, and thinkers to share their imaginative ideas, stories and works. As part of Manchester’s cultural fabric, this festival is open to all who want to enjoy it.
Their goal has always been to create a space that embraces all types of literature and encourages everyone to develop a passion for it. Always trying to be inclusive and accommodating, allowing people to connect with others and be exposed to events that will entertain, surprise, and stir something inside them emotionally.
If you’re looking for a great festival to experience while in town, the Manchester Literature Festival should definitely be on your list. With so many interesting events and talks, it’s perfect for those who want to explore the city further and learn more about its written culture.
Where to Stay:
Stay in this swanky hotel located in the centre of Manchester and be close to all the festival action. Leven Manchester is a great option for those looking for comfort and luxury, and the big windows are stunning.
Since you’re on a literary trail, you need to head to John Ryland’s Library and the Central Library, which are some great places to visit in Manchester.
Craft Beer Festival
- When: July
- Where: Manchester
I’ve never seen a craft beer festival quite like this one, and I’ve been to a few the world over, let me tell you!
So what makes this festival so special? Well, it’s all-inclusive. This means that when you purchase a ticket, you will have access to all the beer available at the festival without having to pay extra for each beer you try. I don’t know about you, but this sounds like it could really get out of hand, haha.
I mean… UNLIMITED beer? Sign me up!
Once you arrive at Depot Mayfield, your ticket will be scanned, and you will receive a festival glass, which you can keep. This glass will be your tool to sample any beer you wish at the festival. You can even try beer styles you normally wouldn’t consider.
With over 500 different beers available, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with brewers and taste as much beer as you desire without having to pay for each one.
And, of course, you gotta have some food with all of that beer, right? Well, this festival has you covered. They will be serving some of the city’s favourite dishes by some of the most popular restaurants, and it’s also included in your ticket.
So for 60 quid, you can enjoy unlimited craft beer and food? Sounds like a win-win situation. The Craft Beer Festival is one of the most fun festivals in Manchester that will bring tons of fun for everyone. Just make sure to warn your dorm mates in your Manchester hostel.
Where to Stay:
If you’re looking for a hotel on a budget, Piccadilly Central is a great option. It’s located in the heart of Piccadilly and has a cosy atmosphere to make you feel at home.
Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉
Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!
View on Booking.comGobefest
- When: June
- Where: Manchester
In 2017, Góbéfest was created to honour the customs and traditions of the Székler people – a community of Hungarian descent residing in Transylvania, Romania. The term “Góbé” refers to a clever Székely.
Góbéfest aims to display the folklore and customs of various cultures from throughout Europe while preserving its origins in Transylvania. It’s also a great way to celebrate the different cultures that make up my diverse city.
This folklore festival in Manchester includes live music, traditional costumes, and delicious food. Attendees can learn about the unique customs of the Székler people as well as other European cultures. The event also features a wide range of activities for both adults and children, such as folk dance classes, crafts workshops, and storytelling sessions.
Góbéfest focuses on music as it invites acclaimed musicians from the Carpathian Basin to showcase a diverse range of genres, including folk, classical, jazz, rock, and world music.
The festival also features several folk dance troupes from across the UK. This is a chance for you to join in on the fun as they bring in the audience to join in the dances! It’s a great spot to meet new people if you’re travelling in the UK solo.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, Góbefest is definitely something worth checking out. Whether you’re a fan of traditional music or just want to explore and learn more about other European cultures, this festival provides an excellent opportunity to do so.
Where to Stay:
Stay in this boutique hotel right in the heart of Manchester to experience everything the city has to offer. The 19th-century building is the perfect mix of new and old.
Bluedot Festival
- When: July
- Where: Jodrell Bank Observatory
Bluedot is one of the most unique festivals in Manchester. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s a celebration of music, art, science, and technology like no other. They bring together various elements to create an event like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
You’ll enjoy live music from some of the best international artists as well as mind-blowing performances from scientists, technologists, and innovators. Plus, there are plenty of extra activities, including workshops, talks, and films.
Experience keynote talks from renowned leaders in space exploration, physics, biology, and environmentalism. Engage with scientists and researchers at the extensive science fair—it’s like primary school on steroids.
They’ll be discussing the latest discoveries in interesting detail and enthusiasm. You and your kids can experiment with hands-on science, workshops, and more!
After learning about the world and space around us, you can make your way to the orbit stage to catch some of the best live music. As the night sky starts to light up, witness laser shows that will feel like you’re being transported into another dimension.
And don’t forget to check out the fascinating art installations scattered throughout the iconic venue of Jodrell Bank. The visuals created by these artists amaze everyone—they’re out of this world!
Where to Stay:
Bluedot provides multiple camping options. Bring your tents or caravans, or if you prefer, they also have some glamping options. This is the BEST way to make the most out of your weekend and not miss a single thing!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
What to Pack For Festivals In Manchester
You’re probably aware of Manchester’s famously glorious weather, and by glorious, I mean shit! Ok, so you could get a suntan, but the chances of rain are a constant threat in my soggy hometown. So pack a rain jacket, wellies and some dry sacks. Other than that I recommend taking a pretty standard hostel packing list plus some cold weather gear like a good coat if you’re coming in the winter.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Whilst Manchester and the UK are pretty safe and whilst our health system is crumbling under 13 years of Tory austerity, we do in fact have a pretty decent thing going on with the NHS. Having said that, you should always get good travel insurance before travelling, because you never know when one of these Manchester festivals could end in trench foot!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts On The Best Festivals In Manchester
Alright then guys, there you have it. As you might be able to tell, I’m pretty proud of this city I call home and I reckon we’ve got some of the best festivals here in Manchester in the world.
As a city of pioneers, creatives and renegades, we don’t do things by halves. Come up and have a look when you’re in the UK, you won’t regret it. Get a glimpse at real life in Blighty outside of the polished skyscrapers of London and the chocolate box towns of the Cotswolds. Up ‘ere we’re rough and ready, but we’re a friendly bunch of folk too!
If there’s one thing to be said about Manchester, it’s that a trip up here will never be dull, and the same can be said about our festivals. There’s something for everyone from Parklife to Bluedot, MIF, and more. Each brings something unique to the table and will leave you with lasting memories and probably a bunch of new mates!
Which one is the best, well, it’s hard to say, but as a Manc, the thing I love most about my city is how diverse it is and how accepting we are. So with this in mind, I always make sure to never miss Pride, you’re guaranteed a great time whether you want to drink the night away, take part in a march or just soak in the carnival atmosphere on Canal St.
There you have it, you can buy me a pint in town next time you see me to say thanks!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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