[@]Manchester's Festivals
Never underestimate a city that has produced the likes of The Smiths and Oasis. In fact, expect that city to be leading the way when it comes to live music. And where is the best place to throw yourself into the thick of it? Only at one of Manchester’s very own music festivals.
Visit the MIF websiteThe Manchester International Festival is one of the world's most influential music gatherings; often hosting major stars such as Kraftwerk or Bjork. This biannual event sees the city turned into a huge stage with perfomances including theatre, dance and music.
Held during the month of July, it attracts visitors and locals into the city and there will be something for you to enjoy and engage with.
For many years the one event that was lacking from the Mancunian calendar was an outside music festival to rival the likes of Glastonbury and V Festival. But that all changed in 2010 when Parklife touched down at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield for a weekend of banging beats and dirty dancing.
Since then the festival has grown in numerous ways, with its popularity now at an all-time high. Originally designed for students and locals, more and more people are now travelling to the city to get a taste of the two-day event held annually in June.
Which is just one of the reasons why the festival has now moved to Heaton Park - so it can accommodate the tens of thousands who want to be part of the action. Each year the line-up manages to bring in a list of acclaimed artists, with past bills including Dizzee Racal and Disclosure. The 2014 event was headlined by American rap megastar Snoop Dogg.
Beware though, if you’re lucky enough to nab yourself a ticket then you’ll need a pair of wellies at the get-go. They’re by far the smartest choice of footwear if the weather turns.
The other emerging festival, Summer in the City, takes place a the Castlefield Bowl. Despite only being in its early days the event has managed to bring in a number of esteemed bands, such as The Pixies and Manchester’s very own James.
Read about Manchester's Classical Music SceneManchester has a long established link with classical music and it's very own Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a world class education centre.
The Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Cathedral are very popular performance venues both within easy reach of the city centre.
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Blackthorn Music Festival
Blackthorn Music Festival with headliner bands and up and coming artists. Secondary acoustic stage, weekend camping, food stall, Bar and soft drinks, entertainment such as bucking bronco and other rides.
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Manchester Fringe Festival
The Fringe, that happens every July, was created to run concurrently with the biennial MIF and it presents a wide range of music, theatre and comedy across the city.
Information and Performances... -
Manchester International Festival (MIF)
MIF is is truely an international festival, it features music, dance and art from across the world as well as home grown talent
Information and Performances... -
Manchester Jazz Festival
20 years of the MJF at venues across the city with a main hub in the Festival Pavilion site in Albert Square.
Information and Performances... -
Manchester Pride
While focusing on the LGBT community, Manchester Pride is fun event for everyone and often features major headline acts.
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Parklife at Heaton Park
Parklife is now an established part of Manchester's thriving festival scene and it's well worth a look.
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Summer in the City
Held right in the centre of Manchester's historic Castlefield Summer in the City has grown to be a major event.
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Royal Northern College of Music
The RNCM music programmes are much more that a short festival, its productions and performances run thorugh out the year.
Information and Performances...

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