With notable names The Hollies and Oasis attached to it, Manchester has a rich music history. The city still is home to modern pop brands like Blossoms and The 1975. But the musical charm of the place does not end there. Manchester sees many vibrant music scenes with festivals happening all around the year. Whether you are looking to relax amidst the sound of Jazz. Or get electrified with upbeat volumes, you can have it all here.
Here are the best music festivals in Manchester to look forward to during your tour.
- Parklife Festival
Parklife is one of the biggest music events that happens every year. It takes place in Heaton Park for 2 days in June. And gets almost all the serviced apartments in Manchester booked. The show organizers bring top-level talent and popular names to entertain the crowd. They also keep it diverse with a pleasant mix of genres from electronic music to hip-hop. This suit the varying taste of the audience which has led to its tremendous growth since its start in 2010.
This year's festival will feature Little Simz, Aitch, The 1975, Fred Again, and many more. If you do not want to miss the event, book your tickets now for June 10th and 11th.
2. Manchester Jazz Festival
If Jazz has a special place in your heart, then Manchester Jazz Festival is the one for you. It was first brought to life in 1996 and is one of the longest-running music festivals in Manchester. It covers St Ann's Square and Exchange Street and extends to closeby venues. The success of the event lies in its honesty in representing the genre in its truest sense. The festival also gives scope to many grassroots talents to display their potential.
Manchester Jazz Festival 2023 will take place from 19th May. It will continue till the 28th of the month with an extended weekend-long celebration at Band on the Wall.
3. Dot to Dot Festival
It is a yearly music event in Manchester, also shared by fellow cities Nottingham and Bristol. There is a strong inclination toward the Indie and Electronica genres. The entire occasion is a weekend affair and sees the rise of many hot talents. The artists entertain the masses in all the 3 cities on different days and across various venues.
Dot to Dot also holds the prestigious award of ‘Best Festival for Emerging Talent’ in 2017. The Horrors, Amber Run, The Big Moon, and Annie Mac are some names to have been part of the event in the past.
4. Northwest Calling
Northwest Calling is a fun and energetic music festival. If you love moshing to head-banging rhythms, this event is totally for you. The occasion continues for a day and sees the most amazing lively crowds. After missing out for a few years, the punk festival is back in full swing this year. It is going to be held on 3rd June at Manchester Academy.
Needless to say, the organizers have kept the line-up wild. The major highlights include Sham 69, Dirt Box Disco, UK Subs, and Ferocious Dog. And Anti-Nowhere League and Peter & The Test Tube Babies too along with loads more exciting names.
5. Manchester Folk Festival
This is an urban festival based in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. Produced by the English Folk Expo, it happens every October. The venues are diverse. But they are all around the center of Manchester, separated by a few yards of walking distance. The event oversees a large gathering of varying artists from modern folk music. If you want to be a part of the occasion, book the tickets for this year’s event that will run from 19th to 21st October. Bonfire Radicals, Blackbeard's Tea Party, Granny's Attic are some bands already confirmed. While more big names are getting added with each passing day.
6. Sounds of the City
Starting in the year 2016, the Castlefield Bowl music event in Manchester has become a staple. The series of concerts witness a wide array of renowned figures from the music industry. From Arcade Fire, and Elbow to Paolo Nutini and New Order, many famed artists have given megahit acts here. Sounds of the City 2023 also has several grand names attached to it. They are Porcupine Tree, The Lathums, Blossoms, Bastille, Hacienda Classical, and Two Door Cinema Club. Coming to the dates, the events will be held 29-30th June and 6-9th July.
7. Manchester Guitar Festival
This is a new addition to the rich tradition of the best music festivals in Manchester. It is a beautiful occasion that honors guitar music and its faithful followers in a grand way. From acoustic and electric to classical, you can see an assorted mix of performances here.
After major success in the first year, Manchester Guitar Festival is coming back on 19-21 May 2023. The opening day will feature the twice Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb. It will be followed by Miguel Pérez, Andrés Peña, and Miguel Rosendo’s flamenco music. While the home-grown Aquarelle Guitar Quartet will wrap up the celebration.
8. Flashback Festival
Flashback Festival, as the name suggests is tailor-made for retro music and dance fans. But it brings forth a fresh vibe mingled with reminiscent charm. This keeps even the contemporary music-worshipping masses glued to it. The upcoming event is scheduled to be on 20th May 2023. It is going to be held at Platt Field Park in Manchester. And has a promising range of headliners and pioneers ready to take you back to royal tunes from the past 30 years. Euphoric Trance, Groovin’ Garage, Retro House, and Clubland Classics to name a few.
9. Neighbourhood Weekender
Attending the Neighborhood Weekender is a great way to welcome summer. The event is a lively occasion that sees the stages set on fire by top music performers. This year, the festival is happening on 27th-28th May. The setting is Victoria Park, Warrington near Manchester. The two-day festivity will see some popular brands like The Kooks and The Wombats on the first day. The second day will feature Pulp, Self Esteem, Anne-Marie, and many more.
The general per-day tickets cost £66.50 with VIP tickets being £127.50. Privileges cover access to special entry lanes, posh toilets, bars, VIP food traders, and private viewing areas.
10. Wigan International Jazz Festival
Wigan hosts one of the iconic music festivals in Manchester for jazz since 1986. It is a must-visit event that has always showcased amazing gigs by famed jazz artists. For the first 20 years, the venue was the Mill at the Pier. Then it moved to JJB Stadium followed by Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre. Today, it has a more vibrant spot in Village on the Green, Aspull as a permanent venue. This year’s dates are the 13th to 16th of July. The event will see some bright names. Salena Jones, Mica Millar, James Morrison and his quartet, and many more.
Final Thoughts
Manchester is the musical hub with something to suit every taste. The best music festivals in Manchester also have great sites with many TheSqua.re serviced apartments in Manchester close by. This eases the lodging-related tensions of several traveling tourists. Get booked early to enjoy the best apartments even on demanding dates.