Ah festivals. We do them well up north. From giant, inhibition-loosening weekends in farmers’ fields to inner-city parties that showcase the best of local, underground scenes, music lovers are spoilt for choice.
Here we pick our highlights for spring/summer 2024, taking in everything from hedonistic escapes to contemporary jazz showdowns via family-friendly fun.
One of the country’s foremost festivals showcasing new and emerging talent, Sounds From The Other City will be back this Early May Bank Holiday.
Manchester’s longest running music festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, returns with 10 days of the best northern, national and international contemporary jazz – featuring big-name bands, emerging artists and new works.
Set in the flora-filled sanctuary of Hulme Community Garden Centre, Green Island champions underground, underrepresented, and emerging artists from across the UK, and places global sounds at the forefront.
More the indoor type? No problem. GASP! Horror Film Festival returns to Manchester’s CULTPLEX bigger and better, with a full weekend of scary movies from underrepresented voices.
For two days a year, The National Festival of Making fills the streets of Blackburn with an ambitious programme that “celebrates making from the kitchen table to the factory floor”.
Tiniest festival goers can look forward to TOTfest Cheshire, packed with endless entertainment for kids and their grownups.
Manchester Psych Fest, an all-day celebration of psychedelic music and art, returns this September with more musicians, DJs and visual artists than ever before.
Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.
Take me there
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
We've got lots of live literature to check out and plenty of other opportunities for writers and readers alike as the clocks go back...
From creative activities, poo-themed science and family theatre, check out our latest picks of fun things to do with the family.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North to visit in 2024.
