MIF21: Festival Square

Festival Square at Cathedral Gardens, Cathedral Quarter, 2–18 July 2021, free entry - Visit now

MIF21 has a new hub with Festival Square now located in Cathedral Gardens. While that may be new, rest assured that all the prevailing features are there – the air of excitement, the buzz of the city and its residents, excellent food, drink and free live music, DJs, and poets raring to go. Oh, and let’s not forget the ubiquitous deckchairs.

So then, what are you waiting for? Mosey on down to Festival Square where there will be a party for revellers of all ages.

Designed by Hawkins\Brown Architects, Festival Square is, undoubtedly, the place to be at the moment. This year’s programme will build throughout the Festival, beginning with mellow evenings of reflection and reconnection and ending with massive nights of joy and celebration. Familiar faces are in tow too with nights curated by Jamz Supernova, DJ Paulette, Mr Scruff, BBC Music Introducing in Manchester and long-time festival friend Dave Haslam.

MIF21 is also showcasing the return of the incomparable Homoelectric to the Square. Alongside this, you can find Afrodeutsche, Feel Good Club, Norman Jay and Lou Rhodes (Lamb) choosing the tunes for the Records of Reflection series.

What’s more, for families, there are plenty of incredible events – including music and DJ sets – guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained while ensuring the grown-ups feel like they are in no way missing out.

Rest assured that all the prevailing features are there – the air of excitement, the buzz of the city and its residents, excellent food, drink and free live music, DJs, and poets raring to go. Oh, and let’s not forget the ubiquitous deckchairs.

Coming up on Sunday, 11 July, expect an eclectic mix of alt-R&B courtesy of NRTHRN (a new Manchester label set up by Vzion with support from MIF Sounds). There’ll also be sets from fast-rising soul star Yemi Bolatiwa, glue70 & ZULA, rapper-producer Ceeow, singer-songwriters Nyree and Ava, and label boss Vzion, plus DJs Tommy Tickle and David Birch.

So then, what are you waiting for? Mosey on down to Festival Square where there will be a party for revellers of all ages.

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For details of individual dates and times for DJ sets – head over to the MIF website.

Like all MIF venues, Festival Square will be a fully COVID-secure site with current guidelines adhered to.

You can also experience Festival Square online during MIF21.