Manchester Jazz Festival Family Activities

Looking for something fun, free, and family-friendly to do this May? Head down to First Street on the morning of Friday 17 May as Manchester Jazz Festival kicks off with a packed programme for families. Whether your little ones love music, movement, nature, or imaginative play, there’s something for everyone – and it’s free!

Start your day with a musical moment to remember at Thanda’s BIG Sing on the Ask Garden Stage. South African artist Thanda Gumede brings his award-winning voice and energy to Manchester, joined by the talented Olympias choir, made up of young people and families from the local community.

For those wanting to stretch, breathe, and move, we recommend Yoga With Gilly. This family-focused session is suitable for children aged 3 and up, and welcomes complete beginners. With fun movement and breathwork, it’s a great way to connect as a family. Pre-registration is required to reserve your free spot.

Curious kids and their grownups can step into a world of imagination with Z-arts’ Adventures in Wonderland. Created in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books to mark 160 years of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this interactive experience invites children and families to take on their own magical journey.

Music fans with younger children will love Little Groovers, an award-winning music session for under-7s led by trained musicians. Packed with live music, percussion instruments, scarves, ribbons, bubbles, and a giant parachute, this fun-filled session is the perfect introduction to rhythm, movement, and group play.

Nature-lovers can join the team from Plant MCR for their Make Your Own Meadow workshop. Here, families can create a mini wildflower meadow in a pot to take home, perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and even moths. It’s a lovely way to learn about nature and make something special together.

To round off the morning, look out for The Doctors of Music, roaming performers with a ‘prescription’ for fun. Dressed in lab coats but armed with instruments instead of stethoscopes, these quirky musical ‘doctors’ will bring jazz, laughter, and a few surprises as they interact with the crowd, hand out instruments, and recruit new ‘patients’ for spontaneous performances.

With no need to book for most activities and a whole morning of fun, First Street’s Manchester Jazz Festival Family Activities is the perfect way to start the festival.