Live Music at Refract 2025

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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Live Music at Refract 2025

Waterside, Manchester
22-27 July 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Arun Ghosh launches Refract 25. Image courtesy of Dawn Kilner.
Arun Ghosh launches Refract 25. Image courtesy of Dawn Kilner.
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Refract returns to Waterside this July with a genre-spanning music programme that’s as playful and unpredictable as the festival itself – and much of it is completely free.

The music kicks off at the Cabaret Club with Arun Ghosh, a boundary-smashing clarinettist who fuses jazz, Indian classical and contemporary sounds (22 July, ticketed). Over in the foyer at the same time, The Living Room Dance Club keeps it loose with a funk and soul disco hosted by Manchester vinyl queen Ailsa McLaggan – spinning floor-fillers from the 1970s and beyond (free, no booking required).

Elsewhere in the week, Bay Bryan takes to the stage with a hybrid set of live music and storytelling (25 July, free). Switching gears from the tender folk soul of his debut album, The Meadow, he’ll be previewing the funky psych-pop of new project BAYARD, while diving into a world of transporting tales – some taller than others. Stay on afterwards for local DJ Atalaya’s late-night set, spanning reggaetón, trance, techno and everything in between (free).

 

Refract’s open-air strand turns up the volume on Waterside Plaza, with a street-party atmosphere and performances designed for all ages. Allow Batala Manchester to introduce you to samba reggae, before The Thingumajigs crank up the ska, funk and silliness for a family-friendly knees-up (26 July, free). The next day, Global Grooves dial up the carnival energy with their bloco of drummers, brass and horn players (27 July, free).

Rounding things off is Rodina (aka Aoife Hearty), whose soul-jazz stylings provide a perfect golden-hour send-off on the Refract Bandstand (27 July, free).

Blending big brass blowouts with intimate storytelling, DIY dancefloors with world-class musicianship, this year’s music line-up captures Refract’s spirit in full: bold, inclusive, and built to bring people together.

Where to go near Live Music at Refract 2025

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Bean and Brush Art Café

Bean & Brush is a family art café in Sale which serves simple, tasty food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The bonus for parents is the arts and crafts studio which keeps the kids busy being creative while they can join in or relax with a coffee.

Manchester
Park
Grosvenor Square

Grosvenor Square is one of the few open spaces along Oxford Road Manchester; on sunny days, students from the nearby Manchester School of Art come out to bask.

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Walkden Gardens

Walkden Gardens in the Manchester suburbs has all the makings of a fairy tale garden. As a venue, it’s hard to imagine a more magical gateway, a wonderful escape only a short(ish) stroll from the Brooklands Metrolink stop..

Sale
Restaurant
Meze & More

An intimate supper club in Sale, South Manchester, with a specialist focus on Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.

shop
Stretford
Shopping Centre
Stretford Mall

Stretford Mall has undergone a major transformation, turning a 60s shopping centre into a vibrant, community-led town centre. Led by Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works.

longford park ben williams
Manchester
Park
Longford Park

Longford Park in Stretford was created in the grounds of Longford Hall, the grand entrance steps of which remain.

Manchester
Park
Wythenshawe Park

With a 17th Century hall set in 109 acres of open parkland, Wythenshawe Park makes a super day out for all ages. Explore the historic woodlands, lush grasslands and meadows; take a stroll around the many themed gardens and check out the sports and leisure facilities on offer.

Beech Road, Chorlton
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97 Chorlton

97 is a smart new cocktail bar from the team behind Tariff & Dale and The Lead Station, based on Beech Road in Chorlton.

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