mjf2024: Opening Weekender at First Street

Johnny James, Managing Editor
manchester jazz festival
Image supplied by manchester jazz festival.

17 — 19 May 2024 Entrance is free — Visit now

manchester jazz festival is back this May with 10 days of live music from some of the best northern, national and international musicians operating in the world of contemporary jazz.

From its superb line-up to its commitment to supporting emerging artists, there are many great things about mjf, but something that feels particularly worth celebrating is its accessibility. Amid a tough economic climate, when audiences are necessarily reining in their spending on cultural activities, mjf are making a good chunk of their 2024 festival free to attend. This includes one of mjf’s best bits – the Opening Weekender.

manchester jazz festival
Image supplied by manchester jazz festival.

Running 17-19 May, the Opening Weekender is all about celebrating the breadth and individuality of Manchester’s home-grown (or in some cases lovingly nurtured) talent. It sprawls across three stages in the vibrant neighbourhood of First Street, with the Main Stage, Ask Garden Stage and HOME Stage all playing host to performances by acts emerging through mjf’s artist development programmes, alongside national and international talent.

Celebrated northern acts Mangorata, Secret Night Gang and Conor & The GreensKeepers are all highlights on the Main Stage on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May. Just around the corner, the Ask Garden Stage plays host to a selection of acts involved in the mjf soundcheck and hothouse artist development programmes, including Thanda Gumede & Friends, Hoda Jahanpour & Pedraum Agahi, m.oe and AJB3. And over on the HOME Stage you’ll find accomplished performers in a more intimate setting, with Gaz Hughes Trio, Claire Victoria Roberts and Sonic Threads among the highlights there.

manchester jazz festival
Rina Srabonian

On Sunday 19 May, mjf partner up with Jazz North to celebrate the Northern Line Showcase. Industry bigwigs have selected five acts for the 2024 artist roster who will perform on the Main Stage that day, with this year’s line-up including Ceitidh Mac, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Dirty Freud, Tom Harris and Vipertime.

Aside from the music, you can expect fun-loving family activities supported by Ask Real Estate, including Thanda’s Big Sing, a free community choir with morning rehearsals and afternoon performances on the Main Stage. You’ll also find plenty of food and drink vendors dotted around First Street, making for a really lovely festival vibe – especially when the sun’s shining and the beer’s flowing. We heartily recommend that you get in on the action.

You can read our preview covering the full festival here.

17 — 19 May 2024 Entrance is free Visit now

Part of manchester jazz festival 2025

Rina Srabonian.
MusicCity Centre
manchester jazz festival 2025

manchester jazz festival is back this May with 10 days of live music from some of the best northern, national and international musicians operating in the world of contemporary jazz.

0-£30

Where to go near mjf2024: Opening Weekender at First Street

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
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