Head for the Hills 2021 at Burrs Country Park

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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Head for the Hills 2021

Burrs Country Park, Manchester
3-4 September 2021

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

Head for the Hills
Andrew Allcock
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The award-winning Head for the Hills festival is back this year, moving from Ramsbottom to Burrs Country Park near Bury, as part of The Met’s Burrs Live season of shows.

Running on 3 and 4 September, this will be a smaller – though perfectly formed – Head for the Hills. But size limitations haven’t stopped the organisers programming a great selection of acts.

Iconic singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy will be headlining on the Friday night, 10 years after he topped the very first Head for the Hills in 2011. Expect to hear tunes from across his discography, including new album Banana Skin Shoes. Headlining on the Saturday, meanwhile, are maximalist art poppers Everything Everything, whose fifth album Re-Animator was one of our favourite releases of 2020.

You can also catch Ibibio Sound Machine, who combine African music with electronics to create an explosively jubilant sound that’s made for festivals. Much-loved UK four-piece The Magic Numbers are also taking a trip to Bury, alongside Manchester’s own psychedelic rockers Heavy Salad, folk-pop singer-songwriter Bess Atwell and award-winning folk trio, Harp and a Monkey.

If you’re planning to head for the hills with all the family, then there are plenty of activities and performances to keep the kids entertained, including Global Grooves Carnival Parade, There Once Was a Bird and HMS Sinkipation.

And while you’re soaking up the summer festival atmosphere, you can work your way through a great selection of drinks from Radcliffe-based Brightside Brewery, who’ll be serving up everything from traditional real ale to experimental craft beer. There will also be a host of local food vendors, providing artisan delights to suit every taste.

Where to go near Head for the Hills 2021 at Burrs Country Park

Manchester
Museum
Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre

This beautiful building holds temporary exhibitions of acclaimed international art, contemporary and historical collections, handcrafted art in the Art Shop and Tina’s tea rooms. Alongside this runs a varied events, workshop and education programme.

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Bury Art Shop

Bury Art Shop is a local gem filled with original artworks, crafts and homewares, championing the work of local artists and makers at the heart of Bury’s growing Culture Quarter.

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Bury Market

Over the past thirty years, retail giants have developed in the vicinity, yet Bury Market remains the undisputed champion of the North, attracting thousands of visitors every week.

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Colleen’s Ramsbottom

Colleen’s is a casual dining neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Ramsbottom serving seasonal dishes.

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Helmed by chef-owners Fiona and Joe Botham, this tapas restaurant in Ramsbottom serves exclusively Spanish drinks and some of the best small plates going.

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Ramsbottom Food and Craft Markets

Now ten years old, this double market combines a farmers’ market and a craft fair and provides the perfect excuse to visit the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, which nestles in the Lancashire foothills to the north of Manchester.

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Listo Burrito on Manchester’s Oxford Street tempts busy diners with fresh ingredients and a modestly priced menu.

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