Summer at Aviva Studios
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorVisit now
Summer
Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.
Just because Manchester International Festival has wrapped up doesn’t mean the city’s calling it a day. Far from it. This summer, Aviva Studios (home of Factory International) is keeping the party going with a packed line-up of live music and dance, skateboarding sessions, Pride celebrations and hands-on activities for families – all happening on the banks of the River Irwell (and hopefully) with a side of sunshine.
With everything from storytelling and face painting to gaming, live DJs and drop-in workshops, there’s plenty to dive into – and the best part? Most of it is completely free.
Things kick off on 27 July with Street Symphony Takeover, an all-day dance party across the Social and the Undercroft. Expect carnival vibes, bhangra beats, salsa marathons and hip hop cyphers alongside family-friendly workshops, tasty street food and DJs. Head down to see Manchester favourites like Groovanometry, Bhangracise and Pie Radio – plus a guaranteed excuse to get moving.
Building momentum on 29 July, Factory Spotlight: Desi Nation puts Manchester’s rising South Asian talent front and centre, curated by pioneering producer Surinder Rattan. Expect a powerful night of top-notch live music and stories, plus an exclusive industry talk from legendary producer Rishi Rich – the man behind some of the UK’s biggest crossover hits.
Got sports fans in the family? You’ll be on to a winner by teaming a visit to Football City, Art United with some of the summer’s sport-themed activities. Let them show off their skills in the 1v1 Football Challenge or design their own custom kit to take home. Meanwhile, gamers can jump into the EA Sports FC PlayStation tournaments – no booking required. Plus, on 2 August, Adidas are rolling into town with a series of skateboarding demos and workshops for anyone feeling brave and wanting to try something new.
Ahead of the Manchester Pride celebrations, the party gathers pace on 20 August with the return of Fluff, Manchester’s queer DIY electronica night. Bringing a killer line-up of artists and DJs to the Social – including Bennettiscoming, Lavender Rodriguez, thisvibrantbody and more – expect everything from the fresh to the grungy, ethereal to brain-melting, and heart-rending to hardcore. Loud, proud and not to be missed.
Meanwhile, Factory Pride opens up the celebration to all ages with a full day of fabulous, family-friendly activity on 22 August. Drop by for free creative fun including storytelling with Mandla, face painting by Cookie Love, themed activity packs, hula hooping with The Circus House, and a joyful dance workshop led by Ghetto Fabulous.
So whether you’re watching a dance battle, getting your face painted, designing your own kit or discovering the next big thing in music, there’s something for everyone at Aviva Studios this summer. With loads of events totally free and everything happening under one roof – come rain or shine, you’re sorted.
