Summer Festivals

Manchester International Festival 2017, 29 June–16 July 2017, from £12.00 - Book now

The world’s first festival of original work and special events, returns in 2017 under new Artistic Director John McGrath. Here’s our guide to the unique programme, taking place across Manchester.

bluedot festival 2017 at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, 7–9 July 2017, from £129.00 - Book now

Set beneath the awe-inspiring shadow of the Lovell Telescope, bluedot’s eagerly anticipated second mission features a stellar musical line-up, all the science knowledge you could think of and mindblowing family and visual arts.

A Weekend of Wonderful Things at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 14–16 July 2017, from £0.00 - Book now

A one-off showcase celebrating the 40th anniversary of Yorkshire Sculpture Park – special events and unique experiences that highlight the magic of this outdoor museum like no other.

Manchester Jazz Festival 2017 at Albert Square, City Centre, 28 July–6 August 2017, from £5.00 - Book now

The sound of jazz floats across the city for ten days in July, as Manchester Jazz Festival hosts performances across the city, with the central hub in Albert Square brimming with live music until late, street food and, of course, alcohol.

Underneath The Stars Festival at Cannon Hall Farm, 21–23 July 2017, from £20.00 - Book now

This charismatic folk and acoustic music festival in the glorious South Yorkshire countryside boasts headliners Newton Faulkner, Kate Rusby, Show of Hands, Lucy Rose and Raghu Dixit, topped off with a feast of family performance and creative workshops.

Cloudspotting Festival at Gisburn Forest, 28–31 July 2017, from £30.00 - Book now

A long summer weekend retreat for a few hundred people in the stunning Forest of Bowland featuring cracking music and family arts. This year’s headliners are Moulettes, Baloji and Jesca Hoop.

Just So Festival at Rode Hall, Cheshire, 18–20 August 2017, from £20.00 - Book now

The best family festival in the UK? We think so. Adventure together into a wonderland of the best outdoor theatre, music, comedy, literature and other curious creative escapades. With midnight feasts, pillow fights and the bonkers Tribal Tournament be sure to snap up a ticket fast.

Festival No 6 2017 at Portmeirion, 7–10 September 2017, from £120.00 - Book now

Step into Portmeirion’s sleepy cobbled streets, Italianate piazza, sandy shorelines and pastel-coloured buildings as it makes its annual transformation to play host to one of the most imaginative summer season events. Highlights at this, the festival’s sixth outing, come from The Flaming Lips, Adam Buxton’s BUG and a Sgt Pepper’s-themed carnival through the village.

Ramsbottom Festival 2017: Head for the Hills at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Manchester, 15–17 September 2017, from £8.00 - Book now

The hills are alive with the sound of  … a magnificent music line up with headliners Maximo Park, Beth Orton and The Stranglers, theatrical adventures galore for families and curious visual art installations.

Kendal Calling at Lowther Castle and Gardens, Cumbria, 26–29 July 2018, from £20.00 - Book now

Gotcha. Yes we know that this is actually next year but as Kendal Calling is so good that 2017’s edition sold out before the line-up was announced, snap up your tickets for 2018 fast.