Hola Manchester! Festejar Spanish festival returns to Alberto Square in September

Manchester is home to some fantastic Spanish restaurants, a big Spanish community, and some rather good Spanish footballers. It also hosts one of the biggest Spanish festivals in the UK.

Festejar will take over Albert Square –or should that be Alberto Square – for four days in September, bringing a taste of the Med to the Manchester with a host of Iberian treats, including live music, a food market, drinking, dancing and crafts. The heart of the city will buzz with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of authentic Spain. It’s a prospect guaranteed to delight the city’s Spanish community – and the rest of us.

The festival, renowned for its Spanish soul with a Manchester heart, will kick off in style on September 1 with a one-off performance from one of the world’s leading Spanish tribute bands, The Andalus Band, who will delight the crowds with their flamenco guitar flames.

The following night, the chilled out vibe of Ibiza will come to Festejar as celebrated DJ Miguel Manzano presents a unique electronic musical story tracing the story of dance music on Ibiza and the hypnotic spell it has cast upon the world.

Then over the course of the four day festival, activities will include Spanish dance lessons, crafts, food and drink stalls and daily live music and entertainment.

“Festejar keeps getting bigger and better,” says festival organiser Patrick Marmion, “and this year’s event promises four days that will transport Manchester’s residents direct to the heart of modern Spanish culture. No matter what the Manchester weather throws at us, this will be one part of the city where the sun will always be shining.”

The organisers are still looking for additional authentic Spanish food and craft traders to join them at Albert Square for the duration of Festejar.

September 1st – 4th 2016. 11am until late. Free.

www.spanishfestival.co.uk