The UK’s biggest and most vibrant Italian festival
From Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August, Cathedral Gardens in the heart of Manchester will once again be transformed into a bustling Italian piazza filled with the sights, sounds, and incredible flavours of Italy and this year marks our eighth glorious year of bringing la dolce vita to the city.
Festa Italiana 2025 promises to be the most exciting edition yet, with celebrity chefs, brand- new music, top-tier food and drink vendors from Italy and across the UK, and exclusive collaborations with iconic Italian brands.
Star-Studded Chef Line-Up
Expect showstopping live cookery demos from some of the best-loved Italian chefs. Our chefs will once again take centre stage with big names including Gennaro Contaldo, Giuseppe Dell’Anno, Francesco Mattana, Carmela Hayes and the man himself Maurizio Cecco (Founder of Festa Italiana and Manchester’s heavyweight Salvi’s). They’re set to stir up the crowd with passion, flair, and the authentic flavours of Italy!
Incredible Food & Drink
This year, we’re going bigger and better than ever before. We’re bringing you award winning street food traders, Italian eateries and artisanal Italian producers. From fresh pasta to Neapolitan pizza, cannoli to spritz- it’s a three-day foodie paradise not to be missed!
New Music Line-up
Festa 2025 is turning up the volume with a fresh wave of Italian music and irresistible new vibes. From traditional folk to modern Italian pop and party anthems, our incredible live bands will have you dancing the night away and celebrating like you’re in the heart of a piazza in Napoli. Get ready for joyful singalongs, hands-in-the-air moments, and proper Italian-style partying all weekend long!
Unmissable Brand Collaborations and activations
We’re teaming up with some of Italy’s most loved and respected brands to bring you an unforgettable taste of la dolce vita- think exclusive product tastings, interactive masterclasses, and immersive pop-ups. Sip your way through our Aperitivo Bar, cool down in
the Limoncello Garden, enjoy a refreshing Spritz in the sunshine, or roll up your sleeves at the pasta-making stations. Plus, don’t miss the Piccolo Mercato Italiano- a vibrant mini market filled with incredible independent and artisanal producers showcasing the very best of Italy’s food, drink, and craftsmanship.
Find out more about Festa Italiana at Cathedral Gardens
