Free flamenco festival will bring giant paella and authentic tapas to Manchester

Flamenco fever is set to take over Kampus for a day-long festival complete with dancing, live guitars and authentic Spanish food

Manchester’s garden neighbourhood will be celebrating all things Español on Saturday 13th August in the stunning surroundings of the lush Kampus gardens. 

The festival will pay homage to the iconic Spanish dance, with an open-mic format and seeing students and enthusiasts taking to the dancefloor for their time in the spotlight.

The free, one-day-only event kicks off from 2pm until 6.30pm – with the party then continuing into the night. 

Expect lots of polka dots and frills, as dancers don traditional dress and showcase their moves to the sounds of guest flamenco musicians and singers Carlos Van Tongeren, Jose Manuel Benzepon, Jack McCarthy and Tom Metcalfe. 

Dance teachers will also be on hand to welcome their students – and maybe get the audience involved, too.

It’s a team-up between Sarah Chambers – founder of Manchester-based Espíritu Flamenco – and Levanter Fine Foods, the much-loved purveyors of Spanish food, currently decamped to the Bungalow at Kampus for a summer residency. 

They’ll be serving their authentic tapas and giant paella.

 

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“People don’t realise but there’s an amazing flamenco following in Manchester,” said Sarah Chambers, founder of Espíritu Flamenco. 

“There’s a diverse flamenco community in the city, from those just starting out to the more accomplished dancers. 

“Our festival at Kampus will be a vibrant, joyous celebration of what is a real art form which is enjoyed by people of many nationalities and cultural backgrounds – with loads of dancers taking to the stage and live music.

“There’s something really special about flamenco. 

“It’s rhythmic, complex and a skillful performance. It really hypnotizes and captivates the audience. 

“We want people to come down, get involved, and soak up the Spanish vibes in what, we think, is the best al fresco spot in the city.”

“Kampus just lends itself so well to that outdoor, summer celebration,” said Joe Botham, from Levanter Fine Food. 

“We’ve had a proper summer to remember, serving up dish after dish of Spanish goodness.  

“The Flamenco Fiesta will take the Spanish vibes up a notch and be a real celebration of the music, moves and atmosphere that I fell in love with on trips around Spanish villages and towns.”

The festival is the latest in a celebratory run of summer events at the rental neighbourhood, developed by Capital&Centric and HBD.

The community and lush gardens have seen art exhibitions and artisan markets draw crowds, with Nell’s Pizza bringing the vibes, Pollen Bakery serving up the pastries and recent opening The Beeswing, pouring the wine.

The Flamenco Fiesta will take place at Kampus on Saturday 13th August from 2pm.