Manchester jazz festival is coming to Freight Island this June

The team from Manchester’s longest running music festival will bring the very best in contemporary jazz to Escape to Freight Island for three days this June.

Manchester jazz festival will take over the full venue and three stages across The Ticket Hall, The Round and The Pavilion. 

The event will be free to access, and audiences can book tables across the venue throughout each day.

On Friday 11th June audiences can catch sets from soul artist and favourite from the Manchester scene Yemi Bolatiwa, storming sets from Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and one of the brightest and boldest jazz talents in the UK, Rebecca Nash.

DJs Pablo Blanquito and Danielle Moore will also be providing some tunes.

Saturday 12th June will kick off with Ain’t Misbahavin’, an interactive concert for 6-11 year olds and their families, followed by sets from fast-rising, global-infused Leeds band Yaatri, MOBO-nominated saxophonist Camilla George and nine-piece afro-beat collective Nubiyan Twist. 

Saturday audiences can also enjoy Manchester-based singer songwriter Marco Woolf, the synthesised soundscapes of Rafe’s Dilemma, pounding brass parades from Back Chat Brass and Young Pilgrims and DJ sets from Debra Richards and Harkirit Boparai.

Sunday 13th June will see The Untold Orchestra ft special guest Mali Hayes, high energy beats and traditional African vocals from Ubunye, the Binker Golding Band led by the multi-award-winning saxophonist and composer and sessions from Jazz North’s northern line bands Nishla Smith Quintet and John Pope Quintet. 

High energy brass covers of pop gems from Twisted Tubes and Break Out Brass keep the tempo up, along with a DJ set from Jenna G and her Freight Island favourite, From MCR with Love.  

The street food and selection of open-air bars at Escape to Freight Island will complete the intimate festival vibe.

Audiences can book socially distanced tables with their household bubble free of charge for up to 2.5 hours in the different areas of the venue in advance.

There will be no entry on the door during the festival without a table booking.  

In line with COVID-19 restrictions, table service will be available for food and drink during the event and audiences must not roam around the venue.

“As it became apparent we couldn’t stage our usual festival across the city in May, we wanted to do something that still embodied the spirit of Manchester jazz festival,” said chief executive and artistic director, Steve Mead.

“And our weekend at Escape to Freight Island will do just that in what will be one of the first live music events with an in-person audience this year – three days full of unmissable, surprising musical moments teamed with a relaxed festival vibe and the best food and drink.  

“Whether you’re first in line to book a table to see a new band or you simply want to surround yourself with live music again, the weekend promises great music and a good time all from the comfort of your own seat.  

“We’re so excited to work with the team at Freight Island and can’t wait to show audiences what’s on offer from June 11th-13th.” 

mjf @ Escape to Freight Island takes place from 11th–13th June 2021. The event is free to access and audiences can book tables across the venue throughout each day here.