The best music festivals to enjoy in and around Manchester this summer

Written by Sophie Cunningham
Last updated 5 years ago
Cheshire, City of Manchester, Festivals, Oldham, Rochdale

Attention all! Festival season is upon us, and there are just so many events to choose from. Some of which, you may not even know about…

So we’ve done you a favour and compiled a list of all the best musical festivals close to home. You’re welcome.

Manchester International Festival: until 21st July

A celebration of all things creative, MIF 2019 events include David Lynch’s takeover of HOME on First Street. A gig by Janelle Monae and Yoko Ono’s Bells of Peace signalled the start of the festival on 4th July, but there’s still so much to come!

With performances popping up around the city centre, ticket prices vary, so check the MIF website for more information. A lot of the music events are absolutely free, so you can enjoy the buzz even on a budget.

TICKETS

Bluedot festival: 18th – 21st July

Taking place in the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, Bluedot festival combines music, science and art to bring you a festival like no other. And this year, celebrating fifty years since the lunar landing, what better place to lie beneath the stars than under the famous Lovell Telescope?

Headliners include Hot Chip, Kraftwerk-3D and music legends New Order.

TICKETS

Wonderwood Festival: 27th July

Hidden amongst the trees, Wonderwood festival invites you to a brand new experience inside the mystical forests of Lancashire. Three stunning stages submerged in wildlife, this event is the perfect escape from reality, even if it is just for 24 hours.

Headlining this year is grime artist Bugzy Malone and electronic music duo Gorgon City, perhaps some of the biggest names to ever have set foot in Witton Woods.

TICKETS

Festwich: 27th – 28th July

The UK’s biggest tribute festival returns to St Mary’s Park for the eight year in a row this year. Headliners include ‘Link n Park’ and Prince tribute ‘Endorphinmachine’, who will play alongside a plethora of different sounds.

Tributes to the Killers, David Bowie, Coldplay and loads more are set to perform at Festwich this year, so there really is something for everyone. And tickets are free!

TICKETS

Rewind Festival: 2nd – 4th August

Taking place in the beautiful Cheshire countryside in the stunning surroundings of Capesthorne Hall, Rewind Festival does exactly what it says on the box.

Rewind a few years, with acts including Banarama, UB40, Thin Lizzy and Heather Small, plus comedy from Russell Kane and Justin Moorhouse.

TICKETS

Feel Good Festival: 10th August

On Saturday 10th August, Rochdale welcomes Feel Good Festival, a full day of live music spread across the town. Headlining this years feel good festival main stage is indie-rock band The Coral, supported by blast-from-the-past pop-rock band The Hoosiers.

As well as music, Feel Good has its very own food and drink village, with food traders and pop-up bars travelling from all over the North West. And the best part: the festival is absolutely free, all you need is some pocket money for snacks!

TICKETS

Cotton Clouds Festival: 16th – 17th August

After a sold out debut in 2018, this year’s Cotton Clouds festival sees some absolute legends grace their main stage. Co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook will be playing with his band on the Saturday. On Sunday, the remaining members of Bob Marley and the Wailers, now known as The Wailers Band, will play reggae hits.

Taking place in Saddleworth, Oldham, festival-goers get a chance to indulge in the beautiful landscape of the Peak District National Park, too.

TICKETS

Creamfields Festival: 22nd – 25th August

The major dance music festival returns to Daresbury, Cheshire, over two decades since its birth.

Founded by house legend Cream, the world’s leading dance festival features acts such as Calvin Harris, Annic Mac, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers and deadmau5.

TICKETS

Manchester Pride Live: 23rd – 26th August

It’s that time of year again and the rainbows are ready to come out. Prepare to parade through the streets with your fellow LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and celebrate Pride 2019.

Manchester Pride Live is bigger than ever before this year, boasting headliners such as Ariana Grande, Years and Years and Bananarama, all performing at the former Mayfield station.

If you’re looking to party in a more humble – but no less extravagant – way, then grab yourself entry to the Gay Village Party and celebrate in style. Tickets for this start from just a tenner.

TICKETS

Manchester Psych Fest: 30th August

Manchester Psych Fest is set to be bigger and better than ever this year, with over 30 artists performing across five stages around the city centre. Venues include the 02 Ritz, Gorilla and YES.

The festival aims to celebrate the psychedelic community, with acts coming from Manchester and further afield. So if you’re fancying something a little more out of the ordinary, this is the place for you.

TICKETS

This article was last updated 5 years ago.
It was first published on 16 July 2019 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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