CONTACT USIn recent decades, the food and drink scene in Manchester has exploded and it’s now widely acknowledged as one of the finest in the UK. Whether you’re a born and bred Mancunian or just visiting, there’s sure to be something happening that tempts your tastebuds.
So if you’re a gin fanatic, sausage enthusiast or just want to try something new, check out our guide to the top food and drink festivals the ‘capital of the North’ has to offer.
Manchester Gin Festival
21-22nd February
Head to Manchester Cathedral and you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 100 gins under one roof. Plus, there’ll be over 15 different rums and prosecco royale if gin isn’t your tipple.
Tickets cost £12.50 and with that, you’ll get a voucher for your first G&T, a Copa glass, stainless steel straw, gin festival book, live music and gin talks. If all that isn’t enough, there’s also access to street food stalls, snacks and a gin store.
Good to know: if you can’t make the February fest, the event returns on 5-6th June in the same format.
Friends & Family & Beer Festival
21-22 February
This not-for-profit beer fest is hosted by world-renowned Manchester brewery Cloudwater Brew Co. and promises to bring together some of the finest craft brewers from around the globe.
Alongside the beer, there’ll be talks, tastings, discussions, and live-music plus a fantastic range of high-quality, wholesome food provided by independent producers. If you want to attend all sessions across the weekend it’ll cost you £170 or you can opt for one of your choosing for £60.
Good to know: this one might sound steep, but you’ll get a limited edition glass, beer, and access to talks and tastings with your ticket.
Sausage & Cider Fest
14th March
Experience an unmissable day packed with cider, beer, gin, prosecco, live music and a mouth-watering array of sausages from around the world.
Held in the city’s well-known Victoria Warehouse, all the seller’s present on the day have been carefully handpicked for their expertise and craftsmanship - so don’t expect a bog-standard banger. Tickets start at £11.10 but prices are expected to rise with demand.
The Gin and Rum Festival
27-28th March
Discover new favourites, widen your knowledge and party the night away with this festival held in the spectacular Manchester Cathedral.
There’ll be hand-picked guest distillers offering samples, themed gin and rum bars, live entertainment including an award-winning DJ, and masterclasses. Tickets start at £16.56 and include a free 50ml miniature, Copa glass and bag, knowledgeable guide, and unlimited mixers.
Good to know: if you can’t make the March event, the festival returns on 4-5th September in the same format.
The Gin to my Tonic Show
22-24th May
What people thought was a puppy-love interest in gin has turned into a long-term passion for many gin lovers and if you’re one of them, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s one of the largest gin fests in the UK and what sets it apart is it offers enthusiasts the rare opportunity to actually meet the makers of over 60 premium gin and mixer brands.
As well as gin there’ll be cocktail bars, masterclasses, taste tests, presentations, tutorials, and performances - it’s a must for die-hard gin fans. Held at Manchester Central, you’ll pay £15 per day for an early bird gin enthusiast ticket and £30 for a gin connoisseur (perks vary).
The Wizard Cocktail Festival
6th June
Hailed the most magical cocktail festival of the year, this one’s a bit mysterious in that the Manchester venue is still top secret and won’t be revealed (to ticket holders) until nearer the time.
Wherever it is, you’re promised plenty of entertainment such as tarot card reading, live music, plus wand and potion-making. Attendees are 100% encouraged to don their capes and wands and perhaps surprisingly given the name, under 18s are welcomed too. Ticket prices are £30 per adult and £15 for U18s.
Manchester Food & Drink Festival
September-October TBC
This annual 11-day city take-over takes place in the last week of September and the first week of October, although the 2020 exact days have yet to be announced.
Originally developed in 1992 to show the rest of the world that Manchester is more than just meat pies and gravy, the event’s now in its 22nd year and nationally acclaimed. Events will take place across the city as well as within the festival hub where a bespoke food and drink centre is custom-built.
World-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver have participated in previous years, so you can expect a top-class experience. There’ll be live demonstrations, a Dining Dome offering spherical foodie experiences, street-food, live music and loads more. Head to the website for all the latest on the 2020 line-up and tickets.
Manchester Whisky Festival
24-25th October
Sample home-grown whiskies from Scotland and all over the world at this two-day whisky extravaganza. This fest typically attracts some of the finest distillers from across the globe including Taiwan, Japan and the USA.
You’ll also be able to sign up for masterclasses and sample some rare ‘under the counter’ drams. A full session ticket based on last years prices will cost £40 or opt for a taster session for £20, both include a glass, guide and sample of each whisky.
Good to know: the whisky fest splits its days up into ‘sessions’ to avoid overcrowding at certain times. For access to a session of your choice, you’ll need to plump for the full session ticket.
Found the perfect fest to tickle your fancy? Whichever you opt for, you’ll need somewhere to get your head down, digest your delicacies and sleep off the liquor, so why not let us take care of you?
The Midland Manchester is in the heart of the city, renowned for its hospitality, perfect for a quick trip to any of the festivals, and will offer you a luxurious room, top-class facilities, a friendly welcome and so much more. We hope to welcome you soon!