CONTACT USThe UK’s ‘capital of the North’ has an eclectic selection of annual events spanning across the year. So no matter which month you choose to visit, chances are you’ll be able to enjoy one or more of the many Manchester events scattered across the city centre and beyond.
Manchester International Festival
alt="man singing at manchester event"Time after time, the Manchester International Festival continues to amaze and inspire. Every two years, thousands of people volunteer and take part in the festival, immersing revellers into a world of music, art, dance and debates, many of which divide opinions and challenge the status quo of 21st century Britain.
Watch a show, take a creative development workshop, embark on a walking tour – however you choose to spend your time at the MIF, you’ll get the chance to see this mesmerising city from a new perspective.
Manchester Film Festival
alt="a film being directed at a manchester event"Film buffs, rejoice! This one’s for you. The Manchester Film Festival is an annual motion picture extravaganza, a truly independent film festival that showcases some of the most exciting works in film. Featuring both local and international filmmakers, these short and feature-length films each spread their own message in the world of independent cinema.
The Great Manchester Run
alt=" runners taking part in a marathon in manchester"The Great Manchester Run takes place each year around mid-May and attracts more than 40,000 runners to the city’s streets. The run itself is split into two – a 10k and a half marathon – and goes through some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks – Old Trafford, The Imperial War Museum, and the Coronation Street set – to name but a few.
But it’s not just about the runners. Each year, thousands upon thousands of bystanders show up to show their support, bringing the city together in a flurry of flags, chatter and cheering. There’s also live music to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, regardless of whether you’ve decided to don your running shoes!
Manchester Food and Drink Festival
alt="food being served at a manchester event"Manchester’s culinary expertise goes far beyond the classic meat pies and gravy. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival has been around since 1998, and each year attracts thousands of foodies, all eager to sample all the delicious delights the city has to offer.
Usually organised for late September / early October, the festival takes place at various venues across Manchester, and has played an integral part of transforming the city’s dining scene. And if that isn’t enough, the festival has been attended by a generous sprinkling of famous faces over the years, including the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, and Fergus Henderson.
Manchester Day Festival
alt="dad and daughter attending a manchester event"One of the newer festivals on this list, Manchester Day was created in 2010 and has since become one of the city’s most anticipated events of the summer. Each year, over 1,500 (and counting!) local artists and performers come together to put on a mesmerising parade that’s a real treat for the senses. Picture bright colours, vibrant costumes and beautiful music – all with a city centre backdrop.
Want to get involved? The Manchester Day workshop opens six weeks prior to the festival itself; and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and create something magnificent.
Manchester Science Festival
alt="two figurines madeout of paper to look like a storm trooper and an amazon box"Each year, over 130,000 visitors of all ages travel to Manchester City Centre for a celebration of all things science. But it’s far from just sitting in a classroom. The Museum of Science and Industry has a wealth of interactive exhibitions, created to immerse the whole family in the wonders of science.
2018 saw the famous Black Hole exhibition take centre stage – visitors could step inside the event’s very own ‘black hole’, specially created with reflective walls and ceilings, as well as reflective light particles, to really feel like you’ve stepped out into deep space.
Manchester Christmas Markets
alt= "people attending christmas markets to see the christmas lights"As the year begins to draw to a close, and the nights start drawing in, one-by-one stalls begin to appear in Manchester City Centre. The Manchester Christmas Markets have become an institution in recent years, with the grand opening in early November signalling that the official Christmas countdown has begun.
Explore the range of stores selling delicious meats, cheeses, and of course a variety of different Christmas decorations and knickknacks. Fancy a tipple? The markets also have a huge selection of bars and drink stalls, so you can eat, drink, and be merry.
Manchester Literature Festival
alt=" a female reading a book"Featuring talks and readings from some of the biggest names in literary fiction, both local and international, the Manchester Literature Festival is a reader’s paradise. Patrons of the festival include Kathy Burke, Simon Armitage, Margaret Attwood, and the former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
The Manchester Literature Festival 2019 promises to be every bit as enjoyable as its predecessors, with talks on various forms of fiction. There are also a range of walking tours taking place across the city, including the Listen to the Women tour, where walkers can celebrate female writers who were born and lived in the city.
Discover more of Manchester by staying right in the heart of this fascinating metropolis. The Midland is an iconic hotel that’s right in the middle of all the action, with 312 relaxing rooms and suites, so you can get a good night’s rest, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below.