Manchester Folk Festival is an urban multi-venue festival based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The festival brings together a diverse range of artists who represent the broad definition of contemporary folk music.
Venues & artists featured are:
(In no particular order, for further details on timings and days, see the link at the bottom of the article)
Band On The Wall – to see, Club Debris, Frankie Archer, David Eagle’s Pick & Mix DJ set, Good Habits, The Pegwells, Sheelanagig with support from Liam Fender, Skinny Lister with support from George Boomsma , John Bramwell and Fanny Lumsen plus support.
Halle St Peter’s (Victoria Wood) -to see, International Folk Concert Catalonia – featuring El Pony Pisador, Alosa & Ferran Orriols, Angeline Morrison, Blair Dunlop, Shovel Dance Collective with support from Elanor Moss, Scotland Introducing Present Ryan Young, Scotland Introducing Present Chloe Matharu, Emily Portman & Friends, Rachel Sermanni & Joshua Burnside, Family Ceilidh With Blind Panic Ceilidh Band, David Ford with special guest Matthew and the Atlas, Mcgoldrick, Mccusker and Doyle, 365 Day Of Folk with Oli Steadman, MJF Present Norman&Corrie And ATFK, and Lucy J Wright presents Tradition Is Good For You (Cafe Cotton.)
Halle St Michael‘s – to see, Rachel McShane & The Cartographers, Bella Hardy, Nick Harper, Friday Night Ceilidh With Chimera Ceilidh Band, Joan Shelley, Marc Radcliffe & David Boardman and Scotland Introducing Present Heron Valley.
Night & Day Cafe to see, Brown Horse with support from Supalung.
The Castle Hotel to see, Daudi Matsiko, Katie Spencer, Izzy Yardley & Noah Malcolm and Taff Rapids.
New Century Hall to see, Seth Wakeman with support from Ellie Gowers, Fairport Convention with support from Jenn Butterworth, The Magic Numbers & Ren Harvieu.
The Stoller Hall to see, The Young ‘Uns support from Maz O Connor and Charlotte Carpenter.
There is opportunity to buy an All Access Pass Wristband (more details can be found via the link at the bottom of the article.)
New for 2026: Saturday All Access Ticket (more details can be found via the link at the bottom of the article.)
Friday & Saturday Workshops
Manchester Craft & Design
Origami Workshop with Bhaggie Patel – Friday 20th of March, 10am – 1pm, £66 (18+)
Botanical Dyed Silk Scarf Workshop with Claire Mellalieu – Friday 20th March, 2pm-6pm, £66 (18+)
Halle St Peters
Manchester Sacred Harp Singing Workshop – Friday 20th March, Doors, 9:45 – (10am-12:30), £9.90
Hench Wenches Trad Hit Workout – Saturday 21st March, Doors 10:15, (10:30 am – 11:30), £9.90
Band on The Wall
Work Song Workshop (with the Traditional Exchange) – Saturday 21st March, (4:30pm – 5pm) £5.50
Sketch & Cafe with Jenny Ho – The Copper Bar (Band On The Wall) 2pm. Cutting Room Square 5pm (pay as you feel)
There are multiple free events which are happening from Thursday to Saturday at Smithfield Market Tavern.
You can also enjoy a range of Morris Dancing on Saturday the 21st at Ancoats Cutting Room Square.
Wristbands info here: https://manchesterfolk.com/event/manchester-folk-festival-2026-wristband
Full line up here: https://manchesterfolk.com/whats-on/
Further info here: https://manchesterfolk.com/festival-info/about/
