MIF, MLF, MJF, MFDF, MANIFF... the Manchester festival calendar is full of acronyms we know and love, alongside the usual whoppers like Parklife and Pride. But peer beneath the familiar monikers and you’ll find a cavalcade of lesser-known fests that are clamouring to fill your diary. From garden centre gigs to psychedelic rock and the city’s secret spaces, the city is riddled with interesting smaller festivals if you know where to look. Luckily, we’ve saved you the bother...
KINOFILM | Citywide | 22-28 February
Kinofilm: Manchester International Short Film & Animation Festival provides an exhilarating week-long whistle-stop tour of short film, with 230 shorts and animations from over 50 countries. Through the myriad eyes of engaging protagonists (killer garden gnomes, lonely Sumo wrestlers and Spanish toy-makers to name but a few) expect to be entertained, uplifted and inspired for as little as a £3 ticket.
SAUSAGE, CIDER, BEER AND BBQ MUSIC FESTIVAL | Bowlers Exhibition Centre | 12-13 March
This appetizing combo was cooked up by large-scale outdoor event specialists James Dean and now delights carnivores with events countrywide. It’s currently only Manchester, however, that boasts both their Sausage & Cider Music Festival and Beer & BBQ Festival in one magnificently meaty event. As well as top-notch food and drink, there’ll also be some niftily-named tribute acts; including Antarctic Monkeys, The Stoned Roses and Happy Mondaze.
Not one for veggiesCOSMOSIS FESTIVAL | Victoria Warehouse | Saturday 12 March
Four stages host some of the best alternative, psychedelic rock and roll bands both internationally and locally in this sonic one-day event. Remake Remodel, the ‘nation’s saving grace of rock ‘n’ roll’ join forces with promoters and label Interstellar Overdrive for a line up that’s truly weird and wonderful: think Sleaford Mods, The Ravonettes, PINS... Rockers can also enjoy art installations, ‘mind-bending immersive experiences’, space cinema, Innerstrings Lightshow and Guerrilla Eats street food.
FUTURE EVERYTHING | Citywide | 30 March - 2 April
FutureEverything celebrates its 21st birthday this year with a discernible spring in its step, following last autumn’s Singapore success (which even caught the Prime Minister’s attention). With challenging - sometimes provocative - perspectives on technology, culture and society, key highlights this year include: the world audiovisual premiere of Kingdom Come, pioneering climate change project Ukko, interactive soundscape The Corridor, an insightful two-day conference on the theme of ‘less and more’ and nightly experimental music sessions.
FutureEverything will include a conference in Manchester Town HallGARDENIA ROCKS | Hulme Community Garden Centre | Saturday 30 April
Yes you read the location right, this quirky new music fest - a collaboration between The Underground Project and People Staring - takes place at a garden centre. With one stage in a poly tunnel, one based on a fairytale forest amphitheatre and the main stage surrounded by frolic-fuelling bars (and no doubt a few garden plants), this is one horticultural outing you won’t forget in a hurry. Acts include Gorilla Riot and Maybe Frank, with more to be announced. Tickets cost just a fiver.
DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL | Citywide | Friday 27 May
Admittedly Dot to Dot is better-known than most of its article compatriots, but it’s not in Parklife's league now is it? Plus, considering this year’s acts include Mystery Jets and The Temper Trap, it’d be sacrilege not to sneak it in. D2D has established itself as one of the UK’s foremost celebrations of fresh talent and has previously unearthed the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Bay and Years & Years. Further artists are to be released for the eleventh edition, including a second headliner, so watch this space...
Headliners Mystery JetsSOUNDS FROM THE OTHER CITY | Citywide | Sunday 1 May
SFTOC is all about the intriguing and oft-underrated, from its showcase of the finest performers and promoters Up North and beyond to the characterful venues down Salford’s historic Chapel Street corridor. This year’s acts, who will play across sixteen stages, include former Race Horses frontman Meilyr Jones and The Magnetic North (full lineup here). Part festival, street party, exhibition, rave and immersive architectural tour, it really is everyone’s cuppa.
MANCHESTER HISTORIES FESTIVAL | Citywide | 3-12 June
It may be a small charity but there’s nothing little about Manchester Histories’ ten-day biennial festival: 2014’s episode included over 190 events, drawing 25,000 visitors to award-winning exhibitions (Belle Vue: Showground of the World), stunning digital projects (a sound and light show at Manchester Town Hall, based on local stories) and Creative Threads theatre (a series of arts performances at seven historic venues, connected by a free heritage bus). The event typically culminates in a buzzing Celebration Day at the Town Hall.
Belle Vue: Showground of the WorldFESTEJAR | Albert Square | 1-4 September
With the onset of winter, four days in September see Albert Square transformed into a little Spanish oasis. From salsa lessons to flamenco bands, Cuban guitarists to Cervantes language sessions, Festejar celebrates Spanish culture in all its richness and diversity. Plus there’s a food market full of delicacies like chorizo and serrano ham... need we say more?
INDY MAN BEER CON | Victoria Baths | 6-9 October
October is undoubtedly the month for beer botherers, encompassing three major festivals that collectively offer thousands of pints and plenty of lederhosen thrown in for good measure. Arguably the most esteemed, however, is the IMBC which brings together progressive breweries from the UK, USA and Europe in the Grade II-listed surrounds of Victoria Baths. After that? Stumble onto Didsbury Beer Festival and Oktoberfest.
IMBC kicks off a beery monthMANCHESTER CURIOUS | Citywide | 6-9 October
Manchester Curious was founded last year as part of the 150th Anniversary of the Manchester Architects, with an aim of revealing the hidden. Last year’s sell-out programme included backstage tours of iconic venues like The Whitworth and Old Granada Studios, along with themed area walks and exclusive previews - focusing the concept of Heritage Open Days on a local audience.
WOMEN IN COMEDY FESTIVAL | Citywide | 20-30 October
Considering its resounding success over three years, it’s surprising this is still Europe’s only Women in Comedy Festival. And, with witty women like Angela Barnes (Mock the Week) Bethany Black (Cucumber and Banana) and Jen Brister (BBC 6 Music) treading the boards, it’s undoubtedly the continent’s loss. Set up as a reaction to the sidelining of women comics, the festival also includes open mic nights, exhibitions, workshops and panel sessions.
Patrons include local actress Maxine Peake
