MANCHESTER’S independents will be taking over the Northern Quarter this Bank Holiday Sunday (26 August) for a day of dancing, drinking… and a dog show. All the participating venues will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Mind.  

A high heeled egg & spoon race, three-legged race and limbo pole plus a dog show close to Home Sweet Home on Oak Street. 

Starting at noon until 9pm, with an after-party at Cord from 10pm, this weekend’s party is yet another addition to the Northern Quarter’s recent celebrations – including The Jubilee street parties which saw over 5,000 visitors come into the area. 

This weekend’s party is set to be the biggest with a record-breaking 18 venues taking party including Bluu, The Bay Horse, Socio Rehab, TNQ, Market Restaurant, Home Sweet Home, Common, Almost Famous, Keko, Odd, The Blue Pig, Teacup, 57, Thomas Street Restaurant and Bar, Simple, Cord and Tib Street Tavern. 

NQ roofsNQ roofs

The event will span over five streets: High Street, Edge Street, Thomas Street, Back Turner Street and the upper section of Tib Street  - which will all be pedestrianised for the event.  

Some highlights to look out for are the ‘Simple Buskers Stage’ showcasing raw talent from the streets of Manchester and The Bay Horse’s high heeled egg & spoon race, three-legged race and limbo pole. Meanwhile there’ll be a dog show close to Home Sweet Home on Oak Street. 

Odd Bar and The Blue Pig will be hosting sets from DJs including Pasta Paul (Piccadilly Records), Dan English (Naive Melody), Neil Scott (El Diablos), Simon Ozbizton (Funkademia), Ste Spandex (Wet Play), Marc Dennis (Space Ibiza), Patrick (Bring on the Dancing horses) and Dom Zube (Ten Bears).

Solo Solita: Bizarrely, at the same time...

Solita, the new restaurant on Turner Street will be hosting its own and separate charity street party on Sunday 26 August from noon to 9pm. 

The street food theme will be underlined by pulled pork sundaes, smoked brisket chilli dogs and the Deep Fried Coke. 

Events will include a US style chilli cook off and Man v Food challenges.

Entertainment includes Colin Curtis, Northern Soul legend and UK's first Chicago House DJ and Gareth Brookes, XFM Manchester breakfast DJ and many others as well as a Gospel Choir to close. 

The nominated charity this time - in this confusing battle of the street festivals – is  Wood Street Mission that helps some of the most needy families in Greater Manchester.