Manchester Folk Festival

Launched in October 2017 Manchester Folk Festival takes place each year across multiple venues over 4 days.

An urban festival. A gathering of all kinds of folk found throughout England.

Manchester Folk Festival puts the spotlight on English Folk in all its forms. From true folk tradition to contemporary unions, familiar names alongside exciting new voices.

Manchester Folk Festival is presented by English Folk Expo. A festival of concerts and gigs across multiple venues in 3 days in Manchester with 200 delegates from festivals and venues from throughout the world to showcase English music and musicians.

Previous artists appearing include Billy Bragg, John Bramwell, Kathryn Tickell, Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, This is the Kit, The Breath, The East Pointers, The Young Uns, Tom Robinson Band, Talisk, Kate Rusby, Will Varley, Afro Celtic Sound System.

In 2019, the festival hosted the BBC Folk Awards at The Bridgewater Hall and premiered Rising Up – a piece of newly written folk theatre which toured nationally. In 2023 The festival
moved to Manchester Northern Quarter. IN 2024 English Folk Expo is the local delivery partner for WOMEX Manchester (October). The next Manchester Folk Festival will take place 20th to 22nd March 2025.

www.manchesterfolkfestival.org.uk

21-23 October 2021