6 festivals in Manchester that you should know about in 2015

As if Manchester ever needed an excuse to celebrate! This city loves to party so here are just some of the reasons to get excited about 2015

Children at Manchester Irish Festival (Image: Archant)

Irish Festival

March 6th-20th

It’s a cliche that the Irish like a party we know but then judge for yourself. This month the city pays homage to its Irish heritage with a programme packed with delights, from gigs by The Script and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, to comedy from Dylan Moran. There’s Irish dancing, socials and even an Irish-themed guided walk around Manchester all culminating in a massive parade on March 15. We predict the Guinness will be flowing.

www.manchesteririshfestial.co.uk

Manchester Fashion Week

May 26th-28th

The Place Aparthotel is the venue for Manchester Fashion Week, this year brought to us by the award-winning team behind Liverpool Fashion Week. Expect three evenings of shows: Haute Couture Designers and Boutiques, New Talent and International Fusion. It’s the perfect starting point to spot the designer talent of the future we think.

www.manchesterfashionweek.com

Manchester Day revellers (Image: Archant)

Manchester Day

June 14th

Nobody can accuse Manchester of hiding its light under a bushel, as they say, but on June 14th it gets positively shouty as it celebrates all that is great about itself. There’s a colourful parade but that’s not all. Four of the city’s major squares become an arena for performances, markets, food stalls and a whole lot more. And if you really can’t get enough civic pride then check out the Lord Mayor’s Parade in late July.

www.manchesterday.co.uk

Manchester International Festival

July 2nd-19th

The Manchester International Festival has been so hot since it was launched in 2007 that it will now be a key player in a major new development, Factory Manchester, a £78m arts space at the heart of the new £1bn St John’s Quarter regeneration. Yes. This is the city’s most ambitious and highbrow celebration of the arts, a font of world premieres and events that have included pieces by Serbian artist Marina Abramovic and Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta, Kenneth Branagh’s Macbeth and music by everyone from Kanye West to Sir John Tavener. www.mif.co.uk

Manchester Jazz Festival (Image: Archant)

Manchester Jazz Festival

July 31st-August 9th

Ahhh. The delights of sitting back in the sunshine and getting into the groove is made a reality at the Manchester Jazz Festival.

For nine whole days the city moves to a cool beat as contemporary jazz becomes the soundtrack of the city. From free gigs at the Festival Pavilion to original work and international debuts at venues such as St Ann’s Church, this is a musical event that everyone is invited to enjoy.

www.manchesterjazz.com

Manchester Pride

August 28th-31st

The Big Weekend is when thousands flood into the city for Manchester Pride. What fun there is to be had, whether you’re vamping it up in a cabaret bar, taking in a theatre performance or enjoying the sheer OTT extravagance of the annual parade. Time was you’re mother wouldn’t like it -now she’s more likely to be up there on a float shaking her booty with the rest of the carnival ‘stars’. http://www.manchesterpride.com

www.manchesterpride.com