Festivals and Events in Manchester

The holiday is already planned and yet, it feels like something is missing in your forthcoming holiday. EconomyCarRentals.co.uk recommends visiting some of the remarkable events in Manchester during 2012, to feel the real ambience. Seize this opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and see the impending events while travelling in Manchester!
Participate in the events of United-Kingdom with a car hire to feel like a local. This page will help you check out all the local parties, events and festivals at a glance. Decide prior to your arrival what you should not miss and what you would rather avoid. Plan all the details for your "sight-seeing" and enjoy the freedom and flexibility your car hire gives you to completely explore the beautiful Manchester.

Also, read more about the Travel Tips and Car Hire News in Manchester on the EconomyCarRentals.co.uk web-pages.

January

National Winter Ales Festival (19-22nd Jan) – More than 300 ales are showcased at this unique annual beer festival in Manchester. (www.alefestival.org.uk/winterales)
Holiday & Travel Show – This annual event in Manchester gives the public the opportunity to meet tour operators and discover new exciting destinations for their next holiday.

August

Manchester Pride (Mid-late Aug) – A long running festival in Manchester held in Gay Village. This ten day occasion incorporates parties, parades and community events of literary readings and works. (www.manchesterpride.com)
Sky Ride - This unique event in Manchester invites cyclists to claim the city back and enjoy a day of bike related activities.

February

National Squash Championships (Early Feb) – Sportscity hosts this Manchester event hosts for England’s National Squash Championships. (www.nationalsquashchamps.co.uk)

September

New Islington Festival – A multifarious event in Manchester of folk music, storytelling, theatre, crafts, arts, live acts, dance performances blended with food and refreshments.
ROWE British Grand Prix, National Squash Centre – The National Squash Centre at Sportcity hosts this renowned European Super Series event in Manchester as part of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

March

Chorlton’s Big Green Festival – A worthwhile Manchester event commending sustainable living in the city. Featuring food and drink combined with music and dancing.
Manchester Irish Festival (Early-mid Mar) – A dazzling Manchester festival lasting two weeks includes the colourful St Patrick’s Day parade as well as other activities and cultural events in honour of this Patron Saint. (www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk)

October

Manchester Food & Drink Festival (Early-mid Oct) – A ten day festival in Manchester packed full of demonstrations from celebrity chefs, gourmet activities and food related events. (www.foodanddrinkfestival.com)
Manchester Literature Festival (Mid-late Oct) – The literary profession is honoured at this ten day celebration festival in Manchester. (www.mlfestival.co.uk)
Manchester Science Festival (Mid Oct) – For all lovers of science is this interesting festival with more than 200 events ranging from demonstrations to walks and comedy to astronomy. (www.manchestersciencefestival.com)
Manchester Comedy Festival (Late Oct) – Taking place at numerous venues is this two week spectacle of comedy. Featuring aspiring stand-up comedians as well as established ones, all unfolding at this annual festival in Manchester. (www.manchestercomedyfestival.com)

May

BUPA Great Manchester Run (Mid May) – A weekend event in Manchester that sees thousands of people take part in the annual run to raise funds for charity. (www.greatrun.org)
Spring Market (Mid May) – On display at St Ann’s Square in the city are food, drink, plants, gifts, trinkets and more at this annual spring event in Manchester. (www.manchestermarkets.com)
Queer Up North – A revolutionary three-week festival in Manchester that exhibits the latest gay and lesbian pieces of art.

November

Christmas Market (Nov-Dec) – A seasonal delight of  yuletide markets transpire in Albert Square, St Ann's Square, New Cathedral Street and other well-known locations for this annual Manchester event. (www.manchestermarkets.com)
Christmas Lights Switch On (Mid Nov) – Albert Square is the setting for the annual turning on of the Christmas lights. (www.manchester.gov.uk)

June

Manchester to Chester Ride for Breakthrough Breast Cancer - This rewarding fund raising event in Manchester takes the form of a bicycle ride commencing at Wythenshawe Park.
Manchester Day Parade (Late June) – A jubilation of the city unfolds at this annual festival in Manchester with a spectacular procession of colourful floats and costumed participants. (www.themanchesterdayparade.co.uk)

December

Manchester Camerata's New Year's Eve Gala Concert – Bridgewater Hall hosts this splendid gala event in Manchester where performances take place by opera artists and choirs.

July

Family Friendly Film Festival (Mid July) – A fabulous two week annual event in Manchester for children as workshops, activities and kid’s films take place at various venues throughout the city. (www.familyfriendly.org.uk)
Manchester Jazz Festival (Late July) – A nine day jazz festival in Manchester spotlighting contemporary jazz artists unfolds at a variety of venues. (www.manchesterjazz.com)
Exodus Festival – Albert Square and the Town Hall host this Manchester festival that honours the city’s diverse society with children’s activities and workshops combined with international food and world music.