The South Manchester Food Festival 2026: A Springtime Feast

Manchester's Springtime Feast is returning to Wythenshawe Park & Gardens for its BIGGEST celebration to date!

After an incredible 2025 event, we’re heading to the back to the stunning fields of Wythenshawe Park & Gardens for a weekend jam-packed with brand-new production, eccentric live entertainment, and an abundance of culinary delights 🌳

Alongside the cornerstone classics, you can expect...

• Our Biggest Music Lineup Yet! (Including Brand-New Tributes)
• Manchester's Leading Chefs in the Cookery Theatre
• Brand-New Attractions & Family Activities 
• Heightened Production & New Entertainment (yes, new weird & wonderful attractions you won't see anywhere else)
• Fresh Street Food & Bar Line-up

Mark the date, grab your family and friends, and lock yourselves in for Manchester's ultimate foodie celebration this Spring.

Last year tickets were snapped up faster than Yorkshire puds at a Sunday Roast... don't hang about - get yours before they're all gone!

Join thousands of Foodies in Wythenshawe Park this May! 

As seen in  The BBC, The Guardian & MEN 

FURTHER INFO

What's included with your ticket?

• NEW: Our Biggest Music Lineup Yet + Unseen Tribute Acts!
• NEW: Activities & Attractions 
• NEW: Eccentric Production & Family Entertainment
• FREE Live Chef Demos From Manchester's Leading Chefs (Minimum of 8 demos over the 2 days)
• FREE Live Music (Minimum of 12 acts over 2 days)
• FREE Live Entertainment/Performing Arts – 6 shows per day
• FREE Roaming Comedy Acts
• FREE Festival Programmes
• FREE Kids Activities & Foodie Colouring Books
• FREE Foodie Olympics - Sports Day-Inspired Family Mini-Games
• FREE Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt
• Explore the Artisan Markets
• Delicious Street Food from Leading Vendors
• Ample Furniture & Deckchairs to Kick Back and Relax
• Independent Bars (Including an Ale House, Speciality Cider, Gin & Wine Bars)
• Fun Fair
• Art Displays
• Fast Track Entry
• Over £164,300 raised for local mental health charities so far
• "An amazing mix of new discoveries and the classics we love — the perfect foodie day out.” - 2025 Attendee

FURTHER DETAILS

International Street Food

Stroll through the peaceful green fields of Wythenshawe Park and follow the tempting scents of world flavours as they lead you on a global adventure courtesy of some of the UK’s best street food traders. Indulge in cuisines from Greece, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, Malaysia, Venezuela, Gambia, Hungary, Mexico and beyond – there’s a world tour of flavour, right here in Manchester.

Craving something savoury? How about tender slow-cooked beef in a rich onion gravy, fluffy steamed bao buns filled with melt-in-the-mouth braised pork belly or crispy pan-fried tofu, or authentic Birria tacos packed with the bold, vibrant spices of western Mexico?

Got a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to traditional Japanese bubble waffles piled high with crushed biscuits and ice cream, Dutch-style mini pancakes drizzled with golden syrup and blueberry sauce, or indulgent hand-baked brownies coated in silky Belgian chocolate.

With over 30 cuisines to explore, it’s the perfect weekend to feast, discover and enjoy new flavours from every corner of the globe.

And for our vegan visitors – you’re in safe hands! Nearly all our food stalls offer tempting plant-based options, so everyone can tuck in and enjoy.

Live Cookery Theatre

ln partnership with The Great British Bake Off's Makbul Patel, we’re hosting a Live Cookery Theatre all weekend! Watch as the region’s finest chefs expertly whip up incredible dishes on stage, sharing all the tips and tricks needed culinary mastery — you’ll leave inspired (and hungry)! In recent years, we've seen demonstrations from the likes of Olayemi Adelekan of MasterChef & Yummi By Design, John & Tony Alberti (formerly The Alberti Twins), and Nutritional Therapist Eva Humphries, founder of Whole Food Warrior.

Independent Drink

Whatever your tipple, our hand-picked mix of independent bars has something to suit every taste – from crisp, chilled apple cider and fruity, cocktail creations to spiced specialty rums, signature gins and a touch of celebratory fizz.

Beer lovers can make their way to The Soldiers' Ale House, presented in partnership with Vocation Brewery, to sample a tempting line-up of Vocation IPAs, refreshing lagers and classic cask favourites served on draught.

No alcohol? No problem! You’ll also find freshly brewed coffees and teas, vibrant smoothies, and freshly-squeezed juices made to order.

Once you’ve got your drink in hand, settle into one of our brightly coloured deckchairs by the Live Music Stage and soak up an afternoon of eclectic sounds and easy-going festival vibes.

Fine Artisan Markets

Take the family on a stroll through our bustling Artisan Markets, bursting with tempting aromas, colourful stalls and mouth-watering treats. Discover artisan cheeses, luxury cured meats, melt-in-the-mouth fudge, fluffy marshmallows, golden-crusted pies, fiery sauces and freshly roasted coffee beans – we could go on!

It doesn't stop at irresistible scents and flavours — there's plenty to see too! Explore a range of handmade crafts, vibrant art pieces, expertly-crafted jewellery and accessories. There's enough to take home for everyone, all supplied by the top artisan brands Yorkshire has to offer.

It's not all about the flavours! Browse an array of handmade crafts, vibrant artworks, beautifully crafted jewellery and unique accessories. With plenty to explore and take home, you’ll find something to delight everyone, all courtesy of a selection of Manchester's brightest independent businesses.

Live Music

Soak up an exciting line-up of live music on our main stage all day long, featuring award-winning Jazz, Pop, Rock and Soul acts to keep every generation entertained. Get your feet moving to the red-hot blues and electric rhythms of the Danny Charles Band, or sit back and relax to the gentle harmonies of rising local acoustic duos. Don't forget to catch the unique saxophone stylings of Will Forrester, opening and closing each day of the festival with intricate covers and Ibiza classics.

Live Entertainment

In our Entertainment Arena, prepare to be dazzled by the complex talents of top performers. Stop by for hourly magic shows, comedy performances, circus workshops, and even ventriloquism!

Children’s Entertainment

There’s plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained, from a free kids’ quiz and colouring books, to a foodie quiz hunt and a traditional fun fair. Don't forget to grab a photo with the chefs of stilts and the roaming Mr and Mrs Sweet.

Check our website for the full line-up of kids' activities.

Supporting Mental Health

We’re proud to continue our partnership with Manchester Mind. Through optional ticket donations and fun activities, we’ve raised over £164,300 so far for mental health initiatives across the north — let’s take it even further in 2026!

Join us this year for an unforgettable foodie celebration!

Over 30 Cuisines | 180+ Exhibitors & Performers | 10 Independent Bars | 3 Giant Artisan Markets | Street Food | Dessert Stations | Live Entertainment | 26+ Performers | FREE Kids Activities & Challenges | FREE Deckchairs & Seating | FREE Festival Programmes | Traditional Fun Fair | Inflatable Land | Exclusive Art Displays

When: May 16-17, 2026
Where: Wythenshawe Park & Gardens, Manchester
Opening Times: 10am - 8pm (Saturday) | 10am - 7pm (Sunday)

Full live music & chef demo line-up coming soon...

Don’t miss the foodie celebration of the year in Manchester this spring!