The South Manchester Food Festival 2027: A Springtime Feast

Something's cooking, Manchester...

The dates are in! On May 15th-16th, 2027, we're heading back to Wythenshawe Park & Gardens for our fourth annual celebration of food, drink and Manchester's thriving independent scene.

Since we began back in 2024, you've helped us turn this lovely pocket of South Manchester into a vibrant, welcoming place for food lovers, local makers and familiar faces. We can't wait to continue building our community. 

The classics aren't going anywhere - think sizzling street food, up-and-coming bands, local performers and heaps of activities dotted around the park. But if you know anything about us by now, you'll know we've got plenty more (somewhat strange) ideas brewing...

• FOUR Live Stages, all included with your ticket - From Manchester's local bands and talented musicians to leading head chefs, magicians, circus performers and interactive family shows. There's plenty to crack on with, beyond 30 odd cuisines.
• NEW Free Activities - Even more ways to get stuck in throughout the weekend, tailored to friends and families alike
• NEW Roaming Entertainment - Comedy, eccentric characters, and several unexpected encounters along the way
• Expanded Street Food & Bars Line-up - International flavours and global delicacies from Manchester's leading independent traders
• 80+ Artisan Traders - Explore homemade treats, handcrafted goods and small-batch delights from independent makers and producers.

Get your family & friends on board and join us for a weekend of kicking-back, unwinding and discovering something new. Find a deckchair, or a spot on the grass, and let the afternoon unfold.

Fancy a little bit of friendly competition instead? You could always launch yourself into sports-day challenges, brave the chilli challenge or try your hand at circus skills workshops. Whatever you fancy, to be honest.

Limited Early Bird Tickets are out now - swipe them up while you can.

In a bit, Manchester!

What's in Store? 👇

🎪FOUR Live Stages, all included with your ticket
🎶 NEW: Fresh Music Lineup + Unseen Tribute Acts!
🎡 NEW: Activities & Attractions
🎭 NEW: Eccentric Production & Family Entertainment

👨‍🍳 FREE Live Chef Demos from Manchester's Leading Chefs (minimum of 10 demos over 2 days)
🎵 FREE Live Music (minimum of 12 acts over 2 days)
🎤 FREE Live Entertainment / Performing Arts (6 shows per day)
🐕 FREE Family Dog Show (bring your pooch along and sign them up!)
🎱 FREE Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo (prizes from our very own traders)
🌶️FREE Chilli Challenge (feeling brave, anyone?)
😂 FREE Roaming Comedy Acts
📖 FREE Festival Programmes
🎨 FREE Family Activities & Foodie Colouring Books
🥇 FREE Foodie Olympics - Sports Day-Inspired Mini-Games
🕵️‍♀️ FREE Foodie Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt

🛍️ Explore the Artisan Markets
🍔 Sample 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 £210,100 raised for mental health charities so far

💬 "An amazing mix of new discoveries and the classics we love - the perfect foodie day out.” - Attendee Feedback Forms

ADDED TIDBITS

🌍 International Street Food

Follow the gentle drift of spices, charcoal and fresh herbs as you wander through the tranquil greenery of Wythenshawe Park & Gardens. Our street food village brings together flavours from across the world - dishes made by cooks who are experts in their craft. You’ll find tastes from Greece, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, Malaysia, Venezuela, Gambia, Hungary, Mexico and plenty more along the way.

If you’re in the mood for something savoury, you might settle in with slow-cooked beef and rich onion gravy, soft bao filled with braised pork belly or pan-fried tofu, or a tray of street-style Birria tacos from Western Mexico.

For something sweet, you’ll spot Japanese bubble waffles, Dutch mini-pancakes with syrup and blueberries, and hand-baked brownies glazed in Belgian chocolate.

With over 30 cuisines to explore, it’s a weekend for tasting your way through non-stop new flavours.

👨‍🍳 Live Cookery Theatre

In partnership with Great British Bake Off's Makbul Patel, our Cookery Theatre returns across the weekend. Pull up a seat and watch regional chefs share the techniques and small touches that bring a dish to life. In recent years, we’ve welcomed MasterChef stars, leading Head Chefs from Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, and award-winning independent business owners.

🍹 Independent Drink

Whether you’re after something crisp, fruity, spicy or sparkling, our eclectic mix of independent bars have you covered. Think chilled cider, small-batch cocktails, specialty rums and gins, or a glass of fizz to enjoy in the sunshine.

You’ll also find The Soldiers' Ale House, in partnership with Vocation Brewery, serving a selection of IPAs, lagers and cask favourites on draught.

Prefer to skip the alcohol? There’s freshly brewed coffee, teas, juices and smoothies made to order. Afterwards, head over to our colourful deckchairs, perched right in front of the Live Music Stage, and unwind for the afternoon.

🛍️ Artisan Markets

Stroll through our Artisan Markets and browse a mix of local produce, handmade goods and small-batch treats. You’ll come across cheeses, cured meats, fudge, marshmallows, pies, hot sauces and freshly roasted coffee - alongside jewellery, crafts, artwork, accessories and home-made gifts from some of the region's leading and most exciting artisans.

🎵 Live Music

Across the day, the Live Music Stage hosts a vibrant mix of jazz, pop, rock and soul from local breakthrough musicians. You might catch red-hot blues and electric energy of the Danny Charles Band or the softer harmonies of emerging acoustic duos. Saxophonist Will Forrester opens and closes each day with his intricate covers and Ibiza classics - a familiar soundtrack for many of our regulars.

🌶️ The Sizzling Showdown Arena

Things get a little competitive in the Sizzling Showdown Arena. Hosted by renowned comedian Neil Frost, expect a healthy dose of silliness, friendly competition and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Go head-to-head with other festival-goers in the Foodie Olympics and Chilli Challenge, sign-up your pooch to Wally Woof's Family Dog Show, or grab a seat and test your luck at Pies Down, Eyes Down Bingo with Barry Bingo.

🎭 Live Entertainment

Our Entertainment Arena brings together magic, comedy and a touch of circus. Drop in when it suits you and watch Matthew J Magic & friends weaving together quick hands, light humour and a few surprises. Six daily shows run throughout the day!

🎪 Children’s Entertainment

Little ones can dive into a weekend filled with imagination and barrels of fun - from Magic Matt’s daily shows to foodie-quiz trails, colouring books, and a traditional funfair. Keep an eye out for roaming performers, stilt-walking chefs and Mr and Mrs Sweet, who are always up for a photo or two!

🤝 Supporting Mental Health

We’re proud to continue our partnership with Manchester Mind. Through optional ticket donations and fun activities, we’ve raised over £210,100 so far for mental health initiatives across the UK - let’s build on that total in 2027!

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

📅 When: May 15th-16th, 2027
📍 Where: Wythenshawe Park & Gardens
Opening Times: 10am - 8pm (Saturday) | 10am - 7pm (Sunday)

🎟️ Limited Early Bird Tickets – from just £7.95 per adult