Manchester is about to get blessed by the music gods this summer as our annual free jazz festival is making its way to the city centre very soon.
Whether it’s the rich and creamy vocals of Raye that feel like a warm embrace or the lively and energetic horns of Ezra Collective that get you on your feet instantly, jazz is beloved among us Brits.
Jazz aficionados and music lovers alike are welcome to rejoice in the resounding rhythms of this special genre for free as Manchester Jazz Festival returns for an equally special anniversary.
This iconic festival, commonly abbreviated to MJF, has been blasting out triumphant horns, piano riffs, vocal scats and more for a whopping 30 years, and they’re inviting everyone to party with them.
Manchester Jazz Festival is returning to the city centre this May.This year, Manchester Jazz Festival are celebrating their milestone 30th birthday.Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Manchester Jazz Festival is taking over First Street with tonnes of family friendly activities, food and drink vendors and, of course, lots of live music.
So much live music that they don’t just have one stage; in fact, this summertime festival will be spread across three different stages with a sweet selection of over 20 different bands too.
This year sees the event running across three dates next month, all aimed at featuring the very best homegrown contemporary jazz artists, with a showcase for rising stars on the final day.
We got to see the likes of Nubiyan Twist, adopted Manc favourites Conor & The GreensKeepers, Mercury Prize-nominated Corto Alto and tonnes more last time around.
The first batch of activities that will be taking place on 16 May include crafting with the geniuses from Plant, an ‘interactive Alice in Wonderland show’ and even a free yoga session.
Of course, there will be plenty more announcements and updates to follow, but this is already set to be a vibrant and exciting three-day party dedicated to keeping everything groovy.
In order to keep Manchester Jazz Festival ‘jazzin up your summer since ’96‘, they rely on donations to make the event accessible for all, support northern artists and keep running incredible creative projects.
That’s why, to celebrate this festival’s milestone birthday, a ‘£30 for 30’ campaign has been set up to raise money for the charity, which you can contribute to as you like.
Manchester Jazz Festival is returning for 2025 throughout First Street and further out into Manchester city centre from 16-18 May; best of all, as mentioned, the large majority of shows are completely free with no prior booking required.
However, if you’d like to keep attending events such as this, once again, you can pledge a donation to their ‘£30 for 30’ campaign, and it really does make a big difference.
You can check out the full lineup and events programme HERE.
MJF 2025 is set to be packed with all the usual groovy tunes and fun activities.Smiles all round, especially when you’re watching live entertainment at this impressive festival.Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Featured Images — Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
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A huge house and disco music festival is taking place just on the border of Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Not ready for Oasis fever or festival season to be over? Well, lucky for you, there’s still plenty more live music happening this summer – and if you’re into your house, electronic, disco and dance music, there’s an event happening just outside of 0161 next weekend.
Fancy a little trip out to Cheshire?
Yes, over in the lovely suburb of Wilmslow, the increasingly popular House and Vocal Disco Fest returns for 2025, promising plenty of energy, loads of local food and drink vendors, as well as non-stop tunage all day long.
Speaking ahead of their comeback this year, the organisers say: “Whether you’re reliving the glory days of clubland or discovering disco classics for the first time, House & Vocal Disco Fest 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate summer soundtrack.”
Hosted at the Phoenix Sports Club (no, as funny as it would be, there’s no connection to Peter Kay or Paddy McGuinness) near Styal, only a short drive from the town centre,
Booked for this year’s festival is chart-topping headliner DJ and Kiss FM presenter, Majestic, best known for his huge remixes and viral house hits.
Speaking of which, local artist, producer and co-creator Jon Fitz, who has recently opened his own bar, Fizpatrick’s in the heart of Stockport, will also be performing 20 years on from the release of his timeless classic, ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’.
Legendary DJ Allister Whitehead and fellow veteran, Lifford – the velvety voice behind many soulful house music favourites – will also be alongside Fitz and co. as they turn those old market village vibes into one big dancefloor.
Excited to get back behind the decks, Fitz told The Manc: “Now in our third year — and our biggest yet — we’re bringing something truly spectacular to Cheshire. People can expect boutique vibes, intimate energy. This isn’t just a festival, it’s an experience. House & Vocal do things differently”
Once again, festival-goers can expect a day packed with uplifting tunes, a feel-good North West crowd living it large not too far from Greater Manchester, as well as all the perks of a local boutique festival setup too.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 July at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club from 12 noon until late, all early bird and VIP passes have sold out, but general admission is still available for £38.75 – and that’s including your booking fees.
You can find out more on House and Vocal Disco Fest 2025, as well as grab your tickets, right HERE.
Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning
Daisy Jackson
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – just in time for the next Oasis gigs.
The weather service is forecasting ‘heavy rain, with some thunderstorms’ on Saturday, the day of the fourth Oasis homecoming show in Heaton Park.
The opening two Oasis Live ’25 shows at Heaton Park took place under cloudless blue skies with temperatures upwards of 30°C – but that doesn’t feel very authentically Manc, does it?
It’s looking like it’s all about to take a turn back towards normal Manchester weather for the final two shows.
The yellow weather warning is currently in place across Greater Manchester and much of the UK until 9pm on Saturday 19 July.
According to the Met Office, heavy rain is likely in Prestwich from midday until 5pm on Saturday, easing off to light rain until 7pm and then (hopefully) dry by the time Oasis take the stage at Heaton Park.
Thomas Melia -
10th April 2025 
