Manchester’s new music festival is a cross-generational day-into-night electronic party

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new electronic music event Outwards Fest Manchester

Yes, you heard us, Greater Manchester’s newest music festival, Outwards, is set to be an all-day, all-night celebration of all things electronic, charting the past, present and future of the scene.

The inaugural Outwards Fest isn’t just an event looking to score as many big names as possible; they’re looking to span as many generations of ravers, dance music die-hards, and selectors alike.

After all, our city is so steeped in this culture that it’s hard to escape, no matter what age you are.

Releasing their first couple of teaser trailers earlier this month, sign-up for early access is live now, and while the focus is more grassroots and upwards, there are some very familiar faces attached.

The new live event has been created by Oliver Ryder, stepson of Manc music icon Shaun Ryder.

Yes, as in the Happy Mondays lead singer, who also happens to front for Black Grape, a.k.a. just one of the acts set to play as part of the festival.

Set to be based at The Progress Centre over in Ardwick and spread across five outdoor stages, 2026 will see Outwards Fest finally make its debut within the large open-air space after lots of planning.

As mentioned, Ryder and his Grape cohort are one of the higher-profile names on the bill, but there are plenty of other eye-catching names – be they old, current, or up-and-coming – and you can expect plenty to roll through for a couple of them alone.

Besides fellow veterans and major headliners, Orbital, bringing their beloved brand of electronica, ambient-house, techno, trance and more to the table, another one we’re looking to is the legendary A Certain Ratio. Plus, there’s still a special guest yet to be revealed…

You can see the full lineup for the first-ever Outwards Festival down below.

Speaking on this new addition for Manchester’s cultural scene, Outwards’ festival director Olli said in a press release: “Electronic music has always been about more than nightlife. It’s about the music, the communities, the places and the people who carry culture forward.

“Outwards is an attempt to create a space where the past, present and future of that [EDM] culture can exist together, here in Manchester, where so much of this story began – and where there is still so much to be written.

“We hope it becomes a moment of reflection, inspiration and connection that celebrates the full breadth of electronic music: open, inclusive and shaped by many voices, while opening the door to what is still to come.” Hear, hear.

You can join the mailing list to secure priority tickets when they go up HERE, with general admission set to be available from 10am on Thursday, 26 February.

Speaking of community-led festivals, another already established cult favourite that just keeps getting better and keeps supporting the local music industry from the ground up, returns for another exciting edition this summer.

Green Island returns for 2026 with ‘best lineup’ yet, featuring A Guy Called Gerald, DJ Paulette and more

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Black Grape (supplied)

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