One of the most popular city centre venues is back with another edition of its new music festival this May bank holiday weekend.
In case you missed it, award-winning Spinningfields bar and one of the city’s best-loved sun traps, The Oast House, has launched a brand-new music festival, and it kicked-off for the first time over the extended Easter bank holiday weekend, with a full day of tunes provided by local musicians throughout the one-day event.
And now, it’s back once again for the upcoming May bank holiday on Sunday 1 May.
The festival, which is named ManiFest, takes over The Oast House’s large outdoor terrace area, with a dedicated stage set up.
Set to run from 1pm right through until 10pm in the evening, a packed roster of acts are lined up to perform on Sunday, including bands, solo artists, and duos, all taking to the stage throughout the day, with interludes provided by a number of resident DJs.
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The Oast House says that festival-goers can expect a “party atmosphere” and sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues – with headline acts and full artist lineups set to be announced over the next week.
The event is not ticketed, and is free to attend on a first come, first served basis.
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ManiFest is taking over The Oast House’s large outdoor terrace every bank holiday weekend this spring and summer / Credit: The Oast House
Given the fact that the event is not tickets and knowing how popular The Oast House is on most weekends in general, the venue is recommending that people get there early to avoid disappointment.
If the tunes weren’t enough of a draw as it is, The Oast House’s unique street food menu will also be on offer to try out throughout the weekend for those looking to line their stomachs during the festival, which has a wide range of signature dishes such as the Northern Poutine, Crispy Chicken Burger, and the famous Hanging Kebabs.
Some of the vegan options on the menu include Cauliflower Wings, Salt and Pepper Fries, and the Plant Based Gyro Wrap.
Festival-goers can expect a “party atmosphere” provided by a packed lineup of local musicians / Credit: The Oast House
Festival-goers will also get a glimpse at a new street art mural by Northern artist Sam Porter, which was unveiled earlier this month to celebrate the launch of the new festival, and has seen iconic Manchester scenes painted onto the inside of The Oast House stage.
ManiFest is set to return to The Oast House on each bank holiday weekend throughout the spring and summer.
More details of individual events will be released in due course on The Oast House website.
Featured Image – The Oast House
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You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Emily Sergeant -
21st April 2022 
