Manchester Food and Drink Festival is back for 2021 – everything you need to know
From artisan markets with some of the region's finest traders, to street food, a giant beer and cider bar, plus events across the city, MFDF 2021 has so much to offer
After a brief hiatus, Manchester’s premier food and drink event has returned to the city for 2021 – bringing with it a host of local street food, locally-brewed beers, artisan producers and fringe events involving some of the city’s best restaurants.
As ever at the heart of the action is the MFDF Festival Hub, which returns to Cathedral Gardens from Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 September, and then again from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 September.
Culminating in the prestigious awards ceremony, it’s a must-visit event for any self-proclaimed Manchester foodies.
Read on to discover everything that’s happening over the next two weeks.
Where is the Manchester Food and Drink Festival this year?
The centre of the action will be at The Festival Hub – the free to enter, pop up food and drink village that will take over Cathedral Gardens for two weeks.
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Bringing together a gigantic beer bar, wine, a gin bar, loads of street food, an artisan food market, banquets, and a live music stage, it’s all going on here with so much to be discovered across the following two weeks.
What time does the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Hub open?
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Hub is open 12 – 11 pm between Thursday 16 and Sunday 19 September. It is then closed Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 September, before reopening on Wednesday 22 from 5 pm to 11 pm.
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The final stretch of the festival then runs from Thursday 23 to 26 September, open all day from 12 to 11 pm.
What street food can I find at the festival?
From halloumi fries to chocolate galettes, there’s so much street food to be discovered at this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
Home to an epic street food market features whole village of the very best independent food traders around, from the juiciest burger to chocolate galettes and halloumi fries, read on to discover what you can enjoy at the Festival Hub over the next fortnight.
Thursday 16TH – Sunday 19th Sept
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What’s Your Beef – Locally and ethically sourced grass-fed beef burgers, halloumi fries and regular fries .
Mi & Pho – Northenden’s Award-winning Vietnamese restaurant brings Bahn Mi and Pho to the Festival.
Maison Breizh – Authentic Breton crêpes and galettes, also known as French pizza.
Oh My Glaze – Wraps, wings and halloumi.
Maison Breizh is at the Festival Hub all weekend with authentic Breton crêpes and galettes
23rd – 26th Sept
Halloumination – The Halloumination team serve the most delicious halloumi fries + halloumi burgers.
The Spinn – Gatley-based indie restaurant & bar will be bringing their amazing trademark burgers to the festival.
I Knead Pizza – Stockport-based local food heroes serving up woodfired pizza and amazing ‘pizza bites.’
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Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – The UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant, based in Manchester.
Mezze – The family-run, Cypriot kitchen will be joining The Hub with their superb take on all things Mediterranean.
Spoons Desserts – Cracking crepes made locally, featuring all the classic crepe toppings.
Meatless Farm will also be at the Hub throughout the festival, serving up samples of their excellent vegan cooking products as well as a full street food menu of their plant-based burgers.
Event programme
There’s so many wonderful events taking part as part of this year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival, with some special fringe dinners and tastings happening around the city as well as at the main Festival Hub.
You can find the full event programme for this year’s festival here.
Tine at The Bungalow – Tine will be bringing their elevated casual dining experience to The Bungalow at Kampus with a special five-course menu created especially for MFDF.
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The Mousetrap wine and cheese tasting experience – The Mousetrap’s super special cheese and wine tasting experience include four award-winning artisan cheeses paired perfectly with a selection of wines.
Le Social Last Summer Wine tasting – Expect creamy whites, savoury orange wines and comforting reds at this special tasting.
Bread Flower x Le Social Jewish-inspired supper club – Learn about the Jewish customs and traditions of this time of year, like dipping the apple in honey for New Year and the tradition of sleeping outside in a hut for 8days during Sukkot. Dishes will be paired with wines from Le Social.
MFDF Wine and Fizz Festival – Taking place Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September, Halle St Peters on Blossom Street in Ancoats will be taken over by some of the region’s finest and most exciting independent wine retailers and brands.
Sustainable wine evening – Open Kitchen will host a sustainable wine tasting evening, showcasing the Bolney Estate in Kent & sample a range of beautiful English wines.
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The Bull & Bear Hub takeover – Tom Kerridge, the man behind the first pub to ever be awarded two Michelin stars, is hosting the ultimate pub grub dinner at the Festival Hub.
MFDF Curry Club at The Hub – A festival feast like never before, the entire Festival Hub will be the venue for an undercover, al fresco Indian street food celebration.
Manchester’s Biggest Chippy Tea – The city’s best loved restaurants, chefs and food traders are coming together to create a mammoth chippie tea feast in homage to one of the region’s best-loved meals.
Schlosstoberfest – Expect an Oktoberfest Takeover bringing a day of Bavarian delights with brats, pretzels and lederhosen. Free to attend and no need to book.
Tast Tasting DInner – The team from the award-winning restaraunt Tast, will be bringing their acclaimed take on Catalonian tapas to the MFDF Street Kitchen
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Le Social Supernature Disco – Dedicated to the party and fantastic drinks, Le Social host an all-day disco party with Supernature.
What about the music stage?
The 2021 CityLife stage at MFDF will feature a curated line-up of Manchester’s best local bands andmusicians to provide the perfect soundtrack to your festival.
Highlights include:
Friday 17 September City Life Present The Lottery Winners – 8pm.
Saturday 18 September The Covertones -6.30pm.
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Sunday 19 September Flat Cap Brass – 1.30pm and 2.30pm / Fine Lines – 3:30pm
Wednesday 22September Manchester legend Clint Boon brings his Boon Army spirit and sounds to the Festival stage for a feel-good mid-week set.
Thursday 23 September Dave Fidler / Albert Schloss Stage Takeover
Saturday 25 September Gypsies of Bohemia
Sunday 26 September Flat Cap Brass /. Hattie Pearson
The artisan market at MFDF is hosting some stellar traders from across Greater Manchester
What traders are at the artisan market?
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19:
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Chorlton Bread Co – Serving handmade plant-based, sourdough bread and cookies all the way from Chorlton.
Cafe Cannoli – Bringing handmade, authentic Sicilian cannoli to the Festival.
Cafe Cannoli was recently recommended ias one of the best UK producers of cannolis in Waitrose magazine
DevilDog Sauces– Small batch chilli sauces and seasonings made right here in Manchester.
Cocoa and Bloom – Beautiful, sustainable, handmade chocolates made with natural fresh fillings.
Chorlton Cheesemongers -The cheesie big guns are out! Chorlton Cheesemongers will be on site serving up their best quality farmhouse and artisan handmade cheeses, chutney and pickles.
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Manchester Cheesecake Co– Homemade, locally produced small-batch cheesecakes in an array of amazing flavours.
BreadFlower– Handmade bagels and seasonal bouquets from MFDF Award-nominated new local producers BreadFlower.
Twisted Wheel Beer Co – Craft Beer brewed in the Northwest and celebrating the spirit of Northern Soul!
Prestwich Gin– Locally produced, award nominated, small batch gin!
O’Donnell Moonshine – Handcrafted spirits and liqueurs presented in their now iconic glass jars. A throwback to American prohibition usually found at Hatch and coming to the Festival for the first time.
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Jack BerryGluten free and speciality flours and bread mixes. Raw, natural honeys, seeds and No BEE Vegan HONEE® (the recently launched, unique vegan honey alternative)
Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th Sept
Companio Bakery – Ancoats’ neighbourhood, sourdough bakery will be serving up their fresh loaves to the festival customers.
Paradiso Authentic Italian – Freshly made, authentic Italian desserts including their famous flavoured Tiramisu… Bellissimo!
Chorlton Cheesemongers – Chorlton Cheesemongers will also join us for the second weekend of our Festival Market with their best quality farmhouse and artisan handmade cheeses, chutney and pickles.
Eat Well –Manchester’s social enterprise, Eat Well, will present their limited edition hampers containing the finest artisan produce from a hand selected bunch of the best indie food heroes.
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The Gourmet Brownie Co – Gorgeous gooey brownies handmade and brought to the Festival to fulfil the needs of even the sweetest of tooths.
Ribble Valley Gin – Small batch, multi award winning gins brough to the Hub direct from the Ribble Valley.
HM Pasties – Pies and Pasties handmade in Bolton with the social mission of reducing re-offending by employing people with criminal convictions.
Crozier Drinks – Professional, premixed Artisan cocktails specialising in inventive combinations of fruits spirits and spices.
O’Donnell Moonshine – Handcrafted spirits and liqueurs presented in their now iconic glass jars. A throwback to American prohibition usually found at Hatch and coming to the Festival for the first time.
News
The top 10 biggest gigs in Manchester music history
Thomas Melia
When you think of Manchester one of the first things that comes to mind obviously after ‘best city in the world’ is one word: ‘music’.
Our capital of the North West has birthed some of the world’s greatest singers of all time and welcomed some of the planet’s biggest stars.
Manchester has many live music venues to host impressive gigs including stadiums, arenas, parks and a wide variety of performance spaces.
The real reason these artists keep coming back is because of you, everyone who shows up and shows out to every single tour and performance happening in our culturally rich city.
Although not 2008, here is Kylie in all her grandeur at AO Arena in 2014.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With a tour titled ‘KylieX2008’, the Aussie sensation made our heads spin around in 2008 as she graced the AO Arena for six nights of pop perfection from 11 July to 18 July.
Minogue has a special connection to Manchester and this arena specifically, performing here over 30 times to a total of 400,000 people.
Taylor Swift performing on the B-Stage at Etihad Stadium in 2018.Credit: The Manc Group
‘Baby let the games begin!’ Swift opened her ‘Reputation Stadium Tour’ in 2018 while standing behind a backdrop of snakes, scales and reptile-like patterns.
The legendary pop star commanded the stage even walking through the crowd to greet fans with smiles and high fives, making sure to get up close and personal even in a venue this grand.
‘Tay-Tay’s last visit to the North West saw her playing three nights of her monumental ‘The Eras Tour’ just a stone’s throw away at Anfield Stadium and who knows, maybe once the Etihad renovation is complete, she might be keen to make another appearance.
8. Oasis: 80,000 – Maine Road (1996)
In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Burnage boys were always destined to be on this list in one way or another due to their incredible impact in pushing Manchester music and bands to the mainstream.
Singing hits from their well-known music catalogue, Oasis attracted 80,000 to Manchester City’s former ground in the mid-90s.
Unlike the tour taking place in 2025, tickets for this gig would’ve only set you back £17.50, you’d have been silly not to grab yourself one!
7. Harry Styles: 99,526 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2022)
The former One Direction star Harry Styles spent two nights in June spreading the love with his mega ‘Love On Tour’ and the feeling was definitely mutual.
On 15 and 16 June the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer had nearly 100,000 devotees in the palm of his hand as he belted out some of his best solo numbers.
The Cheshire-born superstar even paused his show to find his primary school teacher who he’d been informed was in the crowd, thanking her for all her help and hard work while he was in education. Adorable.
6. Foo Fighters: 100,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2024)
The Washington-formed band put on two impressive nights where Mancs witnessed ‘music royalty’ on their ‘Everything or Nothing at All Tour’ in June.
As well as ‘The Pretender’ hitmakers, the sold-out shows were spoilt with not one but four support acts split across the two dates, including Wet Leg.
On 13 June the rock champions even previewed an unreleased track ‘Unconditional’ for the first time, adding it to the setlist for the 15 June show too!
Old Trafford Cricket Ground was a spectacle this June.The American chaps swooned by the roars of the crowd.Credit: The Manc Group / Publicity Picture (Supplied)
5. Spice Girls: 150,955 – Etihad Stadium (2019)
Etihad Stadium and Spice Girls spiced up our lives three times in 2019 with three non-consecutive performances from 29 May to 1 June.
This tour was missing one key ingredient, ‘Posh Spice’, who missed out on this string of shows for the first time in her career.
In addition to these four fierce ladies, another UK household act Jess Glynne joined them on the bill as a support act. The girls were met with raptures as they made their entrance to Manchester after 11 years since their last visit.
Just look at those iconic fits! Spice Girls performing at Wembley Stadium on the same tour that visited Manchester.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 2023 they brought their Music Of The Spheres world tour to Manchester from 31 May to 4 June for four nights of dazzling lights, wowed fans and of course incredible live arrangements.
Altogether, these shows brought together almost 200,000 attendees who had the opportunity to get involved with the show’s production themselves by cycling electric bikes and kinetic dancefloor which both helped power the stage.
The Coldplay lads in all their glory.An awe-inspiring crowd lighting up the already phenomenal Etihad Stadium.Credit: Wikicommons / The Manc Group
3. Ed Sheeran: 218,639 – Etihad Stadium (2022)
Starting his musical career just over the hill busking in Hebden Bridge before becoming one of the UK’s most prominent and successful artists of all time.
In 2022, the ‘Galway Girl’ singer took to Manchester City‘s awesome stadium to play hits from his full discography titled ‘The Mathematics Tour’ in honour of his equation-themed album titles.
The one-man, one-guitar show attracted almost 55,000 people across four nights who watched the singing red-head belt out his bangers on a 360 circular stage.
Ed Sheeran at V Festival in 2014, already a star in his own right.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
2. The Stone Roses: 225,000 – Heaton Park (2012)
The Manchester rock pioneers played a three-night hometown residency as part of their reunion tour following a 17-year concert hiatus.
Fans came in abundance to pack out to Heaton Park, a notorious music-hosting site which has hosted a plethora of acts as well as this formidable band.
Spanning from 29 June to 1 July, The Stone Roses played to a whopping 75,000 fans every night across the three sold-out Manchester shows at Heaton Park in 2012.
The Stone Roses performing at Fuji Rock Festival in 2012, the same year as their Heaton Park residency.Credit: Wikicommons Media
In 2011, ‘The Flood’ boys put on a remarkable eight nights for nearly half a million lucky Mancs from 3 June till 12 June, making for a summer everyone could ‘Never Forget’.
However, they weren’t the only boyband gracing the Manchester City stadium as dance duo Pet Shop Boys supported them on their ‘Progress Live’ tour across the UK.
A fan-captured moment of Take That reunited amidst their eight show run at Etihad Stadium in Manchester.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Honourable Mentions
One Love Manchester, 55,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2017)
Even though this event may not be topping the attendance records, this concert was a special and remarkable moment in Manchester’s history.
Fronted by Ariana Grande, just two weeks after the Manchester Arena attack, Old Trafford Cricket Ground saw a multitude of artists coming together to celebrate the importance of music while paying respect to those affected by the events in the month prior.
BBC reported the ‘One Love Manchester’ live show had 14.5 million viewers at its peak with an average of 10.9 million worldwide and this benefit concert has since raised more than £10 million for the ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’.
Grande may be reaching height after unthinkable height as a musical artist, but she has always had a special place for Manchester in her heart, donating toys to children in Manchester hospitals at Christmastime.
Oasis Live ’25, 320,000 (Predicted) – Heaton Park (2025)
Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are heading across the globe next year on their reunion tour of a lifetime, 16 years since their last live performance, with four Manchester dates.
Although the band might not have performed yet, Heaton Park is expected to welcome a ‘Wonderwall’ of around 80,000 fans every night.
We’re not sure we’ll ever be emotionally ready for this but bring it on. We’ve waited long enough. The question is, what do want to hear them play?
Featured Image – Eva Rinaldi (via Wikicommons)/The Manc Group/Lily Redman (via Wikicommons)
News
Manchester United’s long-serving receptionist Kath Phipps has died aged 85
Danny Jones
A Manchester United legend has moved on as the club has confirmed that much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps has unfortunately passed away at the age of 85.
Simply known as ‘Kath on Reception’ not only by those in and around the club but, believe it or not, millions of fans around the world, the long-serving member of the Man United family died this week.
Confirming the news on Thursday, 5 December, United said they were “heartbroken” to share the news with supporters.
Phipps, who first joined the club way back in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was still manager, has been at the club longer than any current members of staff and will be sorely missed by not just many but countless individuals she came across in more than five decades at the club.
Writing in an official statement, the club said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.
In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague.
“A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.”
Phipps – a pillar of the club for more than half a century – was there throughout Sir Alex Ferguson‘s 26-year tenure and every manager since; the legendary coach even brought the entire squad along to the funeral of her late husband, Richard, and many players visited her during lockdown.
For most people who have ever visited the Carrington training complex, ‘Kath on Reception’ is the very first face they see and was always famed for its incredibly friendly manner and warm embrace.
Players both past and present, as well as countless other figures attached to the club, have been paying tribute to the United veteran who epitomised their values and was revered by all.
David Beckham shared: “Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game , she was the heartbeat of Manchester United , everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her…
“I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry’ and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did.
“Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you”
Wayne Rooney pays an emotional tribute to long-standing #mufc employee Kath Phipps on his Instagram page.
Sorry to hear about Kath on reception passing away. Lovely, modest, loyal, lady. 55 years at MUFC. I tweeted a pic of her in May ‘22 and showed her the huge reaction. She was well chuffed and showed her family. Then said: “thank you so much. I’m only doing my job.” RIP. pic.twitter.com/6DPQ1wwhPG
Current defender Diogo Dalot shared a touching message on social media which read: “You’ve seen it all… You truly represented everything [that] Man United is about. Thank you for taking care of us. Rest in peace, Kath, we love you.”
The Athletic football writer Laurie Whitwell hailed her as “always so welcoming”, while the BBC’s Simon Stone wrote: “Absolutely devastated by this news. Kath was such a lovely lady, always smiling and laughing and totally devoted to Manchester United.
“A constant presence during my 20+ years covering the club. Last saw her earlier this year. Very frail but still positive. A trip to Carrington was always better after a hug from Kath. RIP.”
Speaking on her 55th anniversary in 2023, she told the club: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here. Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”
Paying tribute to her in the best way they know how, they shared another quote in which she simply said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else” – to which they simply added, “Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”
Rest in peace, Kath on Reception, a loyal servant famous for her hugs. We see no better way to sum her up than with this heartwarming clip. Our thoughts go out to her friends, family and all those at Manchester United whose lives she touched.
Georgina Pellant -
17th September 2021 
