The north’s leading beer festival is heading back to Manchester city centre this summer, ready for a weekend dedicated to all things craft beer – and we’re talking all-your-beer-is-included levels of craft beer here.
The Manchester Craft Beer Festival is set to take over Depot Mayfield for its fourth year, bigger and better than ever.
The cavernous space will be home to expert-led talks, tastings and tours, as well as live Euros screenings.
Some of the world’s best breweries and most dynamic brands from across the planet will be joining in with the fun this July, with more than 65 breweries and 500 beers to taste.
Local names like Cloudwater, Track, Marble, Northern Monk, Bundobust, Sureshot and Seven Brothers are all lined up, as well as British craft names like Deya, Verdant, Siren, North Brewing, and plenty of heritage brands.
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The Manchester Craft Beer Festival is returning for 2024. There’ll be talks and tastings at Depot Mayfield for the The Manchester Craft Beer Festival 2024
And for those who want to drink something other than delicious back-to-back beers, there are plenty of other drinks on offer, like Pimentae’s pre-batched margaritas and loads of other spirits.
A portion of the festival’s floor will be taken up by a Food Block Party, again showing off plenty of local favourites.
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Almost Famous will be serving their legendary burgers, Bundobust will have Indian street food, MorMor will supply Middle Eastern-inspired meals and Voodoo Rays are bringing giant NY-style pizza slices, along with ramen joint Bone Daddies making their Manchester debut
Channel 4’s Mark Dredge, who is Sunday Brunch’s beer expert, and Craft Beer Channel’s Jonny Garrett will be speaking at the huge event as part of the addition of talks, tastings and tours.
As the Manchester Craft Beer Festival coincides with the Euros, matches will be screened inside, so you can Harry Kane the beers while watching Jack Beerlish bring it home.
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Manchester Craft Beer Festival will have a food block partyYour ticket includes a glass and all your beers
The whole thing will be soundtracked by an acoustic music stage, as well as DJs playing throughout.
And new for this year will be a complimentary trade exclusive session, allowing those who already work in the industry to come along for free.
Thousands of beer-lovers and industry experts are expected to flock to Manchester from across the country to attend one of the UK’s biggest and boldest beer experiences, created by We Are Beer.
Mark Dredge said: “I’m thrilled to be participating in this year’s Manchester festival, to talk all things beer, a topic I am well versed in after writing eight books about it, working internationally as a beer judge, and talking about it daily!
“I’m a big fan of the festival and what they do so I’m delighted to be on board to bring an educational element to the festival where guests can learn a little more about the background and creation process behind what they are sipping, and why it tastes the way it does – a bit of beer education essentially.”
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Co-founder of We Are Beer and Director of Manchester Craft Beer Festival, Greg Wells, adds: “It’s been a disheartening year for Manchester’s beer scene so far with closure of the beloved Indy Man Beer Con Fest and the unfortunate debut of the International Brewing and Cider Festival, but we’re pleased to announce our return and bring more of what has been loved in the past three years.
“With even more breweries and experiences on offer and larger capacity this year, we’re buzzing to be back to satisfy all the beer lovers out there.”
The Manchester Craft Beer Festival will take place at Depot Mayfield on 5 and 6 July.
The Friday afternoon trade session will run from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, with public sessions 6pm to 11pm on Friday, and 11.30am to 4.30pm then 6pm to 11pm on Saturday.
Tickets start from £52, which includes all your beers and a special glass, plus access to all the talks, tastings, and tours, and are available here.
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You can upgrade to special packages and even full weekend tickets too.
The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.
A magical family-friendly winter adventure with a light trail and live entertainment is returning to Tatton Park Gardens
Daisy Jackson
One of winter’s top events will return to Tatton Park Gardens this year, with another season announced for Yuletide.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025.
As visitors wander the Yuletide event, you’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.
New this year will be a troupe of leaping acrobats, plus a new live music stage in the woods, and brand-new enchanting characters to meet around every corner.
Another new element is the wild Wassail, inspired by a centuries-old Twelfth Night tradition of singing and banging pots and pans together to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wild Rumpus launch of Yuletide at Tatton ParkYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Cat DineleyYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Emma Croman
As night falls, Tatton Park Gardens will be transformed into a family-friendly winter escape.
Magical memories to be made include the chance to sip hot chocolates and toast marshmallows over a campfire, as a traditional storyteller weaves tales for the whole family.
And the glittering light trail includes interactive installations, glowing puppets, and characters inspired by festive tales.
There’ll also be food vendors serving up tasty festive treats and mulled wine.
Yuletide comes from Cheshire-based event producers Wild Rumpus, who’ll be unlocking new parts of the grounds this year.
Credit: Emma CromanCredit: Anna Hornby
Wild Rumpus’ Director Rowan Cannon said: “This year is a fresh and enchanting adventure for the whole family, with a twist of wild creativity.
“There’s loads of never-before-seen elements, including spellbinding acrobats performing as people arrive, a music stage in the woodland with performances from amazing live bands, and a dreamy Shadow Forest where you can cast shadows against beautiful backdrops.
“The trail is taking a new route through Tatton Park Gardens this year, so people can explore parts of the grounds they’ve never seen at night before.”
Yuletide will run at Tatton Park Gardens on selected evenings between Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 23 December 2026.
Tickets start from £19 for adults and £11 for children, but under 2s go free, with selected dates offering off-peak tickets.
Daisy Jackson -
25th May 2024 
