The Manchester Rum Festival is returning to Manchester this year, promising to take things to the next level with a brand new venue.
The event, which features DJs, Caribbean food, games, and of course, a lot of rum, will this year be taking place at New Century Hall.
The beautiful historic gig venue, brought back to life in 2022, will be welcoming the Manchester Rum Festival and more global rum brands than ever before.
Its move to a larger venue follows eight years of sell-out success at venues across Manchester, and will allow the much-loved annual event to welcome even more rum fans.
This year’s highly-anticipated event will coincide with World Rum Day on Saturday 13 July.
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Each ticket for the Manchester Rum Festival gets you access to the festival – the food, the calypso-inspired DJ sets, the tastings, and more – as well as the opportunity to try new-to-market expressions from more than 40 rum brands.
Master distillers, experts and brands from across the globe will be in attendance to celebrate all things rum, offering tastings throughout the festival.
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Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city. Credit: Supplied
Making debuts this year will be prestigious brands including Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius, as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique in the Caribbean; and Don Q from sunny Puerto Rico.
The refreshing Caribbean lager, Carib, will also be heading to Manchester for the first time.
Other notable brands making an appearance at the Manchester Rum Festival include Chairman’s Reserve, Pusser’s, Worthy Park, Cockspur, Damoiseau, Don Papa, Ninefold and Aluna, plus Manchester-based One-Eyed Rebel from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
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London Essence will be the official mixer partner for 2024, bringing their distinctive drinks – including elegant tonics, crafted sodas and lemonades, and delicious gingers – to the festival.
Authentic Caribbean food will come from Nyammin’, who will have their world-famous rum cake in abundance.
And DJ Dom will keep the party, and the tropical atmosphere, going all day long.
Festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland, said: “This year, we are expecting the best Manchester Rum Festival yet as we relocate to a bigger, better, bolder venue.
“New Century Hall is absolutely iconic and we can’t wait to party all day with more rum brands and more experiences than ever before. Guests can really get set for an incredible day!
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“The event really has gone from strength to strength and we are one of the biggest rum festivals in the country outside London. As always, I’d recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets for Manchester Rum Festival on 13 July are available now from Eventbrite.
You can get an exclusive £5 discount when you book through The Manc using this link.
A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A massive Irish music festival with masses of food, drink, crafts, workshops and surprises is returning to Greater Manchester this summer.
Craic by the Creek 2025 will bring together all the best bits of the Emerald Isle for a weekend-long knees-up in a gorgeous countryside location on our doorstep in July.
There’s a huge music line-up (with plenty more still to be announced) featuring Boyzlife, made up of Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife.
And this fun-filled Irish Music Festival is the only one of its kind offering full weekend camping, at the beautiful village of Compstall in Stockport.
The countdown is now officially on for this unmissable celebration of Irish music, culture, and community spirit, which will take place between 18 and 20 July.
Craic by the Creek has been hailed as the greatest Irish music festival in the UK and is back for 2025 bigger than ever.
Already announced to perform live along with Boyzlife are The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, The Kilkennys and loads more.
There are still more acts to be revealed in this stacked line-up.
And it’s not just about the music at Craic by the Creek – there’s also a bustling Irish-themed craft market with handmade goods, Irish-inspired food and drink, social dance workshops, and plenty of surprises.
Expect a weekend of tunes, traditions, community vibes and campfire craic.
Craic by the Creek will take place between 18 and 20 July, 2025 – tickets are on sale now via Skiddle, and they’re already flying.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a huge, free concert that’ll hark back to the 2000s.
The hugely popular shopping destination, where visitors can save big on luxury brands, will be inviting customers to a totally free summer gig on a stage built on site.
It’s part of the wider 30th anniversary celebrations, and will include a headline performance from a top-secret 2000s music act.
All they’ve revealed about the headliner so far is that they have a catalogue of number one singles and beloved hits…
But also on the line-up that has been confirmed is a DJ set from Take That legend Howard Donald, and a hosting slot from Hits Radio DJ Kimberly Wyatt.
There are still supporting acts to be announced in due course, with Cheshire Oaks promising ‘high energy and big personality’.
Taking place in the evening of Friday 6 June, the Cheshire Oaks 30th anniversary party will be free to shoppers and visitors.
And a select group of VIPs from the local community will have the opportunity to meet the mystery headliner in person.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be giving back to its local charity partners, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House amongst others, as well as its staff and their families, with exclusive golden circle access for the best seats in the house.
The anniversary gig is part of the shopping village’s ongoing celebration of its three-decade-long history.
Earlier this year, Cheshire Oaks unveiled its 2025 Style Report, revealing that 63% of Brits now prefer shopping in person rather than online, as well as the resurgence of nostalgic fashion trends from the 90s, from baggy trousers to full denim looks.
It’s the UK’s largest designer outlet, with more than 400,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 165 brands.
Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it’s time to celebrate in true style.
“Over our 30 years we’ve built a real sense of community that makes this centre special and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.
“This summer’s music event, crowned by a secret headline act, promises to be a truly special experience, and a way that we can give back to the loyal customers who have trusted us to bring them the latest fashion trends since the 90s, we can’t wait to enjoy it with them.”
For more information about Cheshire Oaks and its upcoming summer gig, head HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd April 2024 
