Printworks set to host a FREE music festival headlined by local music veterans
Friday 27th February and Saturday 28th February, Printworks will host ‘Printworks Live and Loud’, a two-day event on BRITs weekend 2026. The event will bring together Manchester rooted talent and a guest artist to create an experience that feels local, current and easy for families to enjoy. The lineup will be diverse, Manchester led and genre fluid, with DJs and live musicians chosen to entertain across the day and evening. Further info: Sophie Rooney Marketing Manager Printworks Management Suite 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS DD 0161 829 8058 M 07522 824551 Photo: Jason Lock Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press release use only, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk
You heard us right, Printworks is expanding its wide-ranging calendar of entertainment and leisure in 2026 with its very own completely free music festival here in Manchester.
Better still, it’s set to be headlined by some cult favourites.
The one-off event will debut next month to celebrate the arrival of the 2026 BRIT Awards, with the annual ceremony and accompanying seven days of intimate live shows coming to the city of Manchester for the very first time.
Set to take place from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, 27-28 February (4-10pm and 2-10, respectively), the open access weekender has been dubbed ‘Live and Loud’.
Judging by the lineup of artists announced for Printworks’ debut music festival, we have every faith it will live up to the name.
As well as Manchester DJ Matt Hydes kicking things off, followed by the likes of R’n’B soul artist, KingFast, resident Reform Radio MC Urbi will also be joining the lineup, as well as regional dance veteran, Gareth James, and an intimate set by Sabira Jade.
That’s just a small handful of those who signed up to play the inaugural Live & Loud 2025.
As for your headliners, we’re buzzing to confirm that local house legends K-Klass are topping the bill; they may be from Chester, but they’ve been based here for ages and are practically part of the cultural fabric at this point.
You can see the full Live and Loud lineup and Printworks artist spotlight down below:
Friday, 27 Feb, 2026
- Tristan Walsh
- 2Vibe
- Urbi
- KingFast
- Honey Bee Jazz Band
- Matt Hydes
Sat, 28
- K-Klass
- Matt Walsh & Jay Murt
- Sabira Jade
- Gareth James
- Kick Back Sundays
- Jorge Martin
- Guy Connor
- Emma Ellis
Printworks general manager, Dan Davis, said in an official statement: “Manchester is renowned for its musical heritage, and we are excited to bring music to life here at Printworks.
“Live & Loud will place Manchester artists front and centre, with an eclectic line-up that is diverse in genre, background and generation – reflecting our commitment to championing a wide range of local and upcoming artistic talent for a must-attend weekend of live music.”
In case you missed it, this brand-new event also comes amid a raft of small-capacity fundraising shows across the country.
Colette Burroughs-Rose, Director at Genre Music, added: “Live & Loud is Manchester in full voice – familiar faces and new names coming together under one roof across two standout days.
“This is Genre Music’s home city, and we’re proud to be partnering with Printworks on a music programme that welcomes everyone: family-friendly by day, great for evenings with friends.
“Alongside curating a truly eclectic mix of the city’s incredible DJs and live acts, we’re also
capturing the artists’ stories on film to help amplify their voices and creativity beyond the stage.”
With the BRIT Awards being hosted at the Co-op Live arena not just this Feb but until 2027 as well, here’s hoping this is just the inaugural ‘L&L Fest and we at least get a sophomore edition next year.
There’s plenty of other music festivals happening in Greater Manchester throughout the year, especially this summer.
Sounds From The Other City has released its 2026 lineup, and there's set to be more than 100 exciting acts playing on 17 stages across #Salford. 🎶🎸
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) January 28, 2026
Find out who's on the bill and get tickets here👇https://t.co/FsGUSSF5fE
Read more:
- Manchester Film Festival: full lineup and 2026 programme confirmed
- Legendary Manc nightclub Sankeys finally announces new location
- Heaton Park’s historic tramway will be back up and running this summer after major funding
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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Printworks (supplied)