Didsbury Arts Festival is back for 2026, promising a vibrant programme of contemporary performance, dance, music, spoken word, workshops and community events, and a new partnership with the Cecile Elstein Studio.
Running from 27th June to 5th July, the biennial festival will celebrate the theme ‘Visible/ Invisible’, inviting people to discover something new, uncover hidden stories in the community and celebrate creativity.
The festival is proud to welcome one of Manchester’s favourite poets Mike Garry, with an evening focused on his collaborations with some very special guest musicians.
Immerse yourself in the wonderful sounds of the Manchester International Roots Orchestra whose music is influenced by everything from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South Asia to joyful African gospel, embracing rap, hip-hop, classical music and jazz along the way.
Chris Jam leads ‘Visibly Speaking’, a stellar showcase featuring Lauren Foster’s humour and high-energy storytelling, Anthony Briscoe’s sardonic, absurdist performance poetry, and Jenny Pilkington’s self-deprecating wit.
Manchester Collective, hot foot from Aviva Studios, will present a one-off event in Didsbury’s Broomcroft Hall, based on the fascination with what is normally invisible that they share with poet John McAuliffe.
Audiences can also witness the ‘tiny theatrical miracle’ and global sell-out ‘Handle with Care’. This unique international performance, with no actors or technicians involved, arrives in Didsbury after playing at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Milan Triennale and Wow Festival San Diego – ‘A testament to Ontroerend Goed’s brilliant creativity’.
And Manchester’s own internationally renowned art and performance group Quarantine will be in residence at Didsbury Library, hand-making a beautiful book from the stories shared by library visitors throughout the week.
The visual arts play a big part in the festival, with highlights including the beginning of a very special five year collaboration with the Cecile Elstein’s Studio, who will be presenting the inaugural CES prize to a local exhibiting artist. Visitors will be able to book tours of her studio and home, and get a rare look behind the scenes at the artist’s residence.
This will be complemented by the first ever DAF Plein Air and the DAF Summer Open, which invite local artists to respectively make and exhibit work in public spaces.
Workshops and demos also encourage people of all ages to try something new, including family creative sessions, singalongs and beginner dance, through the ancient arts of glass blowing and heritage weaving, to life drawing, urban sketching, and poetry writing.
Daisy Lee, creative producer for Didsbury Arts Festival 2026, says there is something for everyone: “This year’s programme reflects the diverse art, music and theatre being made across Manchester right now and it’s exciting to be able to bring such a vibrant mix to Didsbury.”
“Creativity is for everyone, whatever you’re into, and no matter your budget. You’ll be able to experience some truly outstanding art and performance in venues across Didsbury, West Didsbury, Burnage and Withington, and get involved in making something yourself.”
Open air events, free and family friendly!
Don’t miss the Festival opening in Fletcher Moss Park on the 27th June, jam packed with live music, art, dance and storytelling. Or the fabulous new Big Burnage Parade on Sunday 5th July, featuring community groups and their creative artwork, including Waste2Waves a major project created by over 400 school children from across the area.
Daisy adds: “Led by community artist Toubie Jack, whose artistic practice revolves around recycling waste plastic into large sculptural forms, Waste2Waves has encouraged children to realise the joy of creativity whilst provoking a discussion about the fragility of our seas and environment. This inter-school collaboration has culminated in the production of a large inflatable fish that will be a focal point for the parade.”
The parade finale in Fog Lane Park will also close the festival, bringing local communities together for another chance to soak up the atmosphere with live music and performance for free.
What to know more? Download the programme and plan your festival, buy tickets, book events and workshops, and sign up to volunteer at www.didsburyartsfestival.org.
