Refract Festival returns to Waterside this summer – a six-day celebration of cabaret, comedy, live music and spectacular outdoor work, alongside interactive experiences and performances. Now firmly established as a highlight of Trafford’s cultural calendar, Refract offers a playful, thought‑provoking and inclusive programme designed to bring people together.
A vibrant series of free outdoor events will transform Waterside Plaza into a lively hub of creativity and energy, complemented by a striking programme inside the venue in the sumptuous Cabaret Club. Created especially for Refract, the Cabaret Club reimagines Waterside’s theatre space as a beautiful, atmospheric setting for all ticketed events, complete with table service and inviting audiences to relax and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
The festival opens with Mr Thing, a chaotic and hilarious live TV-style variety show “broadcast” direct from Refract. Packed with surprise guests, games, live music, technical mishaps and multimedia mayhem, this fast-paced cabaret promises big laughs and high-energy entertainment.
Comedy fans can look forward to Kate Butch, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, bringing her sharp wit and sequin-strewn storytelling to the Cabaret Club in a brand-new stand-up show full of mischief and unexpected insights.
Music lovers are in for a treat as performer and composer Felix Hagan returns to Refract with his band, fresh from the global success of Operation Mincemeat. Expect a night of theatrical flair, powerful songwriting and electrifying performance.
Following their sold out Soho Theatre run, House of Life will light up Saturday night, with their immersive, high-energy experience that blends sermon, spectacle and dance floor into a one-of-a-kind communal celebration.
Across four days, Waterside Plaza will come alive with a packed programme of free, family-friendly outdoor performances, offering something for audiences of all ages.
Highlights include BAMBOO by NoFit State Circus – a visually striking and physically daring show using UK-grown bamboo and human bodies to create an ever-evolving circus installation of strength, balance and beauty.
Audience favourites will emerge in unexpected places with TREES – A Tale of the Rootkin, a magical pop-up performance encouraging audiences to reconnect with nature, and The Wandering Oracles, a playful and immersive roaming experience blending folklore, ritual and interactive storytelling.
Families can enjoy inventive and joyful outdoor work including Thingamabob, a spectacular chain-reaction circus show and The Fabric of Us, a moving dance performance exploring human connection through sound, movement and shared stories.
Young people are also at the heart of this year’s programme, with Sound Board – an interactive performance and live discussion space created especially for young audiences and their communities, offering a platform for conversation, creativity and connection. Young people can apply to be a Youth Host for Sound Board. Find out more here.
The Circus House will be also be joining the festival fun this year and running circus skills workshops for everyone to get involved!
To close the festival, Move and Groove with Manny will bring Global Groove’s carnival spirit to Waterside Plaza, joined by the high-energy sounds of Fat Cat Brass, ending the week with a joyful outdoor celebration. Plus, Bay Bryan will be joining the final day with some special outdoor acoustic sets.
Darren Adams, Venue Manager at Waterside Arts says “Refract is all about creating shared experiences that surprise, inspire and connect people. This year’s programme is packed with exciting work from incredible artists, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences back to celebrate together.”
Full programme and booking information is now live at refract.org.uk
Refract:26 runs at Waterside from Tuesday 21 – Sunday 26 July 2026.
