The year in Manchester
The big moments of the year in Manchester: Manchester Christmas Markets, New Year's Eve in the city centre, BRIT Awards and more, with their dates.
New Year's Eve in the city centre
Last year the council ran two free events in the centre: fireworks above the Central Library in St Peter's Square, and the fair and Ferris wheel in Albert Square, which closed at 12:30. Plans for the 2026 night are not announced yet.
BRIT Awards
The ceremony comes to Co-op Live for a second year running, after leaving London for the first time in 2026. ITV1 and ITVX broadcast it.
Lunar New Year in Chinatown
A dragon parade runs through the city centre to Chinatown, with more celebrations on the streets around it.
Manchester Folk Festival
The festival celebrates ten years and runs for four days for the first time, with concerts at the Stoller Hall, Band on the Wall, Hallé St Peter's and Hallé at St Michael's.
Manchester Jazz Festival
Ten days of jazz around the city, with Band on the Wall among the venues that host it.
Great Manchester Run
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is a half marathon and a 10K starting on Portland Street. The junior and mini races are on the Saturday before.
Manchester International Festival
The festival's 20th anniversary year, with its home at Aviva Studios. The full programme is due to be announced in March 2027.
Parklife
Parklife, the two-day music festival in Heaton Park. The line-up is not announced yet.
Manchester Day
The city's own parade, made with community groups, with the day's events around the city centre. It is free to attend.
Manchester Pride
The August bank holiday weekend of Pride, centred on the Gay Village. It has been run by the community interest company Manchester Village Pride since 2026.
Manchester Literature Festival
Readings, talks and conversations with writers in venues across the city, from the University of Manchester to the Royal Northern College of Music.
