Manchester Histories Festival 2026
Save the date! The tenth edition of the Manchester Histories Festival will take place Thursday 4th - Saturday 6th June 2026. With Civic Pride as our theme.
This year marks the 10th edition of Manchester Histories Festival. It will take place from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 6 June 2026, in and around Manchester Central Library.
The festival will celebrate the spirit of civic pride and community collaboration, inviting audiences, artists, academics, and local groups to contribute to a shared story of the city’s past, present, and future.
The one and only Celebration Day will take place on Saturday 6 June, with the Histories & Heritage Marketplace hosted in the historic Rates Hall.
Other highlights include:
Histories Slam (4 June)
Fourteen speakers share powerful, surprising and often untold stories in a fast-paced evening of live performance and storytelling.
Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project (4–6 June)
Be part of a large-scale collaborative artwork capturing Manchester’s histories—add your own stitch to this evolving civic story.
Civic Pride: Films & Talks (5 June)
A dynamic programme exploring heritage, conservation, music, and community histories, including the premiere of Champs Camp film made by young people.
Heritage in Action: Talks & Behind-the-Scenes Tours (6 June)
Discover hidden archives, explore civic history, and engage in conversations around identity, belonging, and civic responsibility.
What is History For? (6 June, John Rylands Library)
A thought-provoking day of talks and workshops examining how history shapes identities, narratives, and futures.
Moss Side Boxing & Athletics Association Open Day (6 June)
Explore the legacy of a pioneering community institution and the story of Champs Camp through exhibitions and guided tours.
More information about the festival programme will be available soon. Keep an eye out for the full programme and be ready to book your tickets.
FREE for most events.
We look forward to seeing you there!
