This Bank Holiday Weekend is set to be the first proper scorcher of 2026, and Great Northern are welcoming the warmer weather in style with the return of the free weekend-long Mews, bringing three days of live music, indie creative culture, family activities and food and drink to Deansgate Mews and beyond.
Taking place from Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May, the open-to-all extravaganza will once again champion grassroots music and local creatives, while introducing the first ever Mews Fest Fringe. Sponsored by AO Arena, this year’s event is also fundraising for Forever Manchester, with collection buckets across the site and a raffle prize offering the chance to win two tickets to see Lily Allen at the arena next month.
As always, Mews Fest will showcase live performances across Deansgate Mews, with venues including Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar hosting a packed programme of bands and DJs throughout the weekend. Visitors can expect a mix of outdoor performances and intimate indoor sets celebrating Manchester’s independent music scene, with simple bag checks in place on arrival in line with event security guidance.
New for this year, the Mews Fest Fringe will take over Unit 5 inside the main warehouse from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, creating a relaxed indoor hub focused on music, art and independent retail. Alongside DJs and seating areas, the Fringe space will feature market stalls from bands selling merchandise, local artists, record sellers and makers, with names including Hydra Vinyl, Toni Miller Paints, Rosedale Botanics and Manchester sketch artist Sophie Nixon.
Families can also get involved in the Fringe’s interactive Chaos Canvas installation, which transforms an entire white painted room corne4r into a collaborative artwork across the weekend. Thousands of crayons will be available for visitors of all ages to draw directly onto the walls, creating a constantly evolving piece shaped by the people passing through the space. Free badge making workshops and kids guitar decorating sessions will also run across the weekend.
Outside, Mini Mews Fest returns on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm with free family activities taking place beside the Village Hall, including nature crown making and an edible trail designed for younger visitors. The popular Little Northerners Play Space will also remain open throughout the weekend for families looking for a quieter space to unwind between activities.
Elsewhere, food and drink venues will be running throughout the festival weekend. Another Hand will operate as usual on Friday and Saturday, while Siam Smiles will add BBQ specials alongside its regular menu across Saturday and Sunday.
At The Mews Bar, visitors can expect small plates, wine, cocktails and cheese boards throughout the weekend, while The Lion’s Den is expanding its outdoor bar offering onto its terrace beside the stage area. Low Four Studios will also keep its bar open throughout performances, while Tabitha’s serves food across the full weekend.
Festivalgoers will also get the first look at new bar Frank’s, which opens for the first time during Mews Fest serving beers and cocktails, alongside a special pop up from Amo by Salvi’s. The concept will serve focaccia sandwiches, cannoli, coffee, spritzes and a donut collaboration with Baby Mayhem across the weekend.
Mews Fest, Mini Mews Fest and the new Mews Fest Fringe are free to attend. Bag checks will be in operation up on entry to the festival with no drinks allowed to be brought in, in line with event safety legislation.