7 things you can’t miss at Manchester’s King Street Festival
Manchester’s King Street Festival is set to take place this weekend, bringing the city’s best shopping address alive with music, art, food, games and a host of events.
The festival, coordinated by Manchester BID, Manchester’s Business Improvement District, on behalf of city centre retailers will see King Street’s stores, restaurants and hotels come together to host a fun yet fashionable weekend offering al fresco dining, exclusive in-store events, complimentary gifts alongside free fizz and tastings.
Here is what you can’t afford to miss at the festival…
Cocktail Trail
A cocktail trail is taking place down King Street. The trail will run from Rosso down to Crazy Pedros, showcasing cocktails inspired by King Street and Manchester city centre.
Sipsmith’s Lawn Club hosted by Grafene
With an artificial lawn, outdoor games, picnic area and a pop up Sipsmith gin bar, head inside for food or stay on the terrace for sunshine, DJs and the finest boutique gin.
King Street Heritage Trail and Heritage Guide Books
For those who want to take a self guided tour, pick up one of the festival’s specially created heritage guide books from Virgin Money Lounge and take yourself around the historic heart of the city.
Live music
Music will play a big part in the festival, with the bandstand returning with a wonderful live line-up, featuring the gospel glory of Voices Beyond, 1940s-style girl group Bobbysocks, the teenage jazz singer and pianist Harvey Brittain, retro festival favourites Dr. Butler’s Medicine Hatstand Band and folk tunes from the Rubber Duck Orchestra.
Urban sketching
Capture the weekend on paper with a little helping hand from Urban sketcher Liz Ackerley, who will be hosting a street sketch masterclass. Best known for heading the Manchester arm of global street sketch group, Sketchers, Liz will be drawing scenes from the festival throughout the weekend and will share her tips on getting the hustle and bustle down on paper.
Wine time
Take a break from shopping and sit back in one of the festival’s deckchairs and enjoy a drink from the Bubbles and Bale Cocktail and Sparkling Wine Bar, which will be serving a range of delicious sparkling wines and cocktails out of a Morris Minor Traveller, as well as soft drinks and bar snacks.
Crazy golf and pocket parks
The festival’s stylish crazy golf course will feature fashion and history obstacles throughout King Street and check out the parking bays on Upper King Street to see their transformation into pocket parks. From 11am – 6pm, each bay will be transformed into a mini oasis, with ‘happenings’ that range from shoe shining, outdoor dining and mini TED talks.
