The Best Festivals and Fairs in Manchester this Autumn

Of all British cities, few can match the rich musical legacy of Manchester. Already home to several top quality festivals, another promises to arrive this Autumn in the shape of the Neighbourhood Festival. Spread over nine venues in the heart of the city, the event will feature over 100 international acts, including both established and emerging performers, and festival-goers will be able to hop between them all if they have the requisite wristband. Staying loyal to its stated aim of attracting young music lovers, the festival is also allowing admission to anyone aged 14 and above. Expect a smattering of big names, plenty of fresh names and a buzzing atmosphere. (Photo: Neighbourhood Festival)

Grimmfest is not for those who scare easily, because this 4-day festival is dedicated to horror, cult, sci-fi and fantasy films. The event will feature film premieres of these genres, as well as talks from experts and discussions from those in the movie business. Over its eight-year history, guests have included actors Joseph Mawle and Liam Cunningham from Games of Thrones, plus comedian Ross Noble and singer Martin Kemp. (Photo: Grimmfest)

Manchester has been home to some of Britain’s most acclaimed authors, including Anthony Burgess, who penned A Clockwork Orange and Frances Hodgson Burnett, the mastermind behind The Secret Garden, and to showcase the best new and established Mancunian talent, the city is once again putting on its Literature Festival for 2016. This year, the month long festival will feature a series of talks with guests including:Lionel Shriver (We Need To Talk About Kevin), Johhny Marr (The Smiths) and Alan Cumming. There are also numerous events to get people out in the streets of Manchester. Whether it’s the Writers and Drinkers Pub Tour or the Listen To The Women Walking Tour, avid readers will get a chance to immerse themselves in the world that inspired many of Manchester’s great writers. (Photo: Cornerhouse via Flickr)

Looking to break the unfavourable image the rest of the UK had of Manchester’s culinary scene, in 1998 two foodies created the Manchester Food & Drink Festival. The festival takes place across Manchester, with stalls and events popping up around the city. In previous years, world famous British chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have made appearances, and this year’s festival will also have some star quality to it, with Nadiya Hussain (winner of The Great British Bake Off) bringing her baking expertise to the stage at the Live Cookery Theatre. (Photo: bigboysoven04 via Flickr)

Manchester is no stranger to science and innovation, with it being the home of the first factory to produce the Model-T Ford outside of America and the ‘nuclear family’. The Manchester Science Festival pays homage to the city’s history of creativity by showing off new developments in the field. In an age where technological developments are moving faster than they ever have before, the Manchester Science Festival will cover a vast range of topics. The festival is designed for people of all ages, with activities ranging from the silent disco, to discussions on Alzheimer’s disease and a range of kid-friendly offerings. (Photo: craigbrown26 via Flickr)

There are estimations that the art of animation dates back thousands of years. However, in the digital age, the art form is advancing faster than it ever has before.The Manchester Animation Festival will highlight the latest technology and techniques, as well as work from new graphic artists. Manchester has a proud animation history, with the creators of the beloved Clay Animation cartoon, Wallace & Gromit, coming from Manchester’s Aardman studios. These particular studios has existed for forty years and, as such, there will be a celebration of the two men who created them at this year’s festival. (Photo: Manchester Animation Festival)

The Manchester Oktoberfest started in 2014, serving as a response to the question: “Why should Germany have all the fun?” Now in its third year, the Albert Square festivities are as close as many Mancunians will get to the real thing. Unlike ‘Ocktoberfests’ that only serve beer and bratwurst, this festival is designed to be as close to the real thing as possible; with waiters dressed in the traditional blue and white Dirndl and Lederhosen and a house band playing traditional Bavarian songs. So, if you fancy heading to a place where drinking out of large steins and singing while standing on tables is encouraged, then there’s a place for you to go on the October long weekend. (Photo: Daily BNB NEWS via Flickr)

For four days, Manchester’s Albert Square will be turned into a “little Spanish Oasis”. Festejar Spanish Festival gained a reputation for being a food market, where unique Spanish produce could be bought, but the festival is more of a Spanish experience than just a culinary delight. The festival offers a cultural immersion, where Mancunians can learn more about Spanish arts and culture, and it also serves as a great place to relax and enjoy the remainder of the summer sun, especially since there will be plenty of Sangria available along with live Spanish music.(Photo: Festejar)

Famous music festivals now compete for the biggest headline acts and possess lineups that have fans frantically rushing from one stage to the next. However, the three-day Ramsbottom Festival has found something more elusive to attract people – vibe. Over its five year history, the festival has featured renowned acts such Richard Hawley, The Proclaimers and The Magic Numbers, but it really prides itself on its relaxed, happy atmosphere. While there is a campsite set up twenty minutes away from the main stage, this is not a camping only festival, so festival-goers are free to come and go as they please. (Photo: John Leyland via Flickr)

The quirky Brandleshome Scarecrow Festival began in 2013 as a fun activity to bring the local community together, but, over the last three years, it has become something of a local institution. In previous years, Brandlesholme residents created over fifty scarecrows, of all shapes and sizes. The festival also hosts a series of family friendly activities at the All Saints Church; with a Scarecrow competition as the main event. As well as a family picnic and the scarecrow egg-and-spoon race, there is also the The Great Brandlesholme Cake Off and, new for 2016,a spin off of the famous TV show called Has Brandlesholme Got Talent? (Photo: Brandlesholme Scarecrow Festival)

The popularly of websites like Etsy, that display a range of handmade items, shows the desire customers have for something lovingly handcrafted in a world of mass produced goods. The Autumn Handmade Festival in Upperhill will display the skills of the best local artisans from around the Greater Manchester area. With pop-up restaurants, cake stalls and, of course, crafts, the festival has been a popular landmark on the region’s calendar since it was first held in 2011. In recent years, the event has turned out stalls from a range of different craftsmen; from wood turners to handmade chocolatiers. (Photo: Autumn Handmade Festival)

The UK has a rich folk music history that dates back to a time when each of its regions possessed their own unique style. Nowadays these regional identities aren’t as strong, but UK folk music is alive and well. The Homegrown Folk Festival is a celebration of UK folk music, from legends of the genre, to indie darlings and emerging artists. While usually held at Bury’s The Met, this year the festival will be spread across the Castle Armoury Drill Hall, the Elizabethan Suite and the Fusilier Museum. This year’s line up ranges from traditional folk acts, such as Michael McGoldrick, to indie legends Turin Breaks. (Photo: Homegrown Folk Festival)