This summer, electronic music enthusiasts are in for a treat as Manchester prepares to launch its latest festival, the inaugural Outwards Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, 2nd May 2026, this open-air celebration will take place at the vibrant 5,000-capacity Progress Centre in Ardwick. This transformative event aims to unite electronic music fans in the heart of the city, showcasing a blend of legendary artists and emerging talents.
The lineup for Outwards Festival is not one to be missed. Headlining will be renowned acts such as Orbital and Octave One, alongside the thrilling Paranoid London, the ethereal sounds of The Orb, the eclectic energy of A Certain Ratio, and the vibrant vibe of Black Grape. In addition to live performances, festival-goers can look forward to exhilarating DJ sets from notable personalities like Moodymann B2B Carl Craig, DJ Pierre, the skilled Midland, Josey Rebelle, Pearson Sound, OK Williams, and up-and-coming talent Suze Ijó.
Festival director Olli Ryder shared his vision for Outwards Festival, emphasizing the importance of electronic music as a cultural force. “Electronic music has always been about more than nightlife. It’s about the music, the communities, the places and the people who carry culture forward. Outwards is an attempt to create a space where the past, present, and future of that culture can exist together, in Manchester, where so much of this story began, and where there is still so much to be written,” he said. Ryder hopes the festival will foster a sense of reflection, inspiration, and connection, celebrating the diverse voices that shape electronic music while also looking ahead to what’s next.
Tickets for Outwards Festival are poised to create a buzz, with sales set to launch at 10 am on Thursday, 26th February. Music lovers who wish to attend are encouraged to secure their spot early to be part of this extraordinary gathering highlighting Manchester’s rich electronic music scene.
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