Medieval Manchester Festival 2021

Manchester Medieval Quarter Festival returns Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 September 2023.

Head to the full festival page to find out more.

Find out more

Where medieval meets modern

Saturday 25 September, 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Sunday 26 September, 10am – 3pm (last entry 2.30pm)

A unique and family-friendly festival at Chetham’s in Manchester – featuring live music, food, drink and medieval entertainment – celebrating the 600th anniversary of Manchester’s oldest buildings.

Chetham’s stunning medieval buildings date back to 1421. It’s where the history of modern Manchester begins. Now, a two-day festival will celebrate the city’s history, and the incredible story of Chetham’s.

Visit the historic courtyard at Chetham’s for storytelling, falconry, food and drink and the chance to test yourself at some competitive medieval games. Live period music from Manchester Baroque and Chetham’s Manchester Cathedral Choristers will set the mood! Laugh and enjoy Horrible Histories performances in The Stoller Hall – revealing the gruesome side of history. Prepare to be disgusted by medieval antics!

Chetham’s medieval buildings were originally built to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church, now Manchester Cathedral. Today they form part of the wider Chetham’s site in Manchester: home to Chetham’s School of Music, the UK’s largest music school, The Stoller Hall, a world-class modern concert venue, and Chetham’s Library, the UK’s oldest public library.

Included in your festival day ticket

Tours of the old medieval buildings with Jonathan Schofield, storytelling, puppetry, medieval dancing, falconry, jesters and stilt walkers, Cathedral Choristers, Manchester Baroque performance, re-enactors, exhibitions, street magician, photo booth, book stalls and a design a shield competition.

Festival ticket add-ons

These additional activities will need to be added onto your ticket when booking:

Creative Music Workshops (Free, pre-booking required for each child attending. All children must be accompanied by an adult).                          – SOLD OUT

Chetham’s Library Tours (£5 per person, pre-booking required). Tours are approximately 25 minutes and are suitable for adults and older children.    – SOLD OUT

Horrible Histories (£15-£17 per person, seated performance in The Stoller Hall, pre-booking required). Each show lasts approximately 65 minutes.

General Information

The main festival entrance is Long Millgate, opposite the lower end of the National Football Museum and Cathedral Gardens. Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB.

The festival site will be open on Saturday 10am – 5pm, last entry 4pm and Sunday 10am,- 3pm, last entry 2.30pm.

Medieval building tours and talks are included in your festival entry, and will take place throughout the day. They do not include a tour of Chetham’s Library, unfortunately these have now sold out.

Creative Music Workshops include interactive activities for KS1 (age 4-8) and KS2 (age 8-12) children.

Booking Information

Horrible Histories can be booked separately, either with or without a festival ticket – Saturday 1pm | Saturday 3.30pm | Sunday 10.30am.

Access information

Chetham’s is located within a 600-year-old building, therefore all visitors must be aware that there will be uneven flooring, cobblestones and occasionally low lighting. The Library is across a cobbled yard and via a flight of eighteen steps, with seating provided in all areas of the tours. There is a disabled toilet available across the bridge in The Stoller Hall.

Please contact us if you would like help with your booking, or to speak to a member of our team, please email boxoffice@stollerhall.com or call 0333 130 0967.

Facilities for families

Baby change facilities are available at The Stoller Hall and breastfeeding is welcome in all public areas. Larger, mixed gender toilet cubicles are also available on the Atrium level, which may be useful for family groups.

Please note that buggies and prams must be stored outside The Stoller Hall auditorium, in the Atrium or Stalls Alcove. Stewards will guide you to this space when you arrive.

Click here for the full festival schedule.