Fresh from housing the square of Manchester International Festival, Albert Square was quickly transformed to play host to Manchester Jazz Festival – and with little respite it will be in use again in September as Manchester Food & Drink Festival takes over the space outside the Town Hall. Last year’s festival attracted over 150,000 visitors to the Festival Hub (pictured), and the organisers hope to beat that record with Manchester’s biggest street food fair, a beer festival serving up over 100 different local beers, Robinson’s Pub on the Hub, an artisan food market, the festival tiki shack, the Birdhouse charity cake sale and a series of masterclasses providing practical tips from filleting a fish to plucking a pheasant. Adding to this will be Manchester’s bars and restaurants, on hand throughout to cook and mix up special treats and offers for patrons during the 12 days of this year’s festival. Events away from the hub include the annual whisky festival, the fifth Big Indie Wine Fest and a new spirit market offering a range of  boutique spirits.

Thu 26 Sep – Mon 7 Oct, Albert Square, M2 5DB, Full programme at foodanddrinkfestival.com

Thu 26 Sep - Mon 7 Oct
Words:
John Stansfield
Published on:
Thu 26 Sep 2013