The Edge Theatre celebrates its 15th anniversary with an all-day festival of music and entertainment

This August, The Edge Theatre marks both its 15th anniversary as an organisation and 140 years of its historic Chorlton home with Edge Fest, an all-day celebration packed with live music, creative workshops, street theatre, family entertainment and much more.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the festival takes over The Edge on Sat 29 Aug with a vibrant, all-embracing programme of performances and activities celebrating the venue’s past, present and future, inviting audiences of all ages to join the festivities from morning until night.

Among the headline acts, the irrepressible Mr Wilson’s Second Liners bring their acclaimed brass sound with a fusion of the joyful traditions of New Orleans Second Line with the euphoric spirit of 90s club culture. Described as a “rave funeral without the body”, the mischievous collective pay tribute to the glory days of the Hacienda and the enduring legacy of Tony Wilson through a riotous blend of brass, beats and boundless energy.

Throughout the day, visitors can also take part in inclusive and playful sessions with Salford Badge Club, the artist-led community workshop dedicated to self-expression, conversation and the power of making.

Inside The Edge’s recently opened cinema, audiences can put their film knowledge to the test with a special movie quiz hosted by actor, comedian and Edge patron John Thomson (The Fast Show, Cold Feet). Created by Matthew Faggiani of the Matt and Mike Pull Focus podcast, the quiz will feature clips, questions and cinematic favourites, making full use of the venue’s new 4K projector, surround sound system and popcorn machine.

As evening falls, The Edge House Band returns for an accessible jam session showcasing favourites from its repertoire alongside open invitations for audience members to join in, promising an eclectic celebration of genres, instruments and performers sharing one stage.

Elsewhere, Edge Fest will also feature additional live music, vinyl DJs, workshops and family activities, with further artists and events set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Check out Mr Wilson’s Second Liners below:

Find out more via The Edge’s website.