Five of the Best: Open air music events in and around Manchester

Parklife is this weekend, signalling that the summer festival season is truly upon us. It’s far too late to snag tickets for that one, of course, but there are several other festivals and open-air concerts taking place in the next couple of months. We’ve scoured the internet to come up with the best ones…

Metallica at the Etihad Stadium
The juggernaut that is Metallica’s WorldWired tour comes our way to wreak heavy metal havoc later this month. The tour began in February 2016, is now in its 14th leg, and to date has grossed over $250 million at the box office. They don’t do anything by half measures, these lads. The setlist is likely to be a mix of tracks from their recent album ‘Hardwired… to Self-Destruct’ and older classics, too. Support comes from the Swedish doom rockers Ghost – eight ‘nameless ghouls’ in masks and robes. Also on the bill is the up-and-coming stonercore band Bokassa.

Tue 18 Jun, Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Road, Manchester, M11 3FF, £56.50, www.ticketmaster.co.uk/events

Sounds of the City
This loose festival consists of a series of concerts taking place over at week at the Castlefield Bowl. Things kick off with Liverpudlian indie rockers The Wombats, and then it’s the turn of local heroes Elbow. There’s a least a bit of female representation with non-other than Kylie (Minogue, not Jenner). Then we’re back to the indie rock with The Kooks. Unfortunately, a couple of other gigs (The National and Hacienda Classical) have already sold out. You can bet that the others will follow suit, so book soon. The concerts vary in price, with Kylie’s being by far the most expensive.

Sat 6 – Sat 13 Jul, Castlefield Bowl, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JN, Show times and ticket prices vary, ticketmaster.co.uk/Sounds-Of-The-City

Back2the80s
This family friendly festival celebrates the music and films of the 1980s. The backdrop is very Glastonbury-esque: 12 acres of rolling farmland near Worsley. It opens on a Friday with a relaxed open-air cinema night featuring some classic movies from the period. The Saturday is dedicated to eighties tribute acts, including George Michael, David Bowie, Madonna, and Blondie – to name but a few. Bring your dancing shoes and dig deep into your wardrobe to try and win the best outfit competition. And for the kids, there is a funfair and face painting.

Sat 12 – Sun 13 Jul, New Hill Farm, Manchester Road, Worsley, Manchester, M28 3NL, £26, back2the80s.com

Bluedot Festival
Taking place in the shadow of the Jodrell Bank telescope, this four-day festival combines music, science, and literature. It has an impressive roster of bands, with headliners Hot Chip, Kraftwerk, and New Order. Other standouts include John Grant, Anna Calvi, and Jarvis Cocker. There will be a series of talks from science scholars, including the broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili. Tents and stalls will showcase the latest scientific discoveries, and also games and experiments. On the literature side, a hub will host spoken word events and book signings. Tickets are selling out fast and the Bluedot team are hosting a warm up party at HATCH on 15 Jun.

Thu 18 – Sun 21 Jul, Jodrell Bank Observatory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL, £38.50 – £189, www.discoverthebluedot.com

Moovin Festival
This independent, counter-cultural event takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend at an eco-friendly farm near Stockport. Its main stage is a large, open-sided cow shed with bales of hay nearby to relax on. The line-up is a mix of old favourites and new artists. The headliners are Soul II Soul, Morcheeba, Big Daddy Kane, and 2ManyDJs. Look out for Lee “Scratch” Perry, and a DJ set from Nightmares on Wax, too. You can also enjoy the sound systems throughout the site, try some ethically sourced foods and cocktails, and have holistic healing treatments.

Fri 23 – Sun 25 Aug, Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Country Park, Compstall, Near Stockport, SK6 5HZ, £77, www.moovinfestival.com