Góbéfest brings a family-friendly celebration of folk music and Central European culture to Cathedral Gardens

Góbéfest, Manchester’s original urban folk music, food and dance festival, takes over Cathedral Gardens this weekend with another unmissable programme of live performing artists, sumptuous Central European cuisine and free family-friendly activities.

Founded in 2017 as a celebration of the lesser-known culture and traditions of the Transylvanian Székler people, Góbéfest marks its eighth birthday with an dazzling line-up of live bands, dance troupes, folk ensembles and solo artists from across Europe, as well as irresistible delicacies from independent food traders and a day of free family entertainment.

On Friday, Góbéfest’s expertly curated music line-up showcases the best of Balkan and klezmer traditions, as She’Koyokh top the bill alongside Preston’s own philosophical gypsy folk band, Mobius Loop. The following day stars eight-piece central European folk outfit Magyar Banda in the headline slot.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy an eclectic array of blistering live sets across two stages, led by other acts including Lazlo Baby, Koszika & the Hotshots, Karolina Wegrzyn & Banda, Monty Folk, Csjilla, Réka-Kata Regián & Szabolcs Horváth and Solymosi Duo.

Elsewhere, Góbéfest’s indie food and drink traders are on hand with an assortment of beloved dishes from around the Carpathian Basin, from colossal pans of rich goulash and Lángos flatbread to Transylvanian barbecued chimney cakes and Gulyás stew. Naturally, there’ll be an endless selection of free-flowing craft beer, as well as a Hungarian wine stall and a station serving palinka, the sublimely sweet and spicy Hungarian fruit brandy.

Over in the family tent, kids and grown-ups alike can explore the wonder of Eastern and Central European culture with a variety of free workshops and activities, including Kodály music workshops, instrument demonstrations, crafts sessions and folk dance workshops from across the continent led by a team of award-winning artists and facilitators.

Tickets are available now as weekend or day passes for the Friday and Saturday, while Sunday’s wildly popular ‘Dance Day’ programme is free for all.

Check out the full programme via the Góbéfest Instagram, and book your tickets below.