THIS WEEKEND: Manchester’s biggest outdoor dancefloor arrives at The Whitworth’s Frost Fair

Returning for their biannual event, Frost Fair, The Whitworth will play host to the largest outdoor dancefloor in Manchester.

A huge programme of music, entertainment and workshops, along with an outdoor cinema, dancefloor, craft markets and street food, will take over the grounds of the iconic gallery next weekend—Sat 4th dec / Sun 5th Dec.

Honing in on the theme of reflection and celebration—organisers encourage visitors to reflect on the challenges of the past year, before celebrating being back together.

The venue’s Sculpture Terrace, which is located at the front entrace of the gallery, will be transformed into a bustling entertainment square and will be home to the main stage and dancefloor.

The iconic MC Kwasi will be hosting the stage, as a series of eclectic acts perform over the course of the weekend. Included on the billing are the likes of Me Gusta Collective, who’ll kick off Saturday with a mix of Afro-Latin Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds, before Manchester’s very own Mr Scruff and Mikey D.O.N will take over later in the afternoon.

On Sunday MC Kwasi will be joined by P-RO on hosting duties, with Manchester rock band PINS, followed by the fabulous DJ Paulette and the iconic A Certain Ratio closing the stage from 6pm.

On both days, The Playhouse Project featuring the Disco Mums will be entertaining the grown-ups and the little ones from 11am, and House of Ghetto will be on-hand to have you strutting and voguing your stuff.

Award-winning outdoor arts group Walk the Plank will return for the finale of the weekend, with a pyro display that pays thanks to all the front-line workers who kept things going during the pandemic.

Inside the gallery, hands on activities are on offer throughout the weekend. The South Avenue will be filled with an array of craft market stalls from local artisans, delicious international street food pop ups, and a seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar.

Celebrating our reconnection with nature throughout lockdowns, the museum’s Art Garden will explore how gardens and plants supported us through the challenging times, and after dusk, the space will transform into an outdoor cinema showing the beloved Elf.

Festivities will run from 11am-7pm both days and are completely free to attend.