The Herds
Thu 3 July
OPENING EVENT
6pm, Manchester City Centre
Free to attend, no booking required
Life-sized animal puppets take over Greater Manchester as part of monumental migration across West Africa and Europe. Can they escape climate disaster? From the team behind The Walk with Little Amal.
THE HERDS: Seeking Sanctuary [Fri 4 July]
Heywood, 6pm
Free to attend, no booking required THE HERDS abandons the bustling city for the residential streets of Heywood, Rochdale. Encounter the animals in the industrial shadow of Mutual Mills before they move to Queen’s Park in search of nature. Can they find a tranquil moment away from the city?
THE HERDS: Waiting for Kudu [Sat 5 July]
Pennington Flash, 6pm
Explore Pennington Flash’s winding trails, pause in bird hides, and quietly observe as 70 life-sized puppets appear amid the trees and wetlands. A lion stalking through the long grass. A giraffe blending with the canopy. A silent kudu, watching from the shadows. Will your patience be rewarded?
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Saturday 5 July
FREE, Aviva Studios, 10am-5pm
Enjoy a morning of family fun on the Square with Z Arts Family Jam before more live acts curated by Neighbourhood Organisers. Legendary Haçienda DJ Dave Haslam takes over the Square for a late-night party.
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Sunday 6 July
FREE, Aviva Studios, 10am -5pm
The Carlton Club descends on Festival Square with an all-day celebration featuring music, family fun and Rummage in the Range DJs.
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Saturday 12 July
Afrohouse, soul, jazz and funk are the order of the day. At night High Hoops takeover bringing their legendary long-running queer parties to the Square with Fastlove, Lady Shaka and Kim Lana.
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Sunday 13 July
Start your morning right with Our Kids Social family silent disco before live music, Brazilian Drumming and more. South Asian Music Summit and Green Island Presents take over for the evening.
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Saturday 19 July
Kick off the weekend with a family friendly rave from The Playhouse Project.
FESTIVAL SQUARE: Sunday 20 July
Round off the weekend in true Festival Square style with a mix of folk, rave and a Public Living Room in the Social to chill out.
