The Brit Fest returns to Altrincham this week for its biggest edition yet.
Running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July, the four-day celebration of British music takes over Ashley Hall Showground with a line-up that has collectively sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.
Manchester legends Happy Mondays headline Friday, Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson takes Saturday, and new-wave pioneers ABC close the weekend on Sunday. They'll be joined by Wet Wet Wet, Eternal, Peter Hook & The Light, Sleeper, Cast, Jason Donovan and many more across four stages of live music.
Now in its third year, The Brit Fest has quickly established itself as one of the North West's most loved festivals - crowned Leading Live Event of the Year at the This Is Manchester Awards 2025 after welcoming over 30,000 visitors last summer.
Whether you're camping for the full weekend or heading down for the day, here's everything you need to know.
Contents
- Key Details
- The Line-Up and Set Times
- Getting There
- Parking
- Camping & Accommodation
- On-Site Facilities
- Activities & Extras
- Need to Know
Key Details
Dates: Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th July 2026
Location: Ashley Hall Showground, Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 3QA
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Hosts: Jenny Powell and Mike Toolan
The Line-Up and Set Times
The Brit Fest 2026 features artists who have collectively sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. Each day has its own dress theme - so come prepared.
Thursday - Opening Night
The festival kicks off with a spectacular opening night featuring Symphonic Ibiza and powerhouse vocalist Angie Brown.
Key Info:
- Music Arena opens: 6:00pm
- Opening set: DJ Jugsy (approx 7pm)
- Main Stage: Symphonic Ibiza featuring Angie Brown (approx 8:30pm)
- Little Big Top Silent Disco: 8:00pm – 11:00pm
- Music Arena closes: 11:00pm
Please note: There is no shuttle bus service on Thursday. Festivalgoers will need to make their own travel arrangements.
Headliners Happy Mondays, Holly Johnson and ABC
Friday - Hippy Peace & Love
Dress Theme: Tie dye, flowers, flares, freedom, peace signs and summer vibes.
Main Stage (Music Arena opens 12:00pm):
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 13:15 | James Walsh |
| 14:30 | The Farm |
| 15:45 | Sleeper |
| 17:00 | Stereo MC's |
| 18:30 | Peter Hook and the Light |
| 20:00 | Cast |
| 21:30 | Happy Mondays (Headliner) |
| 23:00 | Arena Closed |
Little Big Top:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:45 | The Yowies |
| 14:00 | Marie Franc |
| 15:15 | Freight |
| 16:30 | The Assist |
| 17:15 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (Brit Fest Warm Up v ABBA v Pop) |
| 18:00 | Prose |
| 19:30 | Alright |
| 20:15 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (Motown v Taylor Swift v Guilty Pleasures) |
| 21:00 | Stanleys |
Busk Stop:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:30 | Lauren Jean |
| 13:30 | Sam Millne and The Virants |
| 14:30 | Mat Hook |
| 18:00 | Joe McCorriston |
VIP Tent: Chris Helme (18:00, 21:00)
Music Arena Performances: Samba Espirito (18:00, 19:30)
Saturday - 80s Neon Party
Dress Theme: Neon colours, big hair, leg warmers, sweatbands and retro energy.
Main Stage (Music Arena opens 12:00pm):
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:30 | Nathan Moore |
| 13:30 | Doctor and the Medics |
| 14:30 | Altered Images |
| 15:30 | Blow Monkeys |
| 17:00 | Aswad |
| 18:30 | Jason Donovan |
| 20:00 | Wet Wet Wet |
| 21:30 | Holly Johnson (Headliner) |
| 23:00 | Arena Closed |
Little Big Top:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Parlaiz |
| 13:15 | Sam Strachan |
| 14:15 | Jon G |
| 15:15 | Interview with The Doc Clive Jackson |
| 15:45 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (Charts v Kids Favourites v 90s) |
| 16:30 | Ashley Sherlock |
| 17:30 | Ideal Forgery |
| 18:30 | Foxglove |
| 19:30 | Laurie Wright |
| 20:15 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (Ibiza Classics v Power Rock v Cheese) |
| 21:00 | The Zangwills |
Busk Stop:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Hayley Broderick |
| 13:00 | Kayleigh Thorn |
| 14:00 | Amber Elara |
| 15:00 | John Denton |
| 16:30 | Olivia Booth |
| 18:00 | Neeve Zahra |
VIP Tent: Nathan Moore (18:00, 19:30, 21:00)
Music Arena Performances: Samba Espirito (18:00, 19:30), Absolute Belters (18:30)
Firewalk: 5:30pm within the Music Arena - advance booking recommended here.
Sunday - Super Sporting Sunday
Dress Theme: Football icons, cricket legends, Olympians, athletes and sporting nostalgia.
Main Stage (Music Arena opens 12:00pm):
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Mark Radcliffe and Friends |
| 13:00 | Let Loose |
| 14:15 | Space |
| 15:30 | Rick Parfitt Jnr |
| 17:00 | Babybird |
| 18:15 | Fisherman's Friends |
| 19:45 | Eternal |
| 21:00 | ABC (Headliner) |
| 23:00 | Arena Closed |
Little Big Top:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:40 | Jacob Kohn |
| 13:45 | Weird Science |
| 15:00 | Ami Alex |
| 16:30 | Roukaya B |
| 17:15 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (80s v 90s v 00s) |
| 18:00 | Dakota Avenue |
| 19:15 | The Bartells |
| 20:00 | Silent Disco with Carl Kent (Brit Fest Anthems v Karaoke Classics v Disco) |
| 20:45 | Rosellas |
Busk Stop:
| Time | Artist |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Naomi Kalu |
| 13:15 | Isaac Neilson |
| 14:15 | Jace Campbell |
| 15:15 | Hannah Green |
| 16:15 | Ava Fitz |
| 17:15 | The Radio Addicts |
VIP Tent: Cole Page (16:30, 17:45, 19:15, 20:30)
Music Arena Performances: Samba Espirito (17:45, 19:15)
Getting There
Ashley Hall Showground is easily accessible by car, shuttle bus, taxi and public transport. However, emergency railway bridge works are affecting some local roads, particularly via Ashley Road and Hale Village. Festivalgoers are advised to allow extra time and use a live sat nav app for the latest traffic information.
By Car
- 5 minutes from Junction 7 of the M56
- 10 minutes from the M6
- Close to the A56 and A50
Free Shuttle Buses
The Brit Fest is offering a free bus service in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and Bee Network. Shuttle buses operate Friday to Sunday only (not Thursday).
Route 1 - Altrincham Interchange (Stand D): Departures: 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30
Route 2 - Delta Hotels Manchester Airport: Departures: 11:48, 12:48, 13:48, 14:48
Route 3 - Knutsford (Sainsbury's Bus Stop): Departures: 11:30, 13:00, 14:30
Return Journeys: Buses operate between 10:00pm and midnight, departing once full and continuing throughout the service period.
Travel Notes:
- Shuttle buses operate on a first come, first served basis
- Return services are expected to be extremely busy
- Taxi pick-up and drop-off zones are clearly signposted within the site
By Train
- Hale Station: 1.2 miles from the festival site — an easy walk or quick taxi ride
- Altrincham Interchange: 2.2 miles away, with access to trains, trams and buses
Taxis & Drop-offs
All taxis, Ubers and lift drop-offs should use the designated pick-up and drop-off point within Ashley Hall grounds.
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Do not arrange collections on Ashley Road outside the site.
Parking
Parking is available in advance or on arrival (subject to availability). The site operates a strict one-way system - follow event signage and avoid parking on surrounding roads.
Accessible parking has sold out, but an additional accessible zone is available on arrival.
Campers: Vehicles cannot be driven to tents.
Due to local roadworks and busy egress periods, allow extra time when leaving and use live sat nav apps.
Camping & Accommodation
Festivalgoers can camp, glamp with Tangerine Fields, or bring motorhomes and caravans. Nearby hotels including the Delta Marriott offer luxury stays with spa facilities and shuttle service to the site.
Arrival Windows
To ensure smooth check-in, dedicated arrival windows are in place for camping and live-in vehicles:
| Day | Arrival Window |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00pm – 7:00pm |
| Friday | 7:00am – 7:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
These are the only times when the full arrival check-in team will be operating. Arriving outside these hours may result in delays.
Overnight access: The main site gate is closed nightly from approximately midnight until 7:00am. No access is permitted during these hours.
Re-entry for live-in vehicles: Permitted, but be prepared to wait for the traffic team to guide you back safely.
The Sunrise Social Club (Campsite Café)
Available for on-site stay ticket holders only:
- 08:30 — Daily 5km Running Club
- 08:30–10:30 — Daily Drop-In Yoga & Meditation
- 23:00–00:00 — Official Silent Disco Afterparty
On-Site Facilities
Merchandise
The Brit Fest Merchandise Store returns in Guest Services with the biggest range yet, including:
- Limited Edition 2026 Hoodies and T-Shirts
- Baseball Caps and Bobble Hats
- Festival Badges, Sew-On Patches and Bumper Stickers
- Collectable Accessories
Many items are exclusive to The Brit Fest 2026 and will not be reproduced once sold out. Early purchase is recommended.
2027 Early Bird tickets will also be available from Guest Services while stocks last.
Lockers & Phone Charging
Go Hangers provides secure lockers and phone charging facilities throughout the weekend. Pre-booking is recommended here.
The Sherpas
Need help getting gear from the car park to the campsite? Electric carts and friendly Sherpas are available for hire here.
Food & Drink
All food and beverage outlets are open throughout the festival, including main bars, food traders, VIP areas and The Brit Fest Club.
Activities & Extras
Firewalk
The firewalk takes place on Saturday evening from 5:30pm within the Music Arena. Places are limited and advance booking is recommended at firewalkevents.co.uk/events/britfest
Silent Disco
Multiple Silent Disco sessions with Carl Kent run throughout the weekend at the Little Big Top, featuring themed battles including:
- Brit Fest Warm Up v ABBA v Pop
- Motown v Taylor Swift v Guilty Pleasures
- Charts v Kids Favourites v 90s
- Ibiza Classics v Power Rock v Cheese
- 80s v 90s v 00s
- Brit Fest Anthems v Karaoke Classics v Disco
Stage Shout-Outs
Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special milestone? Send shout-out requests to hosts Jenny Powell (@jennypowelltv) and Mike Toolan (@miketoolan) on Instagram before or during the festival.
Need to Know
Last Entry
Last entry into the Music Arena is 7:00pm each day. After this time, no further admissions are permitted regardless of ticket type. Arrive early to allow for parking, shuttle transfers, ticket scanning and security checks.
Arena Hours
- Thursday: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
- Friday–Sunday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Charity Partner
The Brit Fest supports The Seashell Trust, helping children and young adults with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
Volunteering
Local people can join the 2026 Volunteer Crew for hands-on festival experience. Apply at www.thebritfest.co.uk
All set times are subject to change. For the latest updates, FAQs and ticket information, visit www.thebritfest.co.uk
