Didsbury Arts Festival 2023

24th June to 2nd July

DAF is back! With over 100 fantastic events packed into nine days, this year’s bumper crop of cultural goodies offers something for all the family!

Manchester poet and legend Mike Garry, author Nell Stevens and world beatbox superstar SK Shlomo will be among this year’s programme highlights. Also headlining are acclaimed Didsbury theatre maker James Rowland, rising literary star Okechukwu Nzelu (more homegrown local talent!) and writer and journalist Clover Stroud. Join One World. One Mic. for a showcase of the hottest up-and-coming young musical talent from across Greater Manchester and the North. Dare to step into the dark and take a flight into the unknown with award-winning, immersive theatre group Darkfield, whose giant container you’ll find outside Didsbury Library. Get into your groove at legendary urban club night Phenomena. For classical music lovers, soloists from the Hallé Orchestra and Manchester Camerata return to DAF for a very special concert, supported by Siemens, in aid of Francis House Children’s Hospice. Don’t miss it!

This year’s festival theme is Your Festival, Your Voice, so why not take the chance to experience a rich and diverse range of creative voices from across Greater Manchester and beyond? With live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, comedy, spoken word and much more happening every day at venues all over Didsbury, there’s something for everyone – and most of it is free.

Join in the opening celebrations on 24th June with a day of family fun at Fletcher Moss Park, including live music, art on the railings, spoken word, face painting, yummy food and community stalls.

More family fun is on the cards throughout the week with workshops, storytelling, a major community arts exhibition, street art and a fab family disco Play House. The nine-day celebration will conclude with a fantastic one-day, staged event in Didsbury Park (Sunday, 2nd July), where the grand final of Didsbury Superstar will provide a memorable and entertaining finale to DAF 2023. Bring a picnic!

“We have been working with local schools, churches, community groups and members of the public to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to perform, create and volunteer at DAF 2023.

“I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You!’ to the people of Didsbury, to our dedicated festival team and to all our friends, sponsors and volunteers for your support. Without you our wonderful celebration of community arts would not happen.

For a full list of events, prices and booking information...

pick up a free festival programme from Didsbury Library and other local venues. For entry details of DAF 2023 competitions, Didsbury Superstar (closing date 9am, 7 June) and Voices of Didsbury (closing date 9am, 14 June) visit: www.didsburyartsfestival.org

Look out for more programme announcements on social media and in the press.