Greater Manchester’s past, present, and future will take center stage from Thursday, 4 June to Saturday, 6 June 2026, as the city prepares to host the tenth edition of the Manchester Histories Festival. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the regional cultural calendar, promises an immersive experience that brings together artists, academics, and residents to celebrate the unique heritage of the city.
This year’s theme, Civic Pride: Celebrating Community & Belonging, serves as a rallying cry for the region’s diverse population. The festival will be anchored at Manchester Central Library, with a wide array of activities sprawling across various historic locations throughout the city.
A centerpiece of the 2026 programme is “Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project.” This ambitious, 26-panel textile work has been meticulously crafted by people from across Greater Manchester. It serves as a visual record of the city’s identity, weaving together architecture, music, sport, and personal narratives from the city’s incorporation in 1853 to the present day. Following its debut at Manchester Town Hall, the tapestry will begin a regional tour, with workshops available for those aged 15 and over.
The festival’s momentum begins on Thursday, 4 June, with the “Histories Slam.” Hosted by acclaimed Salford-born writer and comedian Tony Kinsella, the event features 14 diverse speakers sharing a collection of untold and extraordinary local stories.
On Saturday, 6 June, the event reaches its peak with the popular “Celebration Day.” Featuring over 40 heritage stalls, a vintage Heritage Bus, and various pop-up surprises, the day is designed to showcase the quirky, diverse, and eclectic history of the region.
The 2026 edition also places a spotlight on essential community history. Highlights include:
-
The Champs Camp Archive Project: An open afternoon at the Phil Martin Centre in Moss Side & Hulme, focusing on the vital legacy of the UK’s first Black-led boxing gym.
-
Heritage in Action: A panel discussion at Manchester Central Library featuring Keisha Thompson (Programme Manager, Legacies of Enslavement Programme, The Guardian) and Yussuf M’Rabty (Project Manager, This Is Us: Tracing Manchester’s Histories).
-
John Rylands Library Open Day: An exploration of the question, “What Is History For?” at the renowned research institute.
Since its inception in 2012, the biennial festival has been recognized for its commitment to public engagement, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. As the organization celebrates its tenth edition, it continues its mission to ensure all voices are heard in the telling of the region’s collective story.
For the full programme of events and to book tickets for specific sessions, visit manchesterhistories.co.uk. Follow the festival’s progress online using the hashtag #MHF2026.