Neck Of The Woods Festival Returns To Manchester, UK This Weekend

Manchester, UK’s beloved grassroots music event, Neck of the Woods Festival, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026 with its biggest edition yet. The festival takes place across two venues: Fuel Cafe and Cafe Blah in Withington, on Saturday 26th September 2026, the festival brings together fresh emerging talent, alongside a host of returning favourites from previous years. Founded by Sam Brunt and Ruth Murray, Neck of the Woods was created with the aim of building a community-focused festival that champions grassroots culture and showcases the very best music Manchester has to offer. Since launching, the festival has built a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting independent music events, known for its welcoming atmosphere, eclectic line-ups and close connection between artists and audiences. Previous headline performers have included Stealing Sheep, Northside’s Dermo, and rising Manchester star Alex Spencer. Other acts to have appeared across previous festivals, include Big Cat Chic, Bleach Boy, Pyncher, Scapegrace, Tay Temple, Mora and the Fabulous Wonderfuls. Tickets for the Neck of the Woods festival can be purchased here

“We are happy to be working with our sponsor, Liberalis again. Do It Ourselves Studios have come onboard to offer our bands practice space. Both have been a tremendous support in continuing our work for the Manchester music community. We’re thrilled to announce details of the performer for our ‘Legend Slot’! Most known for being the lead vocalist of the Blockheads. Mike Bennett, also works as a director and producer. He has produced for The Fall, Sham 69, Toyah Wilcox, Hazel O’Connor and Ian Brown, to name a few. He has most recently been working as the artistic director of ‘New Dawn Fades’, the story of Ian Curtis and the rise of Joy Division. The play is going from strength to strength, as it tours the country. Mike will be performing songs from his wide and diverse catalogue. He will perform with a backing band put together by the festival. The set will include a poem by guest poet, Tamra Smith. Tamra is the vocalist with Poppycock, the brainchild of The Fall founder member, Una Banes.”

“We have been blessed by some fabulous bands, some playing purely for the love of the grassroots scene. We have some amazing supporters and friends, including John Robb, who appeared in 2023, Jay Taylor, George Borowski and Mike Bennett of The Blockheads in 2025. We return in 2026 to celebrate our anniversary. 2026 will be a year to remember, as we welcome back Tay Temple, The Battery Farm, and a total of 20 bands across two venues. We look forward to seeing you there. The festival has also earned praise from leading music voices within the independent scene. Iain Key of Louder Than War previously described the festival: If Carling did festivals, they’d take inspiration from Neck Of The Woods. No barriers between bands, artists and fans, no corporate bullshit hospitality, no prima donnas… just a friendly, chilled, supportive atmosphere throughout the day. In years to come I can see this being seen as a launch pad for some. If there is some Manchester Music Award for best new festival, they win it for 2022.” (Festival founder Ruth Murray)