Browse 450 festival bands available for hire in Manchester, rated 5 out of 5 from 4548 reviews from real clients. Manchester's indie and folk-rock heritage makes it one of the strongest cities in the North West for festival-style entertainment. Each listing includes audio samples, video clips and client reviews so you can hear the band before you book. The average price for a festival band in Manchester is £1213, though this varies by lineup size and performance length. Use the filters below to narrow your search by price, event type and genre.
9 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £975* - get a quote
Add to favourites2 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £640* - get a quote
Add to favourites9 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £300* - get a quote
Add to favourites8 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £1593* - get a quote
Add to favourites11 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £630* - get a quote
Add to favourites9 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £1125* - get a quote
Add to favourites0 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from POA* - get a quote
Add to favourites8 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £280* - get a quote
Add to favourites7 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £574* - get a quote
Add to favourites1 review
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £350* - get a quote
Add to favourites16 reviews
Salford, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £1013* - get a quote
Add to favourites15 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £630* - get a quote
Add to favourites9 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £400* - get a quote
Add to favourites4 reviews
Stockport, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £600* - get a quote
Add to favourites5 reviews
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Available in Manchester (Greater Manchester)
Book from £560* - get a quote
Add to favouritesManchester has one of the UK's strongest indie and alternative music scenes, and that heritage feeds directly into the city's festival band community. Many local acts draw on the city's Britpop and indie roots alongside the Mumford & Sons-influenced folk-rock sound, giving them a distinctive edge. The surrounding countryside in Cheshire, Lancashire and the Peak District fringe is home to a growing number of tipi, barn and outdoor wedding venues that suit festival-style entertainment perfectly.
Tipi and marquee weddings at rural sites across Cheshire and the Peak District fringe are increasingly popular with Manchester-based couples. A festival band is the natural choice for these celebrations, providing the sing-along energy and rustic acoustic sound that the format demands. Many acts are experienced at outdoor performances and can advise on staging and power requirements. For barn venues with sound limiters, festival bands that offer a fully acoustic or semi-acoustic lineup can perform comfortably within restrictions while still creating a strong atmosphere.
Manchester's indie heritage means that many local festival bands lean towards an indie-rock sound alongside the folk-influenced material. This gives couples and event organisers a wider range of styles within the festival band format, from stripped-back acoustic folk to energetic guitar-driven sets. The city's active live music circuit, from pub gigs to actual festival stages, means Manchester-based acts tend to be experienced, versatile performers.
Festival bands are a popular choice for corporate summer events, team-building days and themed birthday parties across the Manchester area. The relaxed, communal energy of a folk-rock band suits outdoor venues, warehouse spaces and converted mill settings. Many bands offer a combined live set and DJ package to cover a full evening. For a more traditional folk group sound, there are also acts in the area specialising in traditional English, Irish and Scottish folk material.
Expect to pay between £150 and £10266 for a festival band in the Manchester area, with £1213 as the current average. North West pricing tends to be competitive compared to London and the South East, and many local acts include travel within Greater Manchester in their standard quote. Larger lineups with fiddle, brass and multiple vocalists are at the higher end of the range.
