BBC Radio 6 Music Festival heads to Greater Manchester’s grassroots venues for 2026

BBC Radio 6 Music Festival returns in March 2026, taking over grassroots venues across Greater Manchester with Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett, Yard Act and more.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 10th Feb 2026

BBC Radio 6 Music has announced the return of its annual festival, taking place from Wednesday, 25th March to Saturday, 28th March 2026, with this year’s edition placing grassroots venues firmly at the centre stage across Greater Manchester.

For 2026, the festival spans a vital network of independent spaces that form the backbone of Greater Manchester's live music culture. Shows will take place at city centre institutions Band on the Wall and YES, alongside a new addition for this year in Eccles Town Hall Ballroom, with special partnership events also running in collaboration with local promoters FaT OuT and Homobloc.

Tickets for BBC Radio 6 Music Festival in Greater Manchester will be available to book from this page at 10am on Thursday 12th February - HERE

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Across the four days, the lineup blends headline live shows with DJ-led club nights and collaborative takeovers. Festival highlights include performances from Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett, Yard Act, The Horrors, Sorry, Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set), TTSSFU, and many more, alongside BBC Introducing showcases and late-night parties curated by 6 Music favourites.

The festival also leans into its partnerships, with FaT OuT hosting an afternoon showcase at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom and Homobloc closing the week with a late-night party featuring Olof Dreijer of The Knife.

Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said: “Independent grassroots venues are vital to the UK’s music ecosystem, and at 6 Music, we’re proud to support what they do. So, it makes sense for the next evolution of the 6 Music Festival to take place in these special spaces, collaborating with new partners and celebrating Manchester’s incredible music legacy, as well as the next generation of artists.”

Nick Grimshaw added: “So excited to be back at the 6 Music Festival in Manchester. Bringing a whole host of excellent artists and showcasing them at grassroots venues – these independent spaces are increasingly under threat, but are vital for culture and a space where artists are given the freedom to take risks, grow, and truly flourish. I can’t wait!”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also commented: “Greater Manchester’s music scene has always been driven by its grassroots venues and independent spirit. They’re vital to nurturing new talent and keeping our cultural life vibrant. It’s fantastic to see the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival celebrating those spaces and shining a spotlight on the creativity that continues to flourish right across our city region.”

Find the full lineup, with dates, venues and acts playing below: