Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK, which also makes it one of the largest cultural centers for art and music in Great Britain. The city hosts a number of events and festivals celebrating various cultures, genres of music, dance, art, food, and beer.
Festivals in Manchester include everything from it’s famous Greater Manchester Run—a 10k running event seeing as many as a quarter million participants—to symphonic ensembles by the Hallé, which has a distinguished history of more than 150 years. Popular Manchester music festivals include the RCNM Keyboard Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the Parklife Festival--a weekend of music with a focus on dance art.
But Manchester events have more to offer it’s visitors than just sports and music. The Manchester International Festival transforms the city for three weeks into a fantastic place where local and international artists can present their works to the public. There is also the ever-growing Manchester Picnic where chefs from around the world create gourmet foods and fill Piccadilly Gardens with exotic flavors and enticing aromas. Visitors can also enjoy the Irish Festival, the Chinese New Year Festival, the Indy Manchester Beer Convention, and the Grillstock Festival.