Manchester Festival to Blend Electronic Music Generations

A new electronic music festival, Outwards, is set to launch in Manchester on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Organizers aim to create a space that connects the past, present, and future of electronic music, offering a more considered experience than typical festival formats.

Festival Details

Outwards will take over the Progress site in Ardwick, utilizing five outdoor locations to create a 5,000-capacity “temporary cultural campus.” The event will run from 12pm to 11pm. Instead of a focus on rapid transitions between stages, the festival encourages attendees to explore different areas of sound, conversation, and culture at their own pace.

Musical Lineup

The festival’s lineup reflects its cross-generational approach. Featured artists include electronic music pioneers Orbital, Detroit music icon Carl Craig, and Moodymann. Live performances will also be given by Octave One, Paranoid London, and The Orb, alongside Manchester-based acts A Certain Ratio and Black Grape. The DJ program includes a mix of established figures like DJ Pierre, Midland, Pearson Sound, and OK Williams, alongside Josey Rebelle and Suze Ijó.

Cultural Engagement

Outwards aims to provide opportunities for engagement with the culture surrounding the music. Alongside the musical performances, the festival will feature artist talks, workshops, and discussions exploring the history and future of electronic music. Exhibitions, a record fair, and a hi-fi listening bar will also be part of the experience.

Location and Atmosphere

The festival’s location in Ardwick will utilize car parks and open spaces, creating a DIY and open-ended atmosphere. Local food and drink vendors will be featured. Afterparties will be held throughout the city following the outdoor event.

Ticket Information

Tickets are priced at £10 for Manchester’s Finest readers, with the standard price being £55. The Progress site is located at Charlton Pl, Ardwick, Manchester M12 6HS.