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25 March - 28 March 2026
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival returns 25-28 March 2026 to Trafford Wharf Road in Stretford, Lancashire (Greater Manchester). This four-day celebration brings the adventurous and eclectic spirit of BBC Radio 6 Music to life. Over the course of the weekend, more than a dozen venues will pulse with live performances and DJ sets. The festival is all about unique experiences: expect special one-off collaborations, debut performances of new songs, and surprise guests you won't see anywhere else. Whether you've heard a favorite artist on the airwaves or you're eager to discover the next big thing, this event offers a unique chance to see these musicians up close.
For four days, every corner of Manchester's music scene will light up. Dance along to late-night DJ sets or sway with an acoustic folk singer in the afternoon. The lineup spans a vast range of musical styles - indie, rock, electronic, jazz, world rhythms and more - all hand-picked to surprise and delight. You'll often find established acts sharing the bill with rising stars, so you can enjoy a well-loved hit one moment and discover an amazing new voice the next. The unpredictability is part of the fun: one minute you might hear a beloved track performed in a new way, and the next a famous artist might appear unannounced.
But the music is only part of it. The festival's atmosphere is famously friendly and inclusive. Thousands of fans gather with a shared love of music, making new friends in line at the bar or by the merch stalls. In between sets, people chat excitedly, swapping recommendations for what to see next. Families attend afternoon shows and older fans mingle with younger ones. Everyone is welcome. During the weekend, you might even spot a BBC 6 Music presenter strolling through the crowd to broadcast live or hype up the next act, adding to the sense that the whole station feels part of the adventure.
The city of Manchester itself becomes part of the experience. Iconic local venues and hidden gems alike open their stages to the festival, and sometimes nearby spaces host street performances or art installations as part of the fun. The festival always showcases Manchester's rich musical legacy by featuring local talent alongside international stars. It's common to discover a Manchester band on the rise or hear an exclusive live debut in a cozy club. This deep connection with the city's culture makes every moment feel authentic - from street art in the neighborhoods to the warmth of the crowd cheering on a breakthrough artist on stage.
For visitors, the result is four days of pure excitement and discovery. Wear comfortable shoes for running between venues, and bring a light coat for cooler March evenings. Come ready to dance, sing, and have a great time. Whether you're belting out along to an old favorite or hearing your new favorite song for the first time, the 6 Music Festival is about sharing the joy of music. With its welcoming vibe and constantly surprising lineup, it's a celebration no fan will want to miss. Get ready to become part of the 6 Music family and make some incredible memories!
Getting to the Manchester area is easy thanks to the region's strong transport links. Manchester Airport is the nearest international gateway, with flights arriving from around the world; from there you can take a train or the Metrolink tram straight into the city centre in minutes. Many major UK cities have direct trains to Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road stations, and a journey from London typically takes just two to three hours by rail. If you fly into nearby Liverpool John Lennon Airport, frequent trains and coaches can get you north to Manchester. Once in Manchester, local transit provides easy onward connections to the Trafford Wharf Road area.
If you prefer to drive, Manchester and its suburbs are well-connected by motorway. The M60 orbital motorway circles the city and links to routes like the M6 (north-south) and the M62 (east-west). Travelers coming from Liverpool or St Helens will generally take the M62 eastbound toward Manchester and then join the M60. From the M60, take Junction 12 for Trafford Park (Trafford Wharf Road) or Junction 10 for MediaCityUK. Parking near large events can be limited, so consider booking a spot in advance or using park-and-ride lots and then hopping on public transport. If you prefer a scenic route, you can also drive through the Peak District to avoid some city traffic.
Once you're in the city, getting around is straightforward. The Manchester Metrolink tram network serves many areas; one line goes to MediaCityUK, which is right next to the festival's location. Buses cover the whole Manchester region and allow contactless payment for quick rides. Many venues are also conveniently close together, making walking an option for some parts of the festival. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for direct trips when you're short on time or traveling in a group.
Greater Manchester offers a wide range of accommodation options. Many visitors stay in Manchester city centre or Salford Quays for easy access to venues, or in nearby areas like Stretford or the university district. It's wise to book early, as hotels and B&Bs fill up quickly around large events. For those coming from St Helens, note that you will likely use a combination of train and/or coach – for example, you might take a local train to Liverpool Lime Street and then connect to a Manchester service. In most cases, it will be easier to stay in Manchester and use public transport to reach the festival each day rather than staying in St Helens itself.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Football Old Trafford | 0.9 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| TheHeart Apartments Salford Quays | 1.0 ml | £76.50 | Book | |
| Victoria Warehouse Hotel | 1.1 ml | £19.00 | Book | |
| Trafford Hall Hotel | 1.3 ml | £29.00 | Book | |
| Quay Apartments | 1.4 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
| Rotana Apartments | 1.4 ml | £145.00 | Book | |
| Ramada Manchester Salford Quays | 1.5 ml | £67.15 | Book | |
| Travelodge Manchester Salford Quays | 1.5 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Trivelles Hotels - Manchester - Eccles New Road | 1.5 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Beaucliffe Hotel | 2.1 ml | £38.00 | Book | |
| Campanile Hotel Manchester | 2.2 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Trivelles Hotels Manchester Cross Lane | 2.2 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Ascott Hotel | 2.3 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Ivy Mount Guest House | 2.3 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Belforte House | 2.4 ml | £38.00 | Book |
Trafford Wharf Road, Stretford, M171AB
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