Irlam Live
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Irlam Live is an annual music festival set in scenic Prince's Park in Irlam. Running from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May 2026, this three-day celebration brings together live music, delicious food and a friendly community spirit in a beautiful tree-lined park just west of Manchester city centre. Now entering its tenth year, Irlam Live has become a highlight of the local festival calendar, known for its inclusive, feel-good atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, get ready to dance, sing along and make unforgettable memories under the open sky.
Expect a weekend of eclectic music and entertainment. Each day features multiple live acts across various stages, with both headline performers and up-and-coming local bands. In past years the festival hosted artists from pop and rock legends to energetic tribute acts – and for 2026 the lineup promises something for every taste. Catch classic singalong hits, current chart-toppers or discover a new favorite – the main stage and secondary stage will keep the energy high with tunes to make you move.
Beyond the music, Irlam Live is packed with fun activities and treats for the whole family. Tuck into a wide variety of food and drink stalls – from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to sweet doughnuts and healthy smoothies, plus vegetarian, vegan and organic options that cater to all tastes. Enjoy local craft beers or refreshing soft drinks as you relax on the grass. Children (and the young at heart) can look forward to a nostalgic funfair with rides and games, and to spotting costumed entertainers roaming the grounds. Superheroes might stroll past your picnic blanket, and you may wander into impromptu bubble shows or lawn ping-pong matches. When the sun sets, a pop-up silent disco spins tunes under the stars. With surprises around every corner, there’s never a dull moment at Irlam Live.
What really sets Irlam Live apart is its warm, friendly community vibe. The festival takes place in a leafy open park, where picnickers spread out blankets under shady trees between sets. Attendees often describe the atmosphere like one big neighborhood party – everyone is invited and ready to have fun together. Families stroll the grounds side by side with groups of friends, and music lovers of all ages discover new favourites. The dedicated team and volunteers work hard to make sure every guest feels at home, so just bring yourself and get ready to join the party.
When the music wraps up on Sunday night, we guarantee you’ll leave with your heart full and your feet tired from dancing. After three days of music, community and fun, Irlam Live is the perfect way to celebrate spring. Advance tickets are on sale now (and they tend to sell out!), so don’t delay. Pack your sunscreen and your dancing shoes – we can’t wait to welcome you back to Irlam for another unforgettable festival.
Irlam Live takes place on Liverpool Road in Irlam (postcode M44 6BR), and is easy to reach by car. The town is well-connected via the North West motorway network. From Manchester, use the M60 ring road heading west toward Trafford Park/Irlam. The M62 motorway also passes nearby, for access from Liverpool or the M6 from the Midlands. In addition, the M56 (from Manchester Airport/Chester) connects to the M60/M62 near Irlam. Parking will be available at the festival site, but spaces can fill up quickly during the busy bank holiday weekend. If possible, consider car-pooling or sharing rides to ease parking demand.
If you prefer public transport, Irlam has good train and bus connections. The local Irlam train station (M44 5AB) offers frequent Northern services to Manchester city centre (around 15 minutes) and to Liverpool (about 40 minutes). From the station, the festival site at Prince’s Park is a short taxi or bus ride away (bus route 67 serves the area). Local buses also link Irlam with nearby Salford, Trafford Centre and beyond. Be sure to check Greater Manchester (TfGM) and National Rail websites for up-to-date timetables when planning your trip.
The nearest airport is Manchester Airport (MAN), which is about a 20-minute drive from Irlam. Trains from the airport via Manchester Piccadilly can take you close to the festival with a simple change at Ellesmere Port or Manchester. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is another option (around 45 minutes by road). Both airports have car rental and taxi services, or you can reach Irlam by combination of train or coach links through Manchester.
For accommodation, Irlam itself has a few small hotels and guesthouses, but many visitors book lodgings in nearby areas. Trafford Park (just a few miles east) has several budget hotels and is close to Irlam via road or train. Manchester city centre offers a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and short-term rentals, and is only a short train ride away. We recommend booking early, as options fill up quickly around the holiday weekend. If you enjoy the outdoors, there are also campsites and rural B&Bs in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas that welcome festival-goers.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Amblehurst Hotel | 4.0 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Brooklands Lodge | 4.3 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Greyhound at Sporting Lodge Hotel Leigh | 4.4 ml | £36.00 | Book | |
| Belforte House | 4.4 ml | £38.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Cresta Court Hotel | 4.5 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Lennox Lea Hotel & Apartments | 4.5 ml | £53.10 | Book | |
| Ascott Hotel | 4.6 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Belmore Hotel | 4.6 ml | £69.00 | Book | |
| The Lymm Hotel | 4.7 ml | £53.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge Altrincham Central | 4.7 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Normanhurst Hotel | 4.8 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Ivy Mount Guest House | 4.9 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Statham Lodge Country House Hotel | 5.1 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| Beaucliffe Hotel | 5.2 ml | £38.00 | Book | |
| Britannia Ashley Hotel | 5.3 ml | £30.00 | Book |
Liverpool Road, Irlam, M446BR
