Irlam Live

Irlam Live 2026

Irlam Live returns to Prince's Park, Greater Manchester, from 29–31 May 2026, promising another unforgettable weekend of live music, family entertainment and community spirit. Since launching in 2016, the festival has grown into one of the North West's favourite boutique music events, welcoming thousands of visitors each year for three days packed with entertainment, food and fun.

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Prince's Park, just a short distance from Manchester city centre, Irlam Live combines the atmosphere of a major music festival with the friendliness of a local community celebration. The festival features an exciting mix of headline artists, tribute acts, local performers and emerging talent, ensuring there's something for every generation of music fan.

Alongside the live performances, visitors can enjoy a fantastic selection of street food, licensed bars, children's entertainment, fairground attractions and family activities, making Irlam Live an ideal choice whether you're attending with friends, family or simply looking for a great weekend of live music in Greater Manchester.

Make a Weekend of It

Located just nine miles from Manchester city centre, Irlam Live is perfectly placed for visitors looking to combine a music festival with a city break. Manchester offers world-class shopping, museums, live entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, while nearby attractions such as Salford Quays, MediaCity and Trafford Centre are all within easy reach.

Many festival-goers choose to stay in Manchester or Trafford, making it easy to enjoy everything the region has to offer before and after the 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.

Why Visit Irlam Live?

What makes Irlam Live stand out is its welcoming atmosphere. While many festivals focus solely on headline acts, Irlam Live creates an experience where music, food and family entertainment come together in a relaxed park setting.

The festival is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, with plenty of space to relax, quality food and drink, children's attractions and a varied programme of performances throughout the weekend. Its manageable size means you can easily move around the site, discover new artists and enjoy every part of the festival without the long walks often associated with larger events.

Whether you're visiting for a single day or the entire weekend, Irlam Live offers a memorable festival experience that's accessible, affordable and full of community spirit.