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Kick off your summer at Radar Festival, returning to Manchester's iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse from 31 July to 2 August 2026. Over three days, the warehouse and its outdoor grounds will become a playground of live music and creative fun. Festival-goers can expect dozens of fantastic bands and artists across multiple stages, covering genres from rock and indie to electronic and pop - there's something for every musical taste. The schedule is arranged so you won't miss your favorite acts. By day, enjoy powerful live performances under the open sky and unique interactive experiences on the festival grounds. When night falls, vibrant light shows transform the warehouse into a high-energy dance party, and the beats keep going with late-night afterparties until the early hours. It's a non-stop celebration of sound and community, perfect for maximising your summer fun.
Radar Festival offers plenty of surprises beyond the stage. A major highlight is the Music & Gaming Market - a first-of-its-kind space where musical instruments and video games come together under one roof. In this creative marketplace, you can browse stalls of gear and gadgets, try out new instruments, and even test retro and modern games. It's a fun, lively area to connect with fellow music and gaming fans between sets. The festival's schedule also includes an ambitious lineup of masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals. Seasoned musicians, producers, and tech experts share insider tips on everything from songwriting and guitar playing to DJing and audio production. Attendees can join engaging Q&A sessions or hands-on tutorials, making Radar not just a music festival but a place to learn and gain inspiration.
One of Radar's most celebrated features is its warm, inclusive community. Built by fans, for fans, the festival prides itself on being welcoming to everyone. The friendly crew and volunteers (often in bright festival shirts) are always on hand to answer questions or provide help, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere. Fans often rave about how easy it is to make friends here - you'll see people from all walks of life coming together to enjoy the music and games they love. Whether you're bonding over a favorite band, competing in a fun gaming challenge, or simply enjoying the positive vibe, you'll feel right at home. Radar is as much about the people as it is about the music, creating memories and connections that last long after the final note fades.
From the first morning performance to the final late-night party, every moment at Radar Festival is designed to be unforgettable. Food trucks and drink stalls will keep you refreshed, and the festival marketplace offers unique merchandise and crafts to discover. In the evenings, mind-blowing light shows and powerful sound systems bring the warehouse to life for the headline acts. When the big show finishes, the night is still young - DJs and dance areas ensure the energy carries on until the festival closes. All in all, Radar Festival is a high-energy, creative adventure. It's an event where you can discover new music, pick up skills in a workshop, geek out over games and gear, or simply dance with new friends. Come join the excitement in Manchester and make this summer truly memorable!
Trafford Park lies just west of central Manchester and is easy to reach from many directions. Air travellers can fly into Manchester Airport (MAN), about 9 miles from the venue, with frequent trains into the city centre. From the airport, take a train to Manchester Piccadilly or Oxford Road and then transfer to the Metrolink tram or a local bus to reach Trafford Park. Other regional airports like Liverpool (LPL) and Leeds Bradford (LBA) are also within around 30-35 miles and offer coach or rail links into Manchester. For intercity travel, Manchester's main stations – Piccadilly, Victoria, and Oxford Road – receive trains from all over the UK. Once you're in the city, the festival site is just a short tram or taxi ride away.
By car, drivers can reach Trafford Park via Manchester's motorway network. Exit the M60 ring road at Junction 9 or 10 (just beyond the city center) toward the A580/A5063, then follow signs for Trafford Park and O2 Victoria Warehouse. The M602 (Junction 3) also leads directly into Trafford Park, and travelers from the north can use the M61 toward Manchester. Use postcode M17 1AB for sat-nav guidance. Please note that there is no on-site parking at the warehouse, but several public car parks and metered street parking spaces are available nearby (fees and times vary). For convenience, many visitors car-share or take a taxi instead; a marked drop-off point is provided at the venue entrance for quick access.
Public transport within Manchester is excellent. The Metrolink tram’s Trafford Park line stops at Wharfside station, which is just a two-minute walk from the venue. Trams run roughly every 12 minutes from Cornbrook (a major interchange), making this an extremely convenient link from the city center. Several bus routes from central Manchester (for example from Piccadilly Gardens) serve the Trafford Park area as well. If you prefer to travel by train, the Trafford Park station (on the line toward Preston) is about a mile away, reachable by a short taxi or bus ride. In general, once you're in Manchester, hopping on a tram or grabbing a taxi to the festival takes only a few minutes.
Accommodation in Manchester is plentiful. Most visitors book hotels, hostels, or apartments in the city centre or near Salford Quays, all easily reached by public transit. Staying around Manchester Piccadilly or Deansgate, or in the MediaCity (Salford Quays) area, will put you a short tram or taxi ride from the festival. Because Radar is held in summer, rooms can fill up fast, so early booking is recommended for the best deals. A few hotels around Old Trafford (near the sports stadium) and across Greater Manchester may also suit those wanting quieter surroundings. Wherever you stay, you'll find great dining and nightlife nearby, and plenty of transport links (trams, buses, and taxis) to keep you moving to and from the venue.
| 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 Park, Manchester, M171AB
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