The StretFest 2026 - Stretford's Free, Community-Led Music & Arts Festival

The StretFest 2026 — Day & Night Festival

Saturday 28th March | Stretford, Manchester | 9AM – Late

StretFest returns for its third year with a full day and night of music, culture and community across venues and spaces throughout Stretford.

What began as a grassroots celebration of the town’s creative scene has grown into a town-wide festival connecting independent venues, artists, DJs, musicians, filmmakers, makers and local organisations. From morning through to the early hours, Stretford becomes a patchwork of activity — with something unfolding in almost every corner of the town.

The daytime programme runs from 9AM and brings together live bands, DJs, markets, film screenings, arts and crafts, workshops, kids’ activities, theatre, pottery and community stalls alongside food and drink from local traders. Expect a wandering, open-ended atmosphere where audiences can drift between venues, discover new artists, and explore the creative life of the town.

As evening falls, the festival gradually shifts gear into Night Shift - StretFest’s late-night programme of music and culture across some of Stretford’s most loved venues. DJs, live acts and special guests take over spaces including Metro’s Social Club, Head, Rainy Heart, Stretford Public Hall, Fountain Records, Longford Tap, Swig, Watchouse, Colbys and BrewChimp, carrying the festival energy deep into the night.

At its heart, StretFest is a community-driven festival built by local organisers, venues and volunteers. The event is free to attend, with the aim of keeping culture open and accessible to everyone while supporting the independent venues that make Stretford special.

If you enjoy the festival and want to help it continue to grow, you’ll find opportunities to support StretFest during the event through optional donations (if you can afford it). Every contribution helps keep the festival free and supports future editions! <3

Support The StretFest to keep doing beautiful things in Stretford <3

Come early, stay late, explore the town and follow the sound.

Full programme and venues:

thestretfest.co.uk