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Secure your spot: Free advance tickets for Universally Manchester festival

02 May 2024

Don’t miss out, secure your tickets for in-demand events at Universally Manchester Festival now.

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The full programme for the Universally Manchester Festival, our flagship bicentenary celebration running from 6 –9 June, has been officially unveiled, and you are not going to want to miss out!

As a staff member, you’ve now got the chance to secure your seat at in demand ticketed events from 1pm today – a full day ahead of everyone else. All you need to do is head to universallymanchester.com to take advantage of the thousands of free tickets on offer.

With over 150+ creative and immersive activities, talks and workshops taking place across campus – there’s something for everyone, including online events for those not able to join us in person.  

The big launch 

The festival kicks off with Universally Manchester x The Whitworth, a very special Thursday late, with a showcase of music marking 200 years of The University of Manchester in collaboration with Manchester Histories Festival. With world premieres of new music by composer and alumnus Tom Coult, performed by members of the BBC Philharmonic and immersive art experience, it’s the perfect memorable start to the party. 

Inspiring insights  

Inspiring talks taking place across the four days of festival will have you coming away brimming with new knowledge. Tour the universe with Brian Cox, unlock the secrets of asteroids with Sarah Crowther, stalk dinosaurs with Phil Manning or wade into sewage pollution debates with Save Windermere campaigner Matt Staniek and Jamie Woodward. Whatever your passions, there’s bound to be something that piques your interest.

Bewitching encounters  

There will be a whole host of family-friendly events across the weekend to get involved in, including our annual Community Fair. This is your chance to watch explosive science experiments with the Flash Bang Show, make your own motor, experience virtual reality and swing into action with a climbing wall and helter-skelter. Still got energy to burn? Run away to The Circus House for give-it-a-go circus sessions or let your inhibitions drop with imaginative activities from The Shoopery.

On Sunday, step into the past, with Manchester Histories Festival to uncover hidden histories and local colourful characters with partner organisations from across the northwest. There’s even a heritage bus for you to hop on board! 

Hands in the air 

Experience music from across the globe with DJ sets from the likes of Hacienda heavyweight DJ Hewan Clarke, soulful sounds with Grammy award-winning percussionist Carlos Maldonado, Universally Rocks a night of indie classics at Academy 2.  

Curated culture  

Explore two decades of creative activism with Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and In Place of War (IPoW), an international charity that grew out of a research project at the University 20 years ago. Watch the charity’s work be brought to life at a performance from GRRRL, a music collaboration between revolutionary women from across the globe.

Then on Sunday, let loose at The Whitworth’s The Carnival, with a celebration of art, culture and Manchester’s dynamic community through live performances, interactive workshops, delicious street food and live music.

How to book your early bird tickets for ticketed events: 

  • Visit UniversallyManchester.com 
  • Browse our list of ticketed events (don’t forget to use the ticketed event filter)  
  • Click on your event of choice to reserve your early bird tickets 

Join our Festival Crew

There’s still chances to join the festival crew. We are still seeking staff volunteers - from artist/VIP liaisons to area managers, there’s plenty of ways you could be involved. Find out more and get involved . The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, 8 May.  

Whether as festival crew or festival goer, in-person or online, we can’t wait for you to join us.

More information