Prince’s Park remains the perfect home for Irlam Live – A wide, green, open space that feels intimate yet spacious, with great transport links and plenty of room for stages, bars, food courts, and family zones.
It’s colourful, lively, and full of personality – The kind of place where you can browse a stall, grab a drink, and still hear the music rolling across the park.
This year isn’t just another edition – It’s a milestone, because it hits its 10-year anniversary in 2026 -A decade of sunshine, singalongs, family fun, and the kind of feel‑good festival energy that has turned this once‑local event into one of Greater Manchester’s most beloved summer weekends. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a two‑day celebration with 40+ acts across two stages, drawing thousands to Prince’s Park for pop nostalgia, dance anthems, tribute favourites, and a warm, unmistakably Mancunian atmosphere.
Launched in 2016, Irlam Live started with a simple idea: bring big‑stage entertainment to a local park without losing the friendliness, affordability, and community spirit that make neighbourhood festivals special. Over the years, it has welcomed chart‑toppers, dance legends, iconic tribute acts, and a huge roster of DJs and performers – All while keeping its roots firmly planted in Irlam. The festival has grown steadily, adding stages, expanding its vendor village, and building a reputation for being one of the happiest, most accessible, family‑friendly events in the region. The 2026 edition celebrates that journey – Not just with a bigger lineup, but with a renewed sense of pride in what the community has built.
Irlam Live traditionally splits its weekend into two distinct vibes:
Saturday – Pop Nostalgia, Dance Anthems & Big Party Energy, so expect a full day of chart‑topping 90s and 00s dance artists, pop legends and reunion favourites, high‑energy DJ sets, feel‑good singalongs, and an abundance of family‑friendly performers. Past years have featured Cascada, East 17, Boyzlife, Rozalla, Ultrabeat, and Phats & Small, so expect 2026 to follow that same dance‑pop‑nostalgia DNA, but bigger for the anniversary.
This year is Kathy Sledge (Sister Sledge), Boney M, Odyssey and Twisted Soul……….What a line up!!!
Sunday is something special. Matt Goss ( Formerly of Bros ) brings his show to Irlam, there will be a lot of happy women in the town that night.
The second stage continues to champion Manchester bands, local singer‑songwriters, up‑and‑coming DJs and community performers.
It’s a brilliant showcase of the region’s creativity – And a reminder that Irlam Live is as much about the future as it is about nostalgia.
The festival has not yet announced a sell‑out, but with the 10th anniversary buzz, it’s likely to move quickly.
