MANCHESTER FOREVER 2026

MANCHESTER FOREVER 2026

Bank Holiday Weekend | Saturday 2nd May 2026 | Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester

Relive the golden age of rave at Manchester Forever - the biggest celebration of the 90s Manchester rave scene.

This year, the event will be marked by a very special moment: the Stu Allan Festival will officially host the main arena at Manchester Forever on Saturday 2nd May 2026.

Back at its spiritual home, the legendary Bowlers Exhibition Centre will once again become the epicentre of rave. In the 1990s, Bowlers defined UK club culture, hosting era-defining events including Helter Skelter, Fantazia, Life, Compulsion and Asylum. Its vast 84,000-square-foot space was a temple for thousands of ravers, and remains one of Manchester’s most important cultural landmarks.

On Bank Holiday weekend 2026, Manchester Forever will bring it all back with:

• Four arenas spanning Old Skool, Hardcore, Jungle, Acid, Gabber and Techno
• A full 90s fairground experience
• Over 60 legendary DJs and MCs
  
  EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester

Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026 – Bank Holiday Weekend

Time: 2:00pm – 12:00am

Special Guests: DJ Welly, Nipper

Artists (A–Z):Billy Daniel Bunter, Ellis Dee, Gary Hypnotic B2B Pete Daley, Greenbins, Leeroy Thornhill (Ex–The Prodigy), Mark XTC, Paul Taylor, Ratpack, Rob Tissera, Rozalla (Live), Shades of Rhythm, Slipmatt.

MCs (A–Z): Chalkie White, Charlie B, Five Alive, Magika.

A celebration of Old Skool anthems, piano classics and euphoric energy in tribute to Stu Allan.

Artists (A–Z):DJ Sy, DJ Viper, Dougal, Fat Controller, Hixxy, Mark Breeze, Scott Brown, Seduction, Sharkey, Si Frater, Vibes & Livelee, Vinylgroover.

MCs (A–Z):Charlie B, Livelee, Magika, MC Energy, Shocker, Whizzkid, Wotsee.

Hardcore legends reunite for a full-throttle journey through the sound that defined a generation.

Artists (A–Z):Bryan Gee, DJ Hype, DJ Phantasy, DJ Rap, Futurebound, Kenny Ken, Ray Keith, Sappo, Silver & Prophecy, Simon Bassline Smith & DJ SS, Vegas (BCUK).

MCs (A–Z):Fearless, Five Alive, Flux, IC3, MC Toddlah, Navigator, Ranski, Shabba D.

A tribute to the innovators of Jungle and early Drum & Bass, celebrating the roots of bass culture.

Artists (A–Z):Big Worm & Rascal, Cally, Dolphin, Hellfish presents Deathchant, Lomas, Mark EG, Scorpio, The DJ Producer.

MCs (A–Z):Ribbz, Shocker, Squidgy B.

A showcase of raw UK techno, acid and gabber from the underground pioneers of the harder sound.

“Manchester Forever is a reunion for the people who lived it, loved it and shaped the scene. Bringing this back to Bowlers feels like closing the circle on one of the most important chapters in UK dance music.” - Forever Presents Team

Also check out other Exhibitions in Salford.