Manchester’s cycling community gets back in the saddle this May as Cycle Fest returns for its third year, bringing a full day of rides, workshops, live music, art and hands-on activity to Levenshulme.
Taking over Station South on Saturday 9 May, the free event is shaping up to be its biggest edition yet, with more energy, more creativity and plenty to get stuck into whether you’re a serious cyclist or just bike-curious.
One of the standout moments will be a live large-scale artwork created across the day with local street artist Oskar with a K, adding a strong creative thread to a festival that has always been about more than just getting from A to B.
There’ll also be 10 brand new led rides to choose from, running between 9am and 1pm, with routes designed for all ages and abilities. Some are geared towards riders after a fast-paced distance challenge, while others take a more exploratory approach, heading out in search of Manchester’s quieter corners and hidden escapes beyond the city.
Back at Station South, things roll straight into a proper festival atmosphere, with local DJs, artists, workshops, live BMX displays and hands-on bike sessions filling the space through the afternoon. There’s a strong community feel to the whole thing, with plenty of reasons to stick around even if you’re not joining one of the rides.
A range of free interactive sessions will be running across the day too, including a pedal-powered jukebox, pro bike fit sessions, cycle-centred crafts and more, making this one just as appealing for families and casual visitors as it is for committed riders.
The rides take place from 9am until 1pm, with workshops and activities continuing until 4:30pm, and the wider festival atmosphere carrying on into the evening. Everything is free, and you don’t need to take part in a ride to join in.
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