The Whitworth returns with its biannual event, The Frost Fair on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December, 11am till 7pm with an epic programme of music, entertainment, workshops plus an outdoor cinema, huge dancefloor, craft markets and street food.
The theme for this year’s Frost Fair is reflection and celebration, reflecting on the challenges of the past year and celebrating being back together. At the core of the weekender is art and togetherness; visitors, the local community and members of the whole family are welcomed to come together and enjoy winter at The Whitworth.
The Sculpture Terrace located at the front entrance of the gallery will be transformed into an entertainment square, home to the main stage and the largest outdoor dancefloor in the city.
The main stage will present a musical extravaganza across the weekend. On Saturday the legendary MC Kwasi will be hosting the stage getting everyone hyped and dancing. Me Gusta Collective will kick off the day with a mix of Afro-Latin, Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds. Manchester’s favourite duo Mr Scruff and Mikey D.O.N will take to the stage at later in the afternoon.
On Sunday MC Kwasi will be joined by P-RO to host the stage, with Manchester rock band PINS, followed by the fabulous DJ Paulette and the iconic A Certain Ratio closing the stage from 6pm.
On both days, The Playhouse Project featuring the Disco Mums will be entertaining the grown-ups and the little ones from 11am, and our friends from House of Ghetto will be strutting and voguing their stuff.
If you missed out on fireworks this year, make sure you’re around to see Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s foremost outdoor arts companies, mark the finale of the weekend with a pyro display on Sunday evening. Paying thanks to all front-line workers who worked tirelessly during the pandemic.
Inside the gallery, hands on activities are on offer throughout the weekend. Providing entertaining, lively and interactive spaces for all ages to enjoy. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. The South Avenue will be filled with an array of craft market stalls from local artisans, delicious international street food pop ups, and a seasonal alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar.
During the lockdowns, we were reminded of the importance of natures’ connection to our well-being, so our Art Garden is a celebration of how gardens and plants have supported us through these challenging times.
Immerse yourself in the magical winter garden throughout the day, and after dusk, the Art Garden will transform into an outdoor cinema featuring arguably the best Christmas film ever, ‘Elf’.
Francine Hayfron, Cultural Park Keeper of Whitworth Gallery said: “We are thrilled for The Frost Fair to return, bigger and better than before! A weekend full of arts, music and culture, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to get creative in a workshop, watch some amazing acts and have a dance, enjoy some food and drink, or relax and watch a film we’ve got you covered.”
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Frost Fair is free to attend and will run from Saturday 4th December to Sunday 5th December…
The Whitworth, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER
