Mews Fest Fringe Band Merch Stallholder Application

Mews Fest, the free to attend grassroots music festival,  is back for its 6th year at Deansgate Mews in The Great Northern, bringing even more energy, creativity, and community spirit to the city. This year marks an exciting milestone as the festival expands beyond its main event to introduce the very first Mews Fest Fringe, all happening across the second May Bank Holiday weekend 22nd - 24th May .Taking place at venues across Deansgate Mews, including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios The Mews Bar and Manchester One Media, there will be over 40 bands, DJs and artists performing across stages throughout the weekend – from the main outdoor stage to more intimate indoor spaces. Festival goers can also enjoy the vibrant food and drink offer along the Mews, adding to the lively, community feel of the weekend.

The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe is added this year and will transform the adjacent 'Unit 5' warehouse space into a vibrant indoor hub of music, art, and independent culture, alongside the main festival celebrations. It will also serve as a fundraiser to support the work of Forever Manchester, helping to strengthen and enrich communities across Greater Manchester.

The Mews Fest Fringe is a great opportunity to showcase and sell your work and connect with a lively festival audience. We are looking for bands and artists who want to raise their profile and sell their merch; for fashion designers and sellers to sell their pieces; and for local artists and makers who want to take stalls, or run sessions.

Please read the stall information below before completing the application. Successful applicants will be contacted with next steps.

Cost

Cost for bands selling merch and for students with any type of stall is at a lower rate of £10 per day as part of our committment to grassroots music, and to opportunities for young people.

Price for all other stall holders: £25 per stall per day (or £45 for 2 days)

 

The fees are being donated to Forever Manchester, with Great Northern covering the event costs including Manchester City Council Market Fees.

Timings

Saturday, 23 May 2026 – 12 noon to 7pm (set up from 8am - 10am)

Sunday, 24 May 2026 – 1pm to 7pm (set up from 8 - 10am)

Location

Unit 5, The Great Northern (accessed via escalators in the Warehouse entrance)

Access and logistics

Lift access  from Service Road 1 via the entrance to the NCP car parks on Watson Street. Access daily from 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00.

No parking is provided.

If doing more than one day, items can be stored securely overnight in the unit at owner’s risk.

1 small table will be provided, though traders may bring a larger one if needed. No power supply will be available.