Cheshire’s biggest summer celebration returning this July
The Editor
The Brit Fest taking place this Summer from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th July 2026 at Ashley Hall Showground in Altrincham, promises it’s biggest and most spectacular event yet – a four-day celebration of live music, community, and British culture that continues to grow from strength to strength.
Headlining the festival will be Happy Mondays on Friday, Holly Johnson on Saturday, and ABC on Sunday, joined by a stellar cast of British music icons including Wet Wet Wet, Eternal, Peter Hook & The Light, Sleeper, Chris Helme, Cast, Aswad, Space, The Blow Monkeys, Babybird, Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band, Fisherman’s Friends, Altered Images, Doctor and the Medics, Stereo MC’s, The Farm, Let Loose, Nathan Moore (Brother Beyond), Mark Radcliffe & Co., James Walsh (Starsailor) and our first international guest Jason Donovan, plus many more. The weekend kicks off with a Thursday night party featuring Symphonic Ibiza, complete with live strings and special guest Angie Brown.
Since its debut in 2024, The Brit Fest has seen remarkable growth, reaching over 30,000 visitors in 2025 — a massive year-on-year increase. 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet. Altrincham-based ABC+ Warranty returns as the Official Title Partner for The Brit Fest 2026. Festivalgoers can camp, glamp with Tangerine Fields, or bring motorhomes and caravans, while nearby hotels including the Delta Marriott offer luxury stays complete with spa and shuttle service. The Brit Fest won the Leading Live Event of the Year at the This is Manchester Awards 2025 and Best Event or Festival at the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2025/26, following previous recognition at the UK Festival Awards and a High Sheriff’s Award for Community Contribution.
Tickets are on-sale now via www.thebritfest.co.uk. The Brit Fest Cheshire is proudly powered by ABC+ Warranty.
The 2026 line-up features an iconic collection of British artists and bands who have collectively sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, shaping the soundtrack of generations.
Headliners: Friday: Happy Mondays – Manchester legends performing Step On, Kinky Afro, and 24 Hour Party People. Saturday: Holly Johnson – the voice of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, performing Relax, Two Tribes, and The Power of Love. Sunday: ABC – fronted by Martin Fry, performing timeless hits from The Lexicon of Love including Poison Arrow and The Look of Love.
Also performing: Wet Wet Wet (Love Is All Around), Eternal (Stay, Power of a Woman), Peter Hook & The Light (Joy Division & New Order classics), Chris Helme (Love is the Law), Sleeper (Inbetweener), Cast (Walkaway, Alright), Aswad (Don’t Turn Around), Space (Female of the Species), The Blow Monkeys (Digging Your Scene), Babybird (You’re Gorgeous), Rick Parfitt Jnr & The RPJ Band, Fisherman’s Friends, Altered Images (Happy Birthday), Doctor and the Medics (Spirit in the Sky), Stereo MC’s (Connected), The Farm (All Together Now), Let Loose (Crazy for You), Nathan Moore (Brother Beyond, The Harder I Try), Mark Radcliffe & Co., James Walsh (Starsailor, Four to the Floor), Cole Page, and our first international guest Jason Donovan (Too Many Broken Hearts). The festival opens with Symphonic Ibiza, featuring live strings and powerhouse vocalist Angie Brown, performing a euphoric fusion of classic Ibiza anthems and orchestral arrangements to start the weekend in style.
Since its debut in 2024, The Brit Fest has become a true success story. Attendance soared to over 30,000 in 2025, an incredible increase on the debut year. Festival Director Edward Prophet said: “When we first started, we dreamed of creating something that would celebrate music and bring people together. The love and energy from our audience have been extraordinary.
The Brit Fest has become more than a festival – it’s a shared celebration of pride, nostalgia and community, and 2026 will take that to another level.” Commercial Director Anthony Prophet added: “The growth in just two years has been incredible. Every message, every smile, every returning face tells us that people feel part of something special here. 2026 is going to be our most exciting chapter yet.”
The Brit Fest is not just a music festival – it’s a major driver for the Cheshire and Greater Manchester economies. In 2025, the festival generated an estimated £1.5 million for local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transport providers and retailers. Once again, Altrincham-based ABC+ Warranty returns as the Official Title Partner for The Brit Fest 2026.
The company’s commitment to quality, trust and community mirrors the values at the heart of the festival. ABC+ Warranty continues to support British excellence, innovation and togetherness – making them the perfect partner for this celebration of music and culture. With visitors travelling from across the UK, the event also brings a surge of trade to the local area.
Hotels across Altrincham and Trafford sell out months in advance, and through its partnership with the Delta Marriott Hotel, guests can combine the festival with a luxury spa stay and convenient shuttle service direct to the showground. The festival also proudly supports The Seashell Trust, helping children and young adults with complex learning difficulties and disabilities. Through ticket donations, fundraising, and community initiatives, The Brit Fest continues to give back to causes that matter locally. More than 70% of the festival’s traders and suppliers are based in the North West, ensuring the event’s economic benefits stay within the region.
Festivalgoers can camp on-site, choose luxury glamping with Tangerine Fields, or bring a motorhome or caravan for the full outdoor experience. For those seeking style and comfort, nearby hotels including the Delta Marriott offer the perfect base for a relaxing weekend. Ashley Hall Showground’s prime Cheshire location makes the event easy to reach for all. The site is a short walk from Ashley Station and just minutes from Altrincham Interchange, connecting via Metrolink, train, and bus across the North West. Manchester and Chester are both under 40 minutes away, giving festivalgoers the chance to enjoy a world-class event practically on their doorstep.
The Brit Fest continues to invest in new technology and infrastructure to improve the audience experience. 2026 will see new eco-friendly initiatives across site operations. These upgrades follow audience feedback, ensuring every guest enjoys a smooth, safe and modern festival experience. Accessibility remains a priority, with step-free access, dedicated viewing areas, and improved parking to make The Brit Fest open and enjoyable for everyone.
The Brit Fest has been widely celebrated within the live events industry, earning nominations and awards that highlight both its cultural and community impact. The festival won the award for Leading Live Event of the Year at the This is Manchester Awards 2025 and named a finalist for Best Event or Festival at the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2025/26. It was previously shortlisted for Best New Festival and Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards, received the High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Community Contribution, and saw founders Edward and Anthony Prophet honoured by Altrincham Court Leet. In 2025, their company, Great British Festivals Ltd, was awarded Manchester & North West England New Events Company of the Year 2025/26 at the Prestige Awards, among other nominations.
The Brit Fest team is also inviting local people to join the 2026 Volunteer Crew, offering opportunities to gain hands-on experience and be part of one of Cheshire’s most celebrated weekends. To apply, visit www.thebritfest.co.uk.
With its legendary line-up, charitable heart, local partnerships, and commitment to innovation, The Brit Fest 2026 is set to be the ultimate celebration of music, community, and summer spirit. The Brit Fest Cheshire is proudly powered by ABC+ Warranty.
Tickets for The Brit Fest 2026 are available via www.thebritfest.co.uk.
