Events in 2008

Mad Ferret Music Festival

Student music festival featuring many bands including Lee "Scratch" Perry.

FEAST! Picnic in the Park

This event seems to get bigger and better (and busier!) every year. Some spectacular entertainment all weekend with big headlines on the Friday and Saturday night, then a really relaxing sunny family day on the Sunday. Quite a few people just didn't want to go home!

Take a look at the gallery and see for what MIA treated us to this year.
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Summer in the Park
(Manchester Food and Drink Festival)

For the first time the Food and Drink Festival strayed from its usual city centre locations for a weekend in the park, with mixed results.

On Saturday the combination of some grey weather and a lack of festive decoration resulted in a field of dreary white tents which didn't lend themselves to a festival mood - a few flags and banners could have made a real difference. Also many of the food stalls and all the bars were empty well before the end of the day.

However on Sunday, everywhere was restocked and the sun came out for us. The atmosphere was consequently much better and there were some great sets from acts such as the travelling band and Mr Scruff.

There were other problems - the box office was rather confused, sometimes forcing advance ticket holders (some of whom had bought tickets months earlier) to join long queues after being told a "one in, one out" policy was in operation to avoid overcrowding.

However, the problems with this event were all things which could be solved for future events (with the possible exception of the weather) and in general there was some good music and good food and beers (if you didn't arrive too late). Their website tells us the event will be back in 2010 so watch this space.
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Manchester Mega Mela

The Mega Mela returns for another weekend of Asian music, food and fun in Platt Fields.
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Dashehra Diwali Mela

An afternoon of entertainment followed by the spectacular burning of an effigy of the demon king Ravana.
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Bonfire Night

You can find some pictures of the 2008 fireworks here.

Friends Children's Christmas Party

Local families gathered in the Lakeside Centre to play games, do crafts, meet Father Christmas and sing around the "Clootie Tree".
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