Made in Manchester: Festival returns to Bolton Arena

Bands took to the stage at Bolton Arena over the course of Saturday for the Made in Manchester festival, wowing audiences who partied long into the night.

This year’s bill featured tributes to Mancunian stalwarts Oasis, the Courteeners, The Smiths and many others.

A statement from the organisers said: “What an amazing day of music in the sunshine!

“We hope you all had a fantastic day.

The festival featured tributes to legendary Mancunian bands (Image: Henry Lisowski)

“Thanks to all the top bands, artists & DJs for their amazing music!

“And thanks to every single person involved in putting this on.”

The event has proved hugely popular (Image: Henry Lisowski)

The annual event, run by Rob Brierly, has proven to be a hugely popular fixture on the Bolton calendar since its inception in 2019.

Having been forced to take a break during the pandemic, the festival has been back in full effect for the last few years.

A Queen tribute band topped the bill this year (Image: Henry Lisowski)

When the event returned from its pandemic enforced hiatus in 2021 more than 1000 people attended and it has only grown in popularity since then.

This year, in keeping with the usual theme, bands and artists featuring included Harry Wright, these Smiths, The Phonics, The Oasis Experience, DJ Walshy and the Appy Mondays.

Audiences thronged to Bolton (Image: Henry Lisowski)

But despite the Manchester theme the headline set was taken by Freddie & Queen Experience, a tribute to the legendary band behind hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and many more.

Many of the festival goers attended in colourful costumes (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Gates opened at 11.45am in the morning on Saturday for all those wanting to get in on the action early.

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This set the stage for near non-stop rocking until the final band took to the stage at 9.30pm that evening, sending attendees home into the warm summer night.

The festival also helped raise money for Bolton Hospice (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Aside from music, the venue also hosted various merchandise stalls and food and drink outlets to keep people’s tastes satisfied as the day went on, along with a VIP area.

Looking back on another job well done, the Made in Manchester team now intend to return to Bolton Arena next summer with more legendary Mancunian tributes and emerging artists sure to join them.