MAPS 2009

MAPS - The Northern Quarter Festival is back on! The festival takes place at various venues over Manchester and offers 4 days of music over numerous venues with 200+ bands, artists and dancers. MAPS is held from Friday 1st to Monday 4th May. The festival's aim is to support and promote music, art and creativity in the busy Northern Quarter of the city.

Incorporating all sorts of events in regular venues, unusual venues like Hilton Street Laundrette, and even out on the streets, MAPS brings together the different people who spend their lives in and around The Northern Quarter, as well as the businesses and organisations creating and constructing within it.

Larger venues kick the festival off with the likes of Lost & Found band night showcasing new indie-outfit Baddies, Liam Frost at Night & Day and RAC group with a Friday night celebration at The Roadhouse. After a massive iLikeTrains Sunday night gig at Night & Day, Manchester's Fat City DJs host a closing party at Ruby Lounge with The Brute Chorus and Black Velvet Band.

Laid back customers can enjoy films and food from Filmonik and Arty Farty, alongside artwork from local artists and photographers at venues like Mooch Art Gallery, Cup Café (Nick Rhodes) and Odd Bar (Hammo), The Bay Horse pub showcases The Country Club, and provides a Spring Barbeque for the weekend's chill-out sessions on Bank Holiday Monday.

Band On The Wall have created a Sonic Journey's project for the festival, where youngsters from local schools and colleges can investigate the area and the vast musical and social history in it, with all their findings being archived and developed into further projects. Manchester Craft & Design Centre will also be keeping the kids entertained celebrating England's traditional May Day and the culmination of their UK Craft Mafia exhibition with all-inclusive activities and some fun and traditional dancing.

Local shops, bars and eateries are contributing to the festival too, with offers for ticket holders throughout the Festival, all in the name of community and the spirit of the Northern Quarter! Sweet Mandarin has a meal deal, Glasshouse (Crown Plaza) have some deals on cocktails and Cup Café is giving nice discounts on Mr Scruff's famous teas too.

And this year, MAPS have joined up with the Radio Republic for exclusive live broadcasts of all sorts from the newly re-opened and historical Castle Hotel on Oldham Street. All alongside street performance, circus acts and a very special Mrs Boon's Tea Party.

Tickets are priced at £19 for a weekend pass or £5 - £8 for individual shows. To buy tickets, click here.

Please note these are over 18 events and there is no provision for camping.

More information will be here when available.

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