Five things not to miss at Chorlton Arts Festival

Chorlton Weekender
Various venues, Fri 27-Sun 29 May, 8pm

Arguably the pinnacle of CAF, the Chorlton Weekender promises three consecutive days of live music across St Ninian’s and St Clement's churches. Ren Harvieu and The  Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart kick things off on Fri 27, Gilles Peterson-endorsed Owiny Sigoma Band perform on Sat 28, before Mancunian heroes PINS close on Sun 29, with support from False Advertising and Mad Winter.

Stanley Chow’s Hip Hop Art Xzibit
Electrik, Fri 20-Sun 29 May, preview on Thu 19 from 6pm

One of Manchester’s most respected illustrators, Stanley Chow will be bringing his signature playful style and pop culture references to Chorlton with an exhibition of illustrated hip hop icons past and present. He’ll be teaming up with Hip Hop Chip Shop for the preview night, as they take over the kitchen with their feisty fish and chips.

Image: Stanley Chow

Art and Craft Fair
St Clement’s Church, Sat 21 May, 11am

St Clement’s Church becomes a hive of creativity with the festival’s art and craft fair, another annual favourite. Along with jewellery, gifts, art, photography and more, there will also be a full programme of entertainment throughout the day, including a ukulele performance from Levy Uke Up and Levy Chorus, drop-in craft workshops and a beehive demo.

Faitala and Friends
Dulcimer, 21 May, 7.30pm

Some more live music for you here, as alt-pop trio Faitala curate a showcase of the Northwest’s emerging acts. The ‘friends’ in question aren’t looking half bad bad, either, with support from Skinny favourites O>L>A, new synth-popper Lynch and Liverpool’s Lumen. Goodie bags for the first 20 through the door, along with a mini-marketplace of original bands from the performing bands.

Official CAF After Party
The Beagle, Sun 29 May, 6pm

Every Chorlton Arts Festival has to end with the official after party at The Beagle, who’ve once again enlisted the talents of DJ collective Eighty Six. They’ll be joined by seminal local label Akoustik Anarkhy, with live sets from Songs For Walter (pictured) and Vaporous Lights. Grab a pint and sit back for a relaxed farewell to the week, which culminates nicely with the benefit of a bank holiday, so no work for those hangovers to wake up to. 

The Beagle

While you’re in the neighbourhood… 

Make the most of being in one of Manchester’s favourite suburbs – if it’s a Sunday, opt for a roast dinner at The Parlour or Electrik, for pizza head to Double Zero,  and for a slap-up dinner it’s Palate or Gray’s Larder you should lean towards.

If the sun’s out The Beech Inn’s beer garden is a great shout, as is The Horse and Jockey, The Dulcimer and The Beagle, or go for any of Chorlton’s many bars avec veranda such as Font, Proof and Oddest. 

And before you leave, don't forget to pop into Epicerie Ludo for some cheese, Barbakan for cake, or stop by Unicorn for the organic grocery dream come true, with a whole wall of hummus and every type of nut, grain and seed you could ever want for.