Welcome to MACFEST: the ground-breaking, first Muslim Arts and Culture Festival in the UK.  MACFEST’s mission is to celebrate arts, culture and diversity and to connect communities throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. 

We are delighted to offer you an enticing feast of over 50 events in 9 days across Greater Manchester, celebrating the rich heritage of the Muslim diaspora communities.

 There is something for the whole family: literature, art, history, music, films, performance, culture, comedy, art exhibitions, demonstrations, book launches, debates, workshops and displays.

MACFEST  Launch Event will be at the Whitworth Art Gallery on 11 November (invite only). 

The Weekend Festival  17-18 November features two packed days, and takes place at an iconic venue: the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Whalley Range. 

The Community Festival 19-25 November will be hosted at the Manchester Museum, Elizabeth Gaskell House, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester Central and Longsight Libraries, Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre and the Star Centre. 

Various Manchester schools, Manchester College and the University of Manchester are hosting ‘MACFEST Days’ that week, with arts and cultural activities.

MACFest will culminate with a Grand Finale  Musical Extravaganza at the Witworth Art Gallery on Sunday 25th November.

We are thrilled to be able to bring you a great line-up of local, national and international speakers, performers and artists including some from France and Morocco.

Come and join us! Over 30 events are free. Enjoy!

Qaisra Shahraz FRSA,
Founder, Director & Curator of MACFEST

Mission

We aim to bring Muslim and non- Muslim communities together, promote social inclusion and overcome barriers.

Muslim Arts and Culture Festival will celebrate the diversity and richness of Muslim heritage. It will engage people of all ages and denominations, including school, college and university students and local communities.

Locations

The festival will be held in Manchester's iconic British Muslim Heritage Centre, The Manchester College, Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Central & Longsight libraries, Manchester Central Mosque, University of Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell House, Manchester Museum, Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Resource Centre & The Star Centre, Abraham Moss Community School, Levenshulme High School for Girls and Whalley Range High School.