Hale Barns Carnival returns this weekend with music, motors and mouthwatering food

The countdown is on to one of Trafford’s biggest annual events as Hale Barns Carnival gets underway this weekend with a brand new location and a jam-packed lineup promising two days of family fun, free entertainment, and top tribute acts.

Hale Barns Carnival 2025 will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July with the festivities moving to new grounds at The Bull’s Head and Holy Angels Church on Wicker Lane.

Now in its ninth year, the carnival is back with an expanded layout, more attractions and a double helping of ticketed evening concerts, each headlined by nationally acclaimed tribute artists.

Daytime events, which are free to attend from 12pm to 4pm, will feature a mix of local music, family entertainment, fairground rides, artisan stalls and a dedicated Foodie Village. Saturday’s free music kicks off with Parlaiz at midday followed by Hilda's Flying Ducks, Soulvation, and soprano Millie Royle.

Saturday evening’s paid-for concert will feature Chic Out!, a Tina Turner tribute by Paula Randell, and Roxy Magic, a Roxy Music tribute act, taking the stage from 5pm until 10pm.

On Sunday, the free daytime schedule returns with Rock Choir, Imogen Paige, and community group The Music Place Choir. Evening ticket holders can enjoy the Bootleg Bee Gees, a Dolly Parton tribute, and Ultimate Madness, a high-energy homage to the ska legends, bringing the carnival to a close.

Max Eden, organiser of Hale Barns Carnival, said: “There’s a packed programme planned for the daytime on both sites in Wicker Lane, including great live music, family-friendly funfair rides, amazing food and drink outlets and a special car display. I’m delighted we’ve kept daytime entry free for everyone.”

Across the two sites, more than 30 stalls will offer local crafts, gifts and food, while rides and inflatables will keep younger visitors entertained. There will also be car displays featuring classic, super and celebrity vehicles, sponsored by Howden Insurance, plus a pop-up bar and café.

Food offerings include wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, Thai and Jamaican cuisine, and sweet treats. The event is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets on leads.

Evening concert tickets start at £28 for adults, with child concessions and premium table seating available. Parking is located at St Ambrose Prep School on Wicker Lane.

Hale Barns Carnival was founded in 2016 to bring large-scale, inclusive events to the community and raise funds for local causes. Previous line-ups have featured the likes of Russell Watson, Martin Kemp, Rose Royce and The Real Thing. Last year’s event helped fund a new community hall, completed in 2023.

This year’s event is supported by Benchmark Security, Howden Insurance, BeFibre, Manchester Airport and Full Circle Funeral Partners.