As summer winds down, Manchester is preparing for one of its most anticipated events: the Manchester Psych Fest. On August 31st, the city will come alive with a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture, as multiple venues transform into psychedelic wonderlands. With a lineup that spans the best of psych rock, experimental sounds, and beyond, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable day of immersive experiences.
The festival will take over iconic Manchester venues like The Ritz, Gorilla, YES, and Canvas. Each space will be adorned with mind-bending visual art installations and trippy projections, enhancing the eclectic mix of performances with a full sensory experience.
Our Must-See Acts
Among the standout acts this year, we’re particularly excited to catch the following bands.
Glasgow-based duo Cloth is known for their minimalist, atmospheric soundscapes. With a blend of delicate vocals and hypnotic guitar lines, Cloth creates an intimate yet captivating live experience that’s both introspective and immersive.
Bursting with raw energy and unpredictable performances, Fat Dog is a band that thrives on intensity. Their chaotic, punk-infused sound is a force to be reckoned with, delivering a live experience that’s as exhilarating as it is unfiltered.
Dublin’s Gurriers bring a fierce post-punk edge to the stage. With their gritty, high-octane sound and powerful presence, they’re a band that captures the raw spirit of modern punk with a distinctly Irish twist.
Rising trio HotWax is making waves with their grunge-influenced, garage rock sound. HotWax’s raw, youthful energy and punchy riffs make them a band to watch, delivering performances that are both rebellious and refreshingly honest.
Hailing from Galway, NewDad combines dreamy indie rock with a melancholic edge. Their lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics have quickly garnered attention, making them one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands on the scene.
Mixing shoegaze with elements of dream pop, Whitelands craft ethereal soundscapes that are as mesmerizing as they are emotionally resonant. Their lush, layered sound creates an atmosphere that’s both immersive and reflective.
Brighton’s Lambrini Girls are a riotous punk outfit known for their unapologetic attitude and explosive live shows. With fierce lyrics and relentless energy, they’re a band that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression.
Toronto-based band Wine Lips brings a wild, garage-punk energy to the stage. Wine Lips’ frenetic performances are packed with infectious grooves and chaotic riffs, making them a must-see for fans of raw, unfiltered rock.
With a name as heavy as their sound, Newcastle band Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs delivers sludgy, doom-laden riffs with a visceral punch. Pigs x7’s live shows are a sonic assault, combining stoner rock with relentless energy that’s impossible to ignore.
Psychedelic rock veterans Temples have been at the forefront of the genre’s revival. Their kaleidoscopic sound, rich with melodic hooks and shimmering production, promises a live set that’s both expansive and transportive.
Beyond the must-see acts, Manchester Psych Fest is all about discovery. With a lineup that includes both well-known and emerging artists, there’s always something new to uncover. Whether it’s a hidden gem at one of the smaller venues or a surprise collaboration, the festival’s diverse programming ensures that every moment is filled with possibility. Remember, part of the fun is embracing spontaneity - some of the best festival moments happen when you least expect them.
Fuzz Club Records Stage
One of the most exciting additions to Manchester Psych Fest 2024 is the debut of the Fuzz Club Records stage at The Bread Shed, just off Oxford Road. For the first time, this renowned East London indie label will host its own platform, showcasing a lineup that reflects its reputation as a cornerstone of the modern psychedelic and experimental music scene. Fuzz Club Records has been at the forefront of pushing boundaries, with a roster that includes some of the most innovative and genre-defying acts in the psych world. Known for their gritty, reverb-drenched sounds and a DIY ethos that has garnered a dedicated global following, Fuzz Club's involvement in the festival adds a new layer of depth and intensity. Our highlights on the Fuzz Club stage are Wine Lips and Daiistar!
The Psych Fest Circuit: Brighton and Edinburgh
The Manchester Psych Fest is just one stop on a broader psychedelic journey. The festival also has sister events in Brighton (August 30th) and Edinburgh (September 1st), offering fans the chance to experience more of the psychedelic magic. These festivals provide a chance to explore the best of psych across different cities, each offering its own take on the psychedelic spirit.
Full Lineup
Stay tuned to SHOWGRAPHERS for all the coverage from Stuart Moulding at the Manchester Psych Fest coming next month!