Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre have confirmed plans for Hope Fest, a three-week outdoor festival in a purpose built venue at Ancoats’ Electric Park.

The festival will feature a blended line-up of live theatre, comedy, music, film screenings and even a dog festival in a purpose built 250-seat theatre tent which also features an on-site bar and dining area. The festival is located just one tram stop from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station, suitably nearby Hope Mill Theatre itself.

Among the theatre line-up is a revival of Stiles and Drewe’s musical version of The 3 Little Pigs, the touring production of Judy and Liza, Salford-set murder mystery Murder at the Mill, and A Celebration of Musical Theatre, directed by Kirk Jameson.

William Whelton, executive director of Hope Mill Theatre said: “The Hope Mill after a year of closure and uncertainty have been working hard to bring together a festival of outdoor work in our local area. This is an opportunity for us to bring together our audiences in a new and exciting way as well as engaging with a whole new audience. The New Islington area and surrounding community has been our home for over 5 years now and has many diverse and creative residents.”

“With Hope Fest we also have a varied and diverse line up of arts and culture available, which offers a special opportunity for us to bring together the local community under one roof, or tent! It is important to us that Hope Fest has something for everyone, whether it be a Sing A Long Frozen for families, music from Matt & Phreds, a celebration of Musical Theatre or a dog friendly event, this is an incredible opportunity for our organisation, in a very exciting phase for the New Islington and Electric Park area.”

Hope Fest takes place at Manchester’s Electric Park from 16th July to 8th August. More acts are still to be announced.

Hope Mill Theatre reopened to in-person audiences this week with Zinnie Harris’ Meet Me at Dawn. Upcoming productions include musical revivals of RENT and The Wiz. Find out more about Hope Mill Theatre’s upcoming line-up here.