Get ready for an out of this world experience! The Warrington Arts Festival (WAF) 2026 is returning this summer from July 18 to July 25, promising a programme that is going "galactic." Produced by the arts charity Culture Warrington, this year’s festival invites residents and visitors to explore the town through a cosmic lens, blending world class performances with bespoke works created by local artists and young producers.
A Cosmic Centrepiece: Mars at Parr Hall
The festival’s undisputed star is a massive, seven-metre-wide sculpture of the Red Planet, Mars. Created by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram using detailed NASA imagery, so that every valley, crater, volcano and mountain will be laid bare for visitors to inspect. The installation will be suspended from the ceiling of the Parr Hall for the duration of the festival and the experience includes an atmospheric sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones, designed to make visitors pause and reflect on our own life on Earth.
Special Extra-terrestrial Events
Mars will also bring some extra-terrestrial flair to a series of special events which will take place under the planet. Including;
- Wellbeing Sessions: Yoga and sound bath sessions will take place beneath the planet’s gentle glow on Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 July, inviting visitors to breathe deeply and immerse themselves in the cosmic space.
- Astronomy Exploration: Astronomer and presenter Adrian West (VirtualAstro) will present Red Planet Reflections on Wednesday, 22 July, exploring what we know about the fourth planet from the Sun.
- Baby Dance Party: The festival’s first ever sensory adventure for babies and toddlers takes place on Wednesday, 22 July, featuring music, lights, and movement designed especially for the little ones.
- Family Creativity: Younger attendees can enjoy free Family Crafts at Parr Hall on Saturday, 25 July.
Live Music Under the Stars
Don't miss a stellar lineup of music and dance events beneath the planet's glow:
- Saturday, 18 July: Music fans can warm up for the festival on Saturday, 18 July, with Cosmic Groove presents Celestia, featuring a live performance from Culture Warrington Associate Artists Night People and DJs.
- Thursday, July 23: Manchester band HENGE brings their "music from distant planets"—a playful, joyfully experience.
- Friday, July 24: Club culture icon Dave Haslam will bring the spirit of the Haçienda to life for a rare and intimate club night. He will be joined by Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert (The Other Two/New Order), plus another special guest soon to be announced for a night of electronic sounds, underground classics and Manchester after dark vibes.
Festival Highlights & Must-See Events
Warrington Arts Festival (WAF) 2026 is a vibrant mix of exhibitions, cabaret, and outdoor spectacle. Some other events not to be missed are
Made By Me: Young filmmakers aged 18–25 will take the spotlight on July 21 at Cineworld Warrington, showcasing films curated by alumni of Culture Warrington’s Young Producers scheme.
Family Garden Party: On July 25, Queens Gardens will be transformed into a hub of creativity. Highlights include a new local commission, The Way We Live in UK, and the return of the Birdcage Stage with their new show, Don’t Feed the Explorers!.
The CirkVOST Finale
The festival concludes with an unmissable outdoor aerial spectacular with two shows at Bank Park on Friday, 24 July and Saturday 25 July. The renowned French contemporary circus company, CirkVOST, will present their free open air show, Pigments. This jaw dropping performance features 12 acrobats executing a series of synchronized trapeze stunts and increasingly daring feats 15 metres above the ground.
Why WAF 2026 Matters
Warrington Arts Festival is built with, by, and for the people of Warrington. Following a major 2024 revamp supported by Arts Council England, the festival aims to break down barriers to the arts and ensure world class creativity is accessible to everyone. As Interim Cultural Director Liz Pickering noted, the festival is about "exploring the programme, and discovering something new together".
Plan Your Visit
- Dates: July 18 – July 25, 2026
- Cost: Most events are completely free to attend.
- Stay Updated: Visit the official Warrington Arts Festival website for the full programme, ticket information, and to pre-book key events.
Are you excited to see how Warrington transforms this summer? Whether you're heading to the Parr Hall to gaze at Mars or catching the circus finale at Bank Park, there is something for everyone to discover!
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