Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG
Manchester’s most vibrant celebration of Eastern and Central European culture, Góbéfest returns this June with a three-day family-friendly festival that brings the magic of Transylvania to the heart of the city. Founded in 2017, Góbéfest showcases the rich and colourful traditions of the Székely people – an ethnic Hungarian community from Transylvania, Romania. The word Góbé affectionately means “crafty Székely”, and this joyful, multicultural celebration is just that – crafty, clever, creative and full of character. Expect a dazzling extravaganza of live music, folk dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, workshops, food, drink, and cultural exhibitions, with performers and artists coming from across the Carpathian Basin and beyond.
What to Expect
· Main Stage: A full programme of music and dance from across Eastern and Central Europe, featuring folk, classical, contemporary and crossover acts.
· Family Tent: Fun for all ages with music workshops, craft activities, dance sessions and storytelling.
· Market and Food Stalls: Authentic street food, regional delicacies, handmade goods, artisan gifts and traditional Hungarian treats.
· Cultural Activities: Engage with immersive experiences, including the fascinating Ethno Suitcase from the Hungarian Cultural Centre London (on Saturday 21 June), packed with games, apps and artefacts from Hungary’s folk heritage.
More than a Festival
Góbéfest is organised by Beat Bazaar Projects, a Manchester-based non-profit cultural and youth organisation led by Ottilia Ördög – a Székely cultural leader who has called the UK home for nearly 30 years. Through this festival, Ottilia and her team aim to highlight the often-overlooked cultures of Europe, particularly those from the forested mountains of Transylvania – a region steeped in myth, legend and breathtaking natural beauty. The event not only raises awareness of Székely culture and the unique heritage of Székelyföld, but also promotes the protection of Europe’s last great wild forests, home to species long extinct elsewhere, including wolves and bears. Whether you're here to dance, eat, learn, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Góbéfest promises a weekend like no other– bringing communities together through music, storytelling and celebration.