Everything you need to know before heading to Outbreak festival this weekend
Heading to Outbreak Festival this weekend? From set times and travel information to food, merch, welfare, and entry rules, here’s everything you need to know before you arrive.
The wait is almost over. Outbreak Festival returns to Manchester this weekend to celebrate its 15th anniversary, bringing three days of hardcore, punk, alternative, shoegaze, rap, and underground music to the Bowlers Exhibition Centre from 26–28 June.
Whether you’re travelling across the country or making the short journey across Manchester, here’s everything you need to know before arriving.
Doors & opening
Festival opening times are:
Friday 26 June – 4:00pm
Saturday 27 June – 11:00am
Sunday 28 June – 11:00am
The last entry each day is 8:00pm, and importantly, re-entry is permitted, meaning you can leave and return throughout the day if needed.
Venue information
Outbreak takes place at:
Bowlers Exhibition Centre
Longbridge Road
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1SN
Download the Outbreak app
Before you arrive, it’s worth downloading the official Outbreak Festival app.
The app includes:
- Set times
- Festival updates
- A more user-friendly site map
- Helpful event information
It’s the easiest way to stay on top of the weekend and avoid missing your favourite bands.
Getting there
There is no parking available at the venue.
However, attendees can use the nearby Park and Ride facility, which offers 341 spaces and is free with any valid Manchester tram ticket.
Park and Ride Address:
Trafford Park
Stretford
Manchester
M17 1QR
Using public transport is strongly encouraged wherever possible.
Prepare for the heat
It’s set to be a warm weekend in Manchester, so make sure you’re dressed comfortably and prepared for the weather.
Festival organisers recommend:
- Staying hydrated
- Bringing an empty refillable plastic water bottle
- Wearing sunscreen
- Bringing a hat
- Taking breaks in shaded areas when needed
Free water refill stations will be available throughout the site.
Food and drink
There will be plenty of food options available throughout the weekend, with traders catering for a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements.
Expect:
- Pizza
- Thai food
- Greek food
- Coffee
- Gelato
- Vegan and plant-based options
- Gluten-free options
Many vendors will also cater for additional dietary requirements.
There will also be several bars operating across the site.
Please note that all bars are cashless and card-only.
Cash will still be accepted at the merchandise stand.
Merch
Official Outbreak merchandise and artist merch will be available throughout the weekend.
The merch area can be found between the second and third stages.
Cloakroom
Travelling light? A cloakroom service will be available.
Prices are:
- £2 per coat or jacket
- £3 per backpack
Welfare and medical services
Should you require assistance during the weekend, welfare and medical teams will be located next to the box office.
If you need help, or if you’re concerned about somebody else, don’t hesitate to speak to festival staff.
Entry, security and age restrictions
Outbreak operates a Challenge 25 policy.
Anyone under 18, or anyone who appears under 25, should bring valid photographic identification such as:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Other recognised photo ID
The festival is strictly 14+.
Anyone aged 14–16 must attend with a responsible adult aged 18 or over, with a maximum of four under-18s per guardian.
Admission is subject to search.
What can you bring?
Allowed items include:
- Shop-bought sealed food
- Empty plastic refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen or lotion (up to 200ml in original packaging)
- Standard vape liquid containers
- Eye drops in standard plastic containers
Please note that permitted liquids may be tested on arrival.
Prohibited items
To help speed up entry, leave the following at home:
- Knives or weapons
- Drugs, including legal highs
- Aerosols or pressurised containers
- Glass items
- Alcohol
- Drinks or liquids
- Perfume or aftershave
- Pets or dogs
- Flares and fireworks
- Laser pens
- Professional cameras and equipment
- Audio recording equipment
- Drones
- Selfie sticks
- Skateboards, scooters, hoverboards and bicycles
- High-visibility clothing
- Large bags and suitcases
- Flyers and promotional materials
Small backpacks, handbags, waist bags and similar-sized bags are permitted.
Photography and filming are also not permitted in the festival gate areas.
Look after each other
Outbreak has always been built on community, and organisers are encouraging everyone attending to help keep the festival safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all.
Stay hydrated, respect those around you, keep an eye out for fellow attendees, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
Most importantly, enjoy the music and have an incredible weekend celebrating 15 years of Outbreak Festival.