This year’s festival is promising lots of ‘brilliant new surprises’
Festa Italiana, which is one of the biggest Italian festivals in the UK, is returning to Manchester this summer(Image: Festa Italiana)
A popular food festival has announced it will be returning to the city centre this summer with its ‘biggest and best’ offering to date.
Festa Italiana, which is now in its eighth year, has been hailed as one of the biggest Italian festivals in the UK and features food and drink stalls, live entertainment and a host of celebrity chefs.
Taking place in Cathedral Gardens over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the event has been described as a ‘three-day foodie paradise’ featuring freshly-made pizza, pasta, cannoli, and other Italian delights.
Founded by Maurizio Cecco, who is also behind Manchester’s famed Italian restaurant Salvi’s, the family-friendly festival will be free to attend and will also include pasta-making workshops, free samples, and an Aperitivo bar.
Already confirmed to be taking part in this year’s event is Maurizio himself, as well as Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo, who is perhaps known best for his association with his British protégé Jamie Oliver.
The food festival will feature food and drink stalls, pop-up bars and a mini market showcasing the best Italian delights(Image: Festa Italiana)
Great British Bake Off star Giuseppe Dell’Anno, chef Francesco Mattana and Carmela’s Kitchen author and tutor Carmela Hayes will also be making special appearances during the festival.
The event, which will run from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, will also include a Limoncello Garden where people can enjoy a refreshing Spritz in the sunshine, alongside a Piccolo Mercato Italiano mini market featuring a range of independent and artisanal producers showcasing the very best of Italy’s food, drink and crafts.
Festa Italiana will feature food stalls, cookery demonstrations and interactive workshops across three days(Image: Festa Italiana)
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Founder Maurizio said: “Festa Italiana is so much more than just a food festival – it’s a celebration of everything I love about my culture: the passion, the hospitality, the flavour, the music, the chaos.
“Every year it gets bigger, louder and more exciting and 2025 is going to be the best one yet. We’ve got amazing chefs, incredible vendors, fantastic music and some brilliant new surprises. I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our piazza in the heart of Manchester.”
Festa Italiana will be at Cathedral Gardens from August 22-24.
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