Manchester Infest Festival returns in 2026 as one of the UK’s premier showcases for industrial, electronic, gothic, EBM, synth-pop and darker alternative music. Built around a passionate, genre-loyal audience, Infest combines intense club nights, live performances and cutting-edge DJ sets into a weekend that feels cinematic, nocturnal and deeply connected to Manchester’s long legacy of alternative culture.

Across multiple stages in the city’s compact venues, you can expect a blend of established acts and fresh names, all curated with an ear for rhythmic grit and underground energy.Infest isn’t a sprawling outdoor fairground; it’s a focused, nocturnal experience where sound systems, lighting and crowd chemistry are just as important as the line-up itself.

Attendees often describe it as ?the place where the scene feels alive,? with many returning year after year for the shared sense of community and discovery. Background talk ranges from heady synth explorations to harder EBM grooves, giving the festival a dynamic shape that rewards both longtime fans and curious newcomers.The festival also features club events, after-hours sets and themed nights that extend the energy beyond the main programme, making it as much about the weekend vibe as the headline shows.

For followers of the alternative electronic spectrum, Infest remains a defining date in the calendar.More info & tickets: infestuk.com.