Manchester Whisky Festival 2026

If you haven’t been to one of our festivals before you are in for a treat! If you have then you know what to expect, only this year we are back bigger and better. As well as the usual shenanigans, we have a few more surprises for you….

You’ll get to sample the best home-grown whiskies from Scotland, as well as all corners of the globe. The Manchester Whisky Festival attracts the finest distillers and bottlers from all over the world!

Simply approach any of the exhibitors stands, ask politely for a dram and you shall receive a tasty glass of whisky (it really is that simple!). Every exhibitor knows their whiskies inside out and it’s well worth taking advantage of this knowledge.

Sessions and tickets

We deliberately set specific session times so the festival doesn’t get overcrowded, meaning you can sip and swallow at your own pace.

Friday 16th October 2026

6pm-9.30pm

Saturday 17th October 2026

1st Session: 12pm-3.30pm

2nd Session: 5.30pm-9pm

A full session ticket includes;

Entry to one session - Friday, 6pm-9.30pm, Saturday 12pm-3.30pm or 5.30pm-9pm (select which above)

Glencairn tasting glass

ALL WHISKIES SAMPLED IN MAIN HALL (not including 'The Dram Table')

Festival Masterclasses

Watch this space for updates. We are hopeful to have a few brilliant classes to look forward to.

The Festival Shop

As in previous years, we will have a retail shop in the show to take care of all your purchasing needs and selling every whisky that you will find in the show.

Exhibitors…

…will keep appearing here at regular intervals, please keep checking back to see what distilleries are in store for you!

The Boring Bit

Please, please ensure you buy tickets for the right session. We set strict limits on the number of tickets for each session so visitors can enjoy their whisky at their own pace. We are unable to swap tickets on the day. But, we’re mostly all human, so if you do buy the wrong session by accident, email info@thewhiskylounge.com as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to sort out the muddle.

Code of Conduct

We will not tolerate any kind of abuse, whether it be racial, gender-based or anything else. We do not allow potentially offensive clothing or behaviour. We reserve the right to refuse entry and remove any offenders.

Just be a kind and decent human!

Please note: ‘last pour’ is always 15 minutes prior to the session end time. This is non-negotiable!

All attendees must be 21 or over – photo ID may be required.

This venue does have disabled access via an appropriate ramp and/or lift. If in doubt or you have any questions, please contact us at info@thewhiskylounge.com