
MPF2025: ACCESSIBILITY
Throughout the ten years of Manchester Punk Festival, we’ve been proud to say that our doors have been open to everyone. As one of our thousands of supporters, whether you travel to us across oceans, cover miles of road, or simply walk around the corner in the city centre, we believe in the ethos that punk is for all, and where barriers exist, we must break them down.
Accessibility At MPF2025
We have therefore always strived to provide the best possible experience for those with accessibility needs, and have always reassessed and considered possible changes to our format and processes in order to provide a more comfortable experience.
That’s why we’re excited to announce the following changes to the accessibility arrangements for this year’s Manchester Punk Festival:
- More accessible venues than ever, as we add the Basement at Yes to replace Zombie Shack.
- Improvement of accessible wristbands, to help you get the support you need faster.
- Introducing accessible wristband collections (details coming soon).
- Free carer’s tickets for anyone requiring a companion.
Also, for the very first time, there will be a single point of contact (John Porter at accessibility@manchesterpunkfestival.co.uk) for information on accessibility at the festival. We hope that these changes will make the festival even more accessible than it has ever been before!

Introducing John Porter
Therefore, please let us introduce John Porter, who will be taking up the role of MPF Accessibility Coordinator. Here is a quick introduction from John!
“Hello! I’m John Porter and I’m a 35 year old music lover with cerebral palsy. I’m delighted to be asked to help out Manchester Punk Festival with their accessibility policies and processes, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“I’m a strong believer in making the live music experience as accessible for everyone as being at live music events is one of the times I feel the most alive. I’m sure it’s the same for all of you, but the freedom to see great music in great venues with great people is one of the things that makes the tougher days brighter.”
I’m a lifelong music lover, with a particular passion for ska and punk. I’m absolutely devoted to East Bay Punk and aspire to eventually visit 924 Gilman Street!
Thanks largely to MPF and related events, I’ve also been struck by the sheer talent in the underground, both in the UK and across the world, and these days I also write about it. You might well have seen my stuff published in either Spill Magazine, New Noise Magazine, or Emerging Rock Bands magazine.
I wanted to get involved with the festival because it’s a wonderful festival organised by great people. It’s one of my favourite times of the year, a weekend of tremendous music and great comradeship. With your help, I want to make it the best it can be and continue to improve it from it’s already high bar.
Most importantly I WANT TO SEE AND HEAR FROM YOU! So if you have any access needs, comments, questions, or suggestions, contact me at accessibility@manchesterpunkfestival.co.uk. Don’t be shy – we WILL find a way to make your Easter weekend unforgettable.
Come join us in the pit!
More Accessibility Info
Please make sure you get in touch with John if you have any accessibility questions for MPF2025. We’ll be sending out an information pack ahead of the festival and you can also find out more info on each venue here. We always welcome feedback so please don’t hesitate in sending it over.
Don’t forget to grab your ticket for MPF2025, we have less than 200 left.