MPF2026: ACCESSIBILITY
For more than a decade, Manchester Punk Festival has stood by one simple belief: punk is for everyone.
Whether you’re flying in from overseas, travelling miles by road, or just heading around the corner in Manchester city centre, our doors are open. Where barriers exist, we aim to break them down. That ethos continues into 2026 and we’re proud to share the accessibility information for MPF2026.
We’re always reassessing how we run the festival to make sure it works for everyone. For 2026, we’re building on last year’s progress with further improvements designed to make your weekend smoother, safer and more comfortable.
🎟️ Streamlined Accessible Wristbands
Our updated accessible wristband system makes it quicker and easier to get the support you need across all venues. A dedicated collection point will be set-up at The Union between 11am and midday, before the main wristband collection opens with the aim to reduce standing and queueing time. We’ll provide you with an accessibility wristband to help you navigate venue entry.
♿ Accessible Venue
Following last year’s addition of the Basement at YES we continue to have all band venues providing step-free access with seating available where possible. The balcony at The Union will be available to anyone with an accessibility wristband.
🤝 Free Carer Tickets
If you require a companion to attend the festival, we continue to offer free carer tickets. Our goal is simple: no one should miss out due to additional support needs.
📧 Dedicated Accessibility Contact
Accessibility enquiries are handled through a single point of contact to ensure clarity and consistency.
Meet Your Accessibility Coordinator
We’re delighted to continue working with John Porter, MPF’s Accessibility Coordinator.
“Live music is one of the places I feel most alive. The freedom to see incredible bands with brilliant people is something everyone deserves. My goal is to help make Manchester Punk Festival as accessible, welcoming and barrier-free as possible.”
John is a lifelong music fan with cerebral palsy and a deep love of punk and ska, particularly the East Bay scene, with dreams of one day visiting 924 Gilman Street.
John is passionate about making MPF the best it can be and he wants to hear directly from you.
Have questions, access requirements, suggestions or feedback?
Get in touch: accessibility@manchesterpunkfestival.co.uk
Before You Arrive
Ahead of MPF 2026, we’ll be sending out a detailed accessibility information pack covering:
Venue-by-venue access details
Wristband collection information
Quiet space availability
Accessible viewing areas
Travel guidance between venues
More Accessibility Info
You can also find out more info on each venue here.