We're back for a second year, Manchester! Join thousands of students at the city’s biggest freshers event, packed with freebies, music, top brands, and unforgettable experiences you won't want to miss.
manchester's biggest student event
Get ready for one of the biggest student events in Manchester, featuring live music, giveaways, major brands, entertainment, and everything you’d expect from an unmissable freshers fair.
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From pizza slices to skincare samples, Freshers Festival is packed with 100s of student freebies and brand discounts. Grab bags of free stuff and score deals you won’t find anywhere else – just for showing up!
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Discover your new favourite student-friendly brands – from global names to local favourites. Chat with reps, try out products, and unlock exclusive student offers across fashion, tech, food, fitness, and more.
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Freshers Festival is where your social life kicks off. Whether you’re coming solo or with your flatmates, it’s the perfect chance to meet new people, join societies, and get plugged into campus culture.
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With live DJs, surprise guests, Insta-worthy setups, and immersive brand activations, Freshers Festival is more than just a fair – it’s a full-on experience. Come for the freebies, stay for the energy.
Freshers Festival Manchester is your one-stop shop for all things student life — packed with freebies, live entertainment, big brands, and more. Whether you’re here for the food, the fun, or the freebies, there’s something for everyone.
Grab a bite from local vendors and student-favourite food brands, with plenty of free samples and options to keep you going throughout the day.
From wheel spins to scavenger hunts, get stuck into fun challenges and win epic prizes — from vouchers to tech and everything in between.
Catch live sets throughout the day from up-and-coming artists and DJs bringing energy to every corner of the venue.
Be the first to experience new product drops and exclusive activations from big-name brands and fresh startups.
Explore part-time roles, internships, and career support from employers who actually want to hire students like you.
what you need to know
Whether you're wondering what to bring, who can attend, or what makes this Manchester freshers fair so popular, our FAQs cover everything you need to know before the big day.
The event is open to all students studying in and around Greater Manchester, including:
University of Manchester
Manchester Metropolitan University
University of Salford
Royal Northern College of Music
University of Bolton
And many more!
Whether you’re a fresher or a returning student, you’re welcome.
Freshers Festival Manchester takes place at Manchester Central, a centrally located venue with easy access via public transport links across the city.
Address: Manchester Central, Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX
Think snacks, drinks, beauty samples, vouchers, tech trials, discount codes and tons of student-friendly products from brands you know (and new ones you’ll love).
Absolutely. Expect live music, food stalls, DJs, brand experiences, networking zones, society stalls, job opportunities and much more — it’s an experience, not just a fair.
Yes, you’ll need a free ticket to get in – but don’t worry, it only takes a minute to register. Just bring your e-ticket.
It’s more than just a freshers fair — Freshers Festival brings together the best of student life in one place, with huge brand activations, entertainment, and an unbeatable atmosphere right in the heart of Manchester.
While Freshers Festival is perfect for freshers settling into student life, it’s open to all students in Manchester — from first-years to final-years, postgrads to college students. If you’re studying, you’re invited.
We’ll share the full line-up of activities, brand stalls, and entertainment on our socials. Expect regular updates in the lead-up to the event so you don’t miss any of Manchester’s biggest freshers fair highlights.