The Norbain Festival
About The Norbain Festival
The Norbain Festival (or Norfest, as it’s affectionately known) is an event like no other in the security industry. As our flagship event of the year, the Festival provides customers with the opportunity to network with our suppliers and staff, strengthen relationships, discuss projects, and examine the latest technologies on the market.
The Norbain Festival 2026 - City Edition
Thursday 4th June, Freight Island, Manchester, M1 2PZ
2PM - 10PM
After three years at the beautiful Rushey Hey Farm in Congleton, the Festival has found a new home at Freight Island in Manchester. The event will retain the same relaxed, festival-style vibe – but now with all the benefits of fantastic transport links and a plethora of accommodation options. The venue also has both indoor and outdoor spaces, so it is fully protected from the notoriously unpredictable British summertime.
Sign up for The Norbain Festival 2026
Key areas will include:
- Two exhibition floors to host the huge range of suppliers at the event
- Networking and seating areas through the exhibition spaces, so you can take the weight off your feet and focus on those important conversations
- Food Court with a range of options cooked fresh on-site, including burgers, pizza, Italian, and (the team favourite) cheesecake on a stick!
- Plant room with games, music, and a bar.
- Outside seating and entertainment areas, with an additional food vendor and yet another bar!
Accommodation
Here are just a few of the many options available:
Premier Inn - Manchester City Piccadilly | 0333 321 9286
Holiday Inn Express - Manchester City Centre | 01612 425444
Marriott - Manchester Piccadilly | 01612 723200
Previous Norbain Festivals
Norbain Festival 2025 - The year of glitter
It was our best festival to date! The weather held out, we had more suppliers and more customers attend than ever before, we introduced The Hanwha Vision Business Lounge, AND there was lots of glitter!
Norbain Festival 2024 - The year of horrendous weather
A bigger technology hub, more attendees, and a louder band ensured the howling wind and rain couldn't dampen the day.
Norbain Festival 2023 - The year of the heatwave
The first year in our new and improved venue, Rushey Farm, Congleton. All festival areas went up a notch, with a stage and live band, a technology hub, axe throwing, and even a bucking bronco.
Norbain Festival 2022 - The year it all began
The Norbain Festival originated from the idea of having a BBQ with some of our customers after an odd period with COVID, but that idea grew rather quickly at the hands of the marketing team...
FAQs
Is Freight Island accessible?
Yes, Freight Island is accessible for the most part, and disabled facilities are available. The Lower Exhibition area can be accessed via a lift. However, please note that the Upper Exhibition area is not wheelchair accessible, as it can only be reached by stairs. If you have any specific accessibility needs, feel free to contact us in advance, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.What are the opening times Norfest?
Norfest runs from 2pm-10pm.Will I need a ticket to attend?
Yes, All attendees will need to bring their QR code to enter the venue.How can I get to Freight Island?
Getting Here by Train
The nearest train station is Piccadilly Station, just a short 2-minute walk away.Getting here by Car
Enter into your Sat Nav M1 2PY - 11 Baring Street, Manchester. The quickest route will then be selected.Parking
Manchester Piccadilly Station (Long stay) - Boad Street, M1 2RPhttps://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/manchester/manchester-piccadilly-station-long-stay/
Manchester Sheffield Street - 9 Sheffield St, Manchester M1 2ND
Car parking - Sheffield Street | Manchester City Council
NCP Chorlton Street - Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3FY