The Norbain Festival 2026 - City Edition 

Thursday 4th June, Freight Island, Manchester, M1 2PY

2PM - 10PM 

The Norbain Festival is back for its fourth year! Enjoy the unique combination of a product exhibition supported by the leading brands in the industry, but with a chilled festival-style vibe you’ll love. Located in the vibrant, urban venue of Freight Island, it’s not only easy to reach via a multitude of transport links, but also benefits from a great range of hotels for those wanting to enjoy the atmosphere until the end! And, with plenty of performers, games and entertainment running throughout the day, we’re pretty sure you won’t want to leave!

Key areas will include:

• The Platform – Sponsored by Axis Communications
  Our first exhibition zone features a wide range of suppliers, a barista station, and a relaxed networking area.
• The Next Level – Sponsored by Hikvision
  An adjoining exhibition zone showcasing even more suppliers, plus pool tables, a Pour Your Own Guinness station and a fully stocked bar.
• Food Court – Sponsored by Honeywell
  

  A dining area serving a range of fresh options, including burgers, pizza, and some delicious sweet treats.

• The HID‑e Away – Sponsored by HID
  A lively entertainment space offering games, music, and a bar, perfect for unwinding between sessions.
• Outside Courtyard – Sponsored by Hanwha Vision
  

  An open‑air area with covered seating, entertainment, an extra food vendor, and yet another bar for outdoor socialising.

• The Tap Room – Sponsored by Hikvision

  A comfortable corner offering a selection of craft beers, providing a relaxed spot to take a break or catch up with colleagues.

Accommodation & Transport

Have a look at our accommodation and transport flyer here.

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...