Festa Italiana, the free-to-enter weekend-long festival celebrating Italian food, drink and culture will return to Cathedral Gardens on Bank Holiday weekend, 27th – 29th August 2021.
The Festa is ever-so-evidently born out of Manchester’s Italian community and heritage; drawing huge inspiration from the traditional festivals in Italy and bobbed in the blender with a parka pocket full of Mancunian charm to mix up a three day cocktail dedicated to bringing people together to enjoy next level food and drink, mega movies, amazing art and a stellar selection of authentic live music.
The event, now in its fourth year after a COVID-enforced break, will see some firm Festa fan faves return alongside some exciting debutants and brand-new features; this year the ever-growing and varied programme will include workshops, demonstrations, book signings and banquets from top class chefs such as Aldo Zilli, Giancarlo Caldesi, Gennaro Contaldo, and, Festa founder, Salvi’s owner Maurizio Cecco.
Maurizio’s 12-year-old daughter, Sienna Cecco, a talented chef, with her own YouTube channel and TV appearances under her belt, who has been providing cooking tutorials for families during lockdown on Facebook Live, will be joining the party and leading free kids cooking classes throughout.
Carmela Sereno Hayes, the hugely popular pastaia (AKA: specialist pasta maker) and author, will also be making a welcome return to Festa Italiana and running her, much talked about, pasta workshops all weekend long.
Salvi’s Pop-Up Deli will be a Festa fixture selling the very best in authentic Italian produce from start to finish and will be complemented by street food from some of Manchester’s finest vendors and restauranteurs, as well as live musicians providing a fitting sunny soundtrack.
What’s a Festa without beverages? Well, still a Festa… but let’s face it, they’re a big-time bonus! Some of the leading Italian drinks brands will be on hand with something that you know you’ll fancy from one of their well-stocked bars.
Peroni just do drinks… that’s what you thinks; this year the gauge has been cranked and the brew based showstoppers will be popping up their portable cinema complete with bean bags, deck chairs, popcorn, aperitivo boxes, Peroni on tap and themed classic movie screenings of Cinema Paradiso, Romeo and Juliet and La Dolce Vita.
There will also be something for the culture fans with a very exciting photography exhibition that cannot yet be mentioned; it will be well worth the wait so keep those occhi out.
If you’re coming with the kids, fear not ‘cause the Festa will provide a space and activities over the weekend to keep them entertained.
With much more to be announced, look for the updates and check the website for action… it won’t be long.
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