Parklife, the UK's largest city-based festival, is set to draw tens of thousands of revellers to Heaton Park this weekend. Running on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, the music extravaganza will feature big-name acts such as Calvin Harris and British MC and rapper Skepta. The homegrown two-day festival began modestly and has since grown into one of the most anticipated events on the city's cultural calendar.
From Mad Ferret to Parklife
Predominantly rooted in dance and electronic music, while also showcasing pop and hip-hop artists, it first emerged in the 2000s under the name Mad Ferret Festival, taking place at Platt Fields in Rusholme. In 2010 it was rebranded as Parklife, and coincidentally also took place during a World Cup year, seeing many footy fans in attendance. The weekender remained at Platt Fields until swelling attendances forced a move to Heaton Park in 2013.
Archival Photos
To celebrate, the M.E.N. has dug deep into its archives to unearth photographs of those who attended the very first Parklife Festival in 2010, as well as the subsequent years of 2011 and 2012, prior to its relocation to Heaton Park. Explore the gallery below and share your favourite festival memories, or let us know if you spot yourself or someone you know!
- There was a large contingent of England football fans in 2010 due to the festival taking place at the same time as the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
- Footy fans with painted faces at Parklife Festival in 2010.
- Cigarettes and alcohol in the June sunshine at Parklife in 2010.
- Parklife 2010, can you spot yourself or someone you know in the crowds?
- High spirits at Platt Fields for the first Parklife Festival in 2010.
- King for the day at Parklife in 2010.
- The sun made an appearance at Parklife, 2010.
- Parklife's early days at Platt Fields.
- Toasting the DJ at Parklife in 2010.
- Taking a breather from all the dancing. Parklife Festival in 2010.
- Previously known as the Mad Ferret Festival, it was renamed Parklife in 2010.
- Crowds enjoying the fine weather at Parklife on Platt Fields in 2010.
- Late night crowd at Parklife Festival in 2010.
- The second Parklife in 2011 was still held at Platt Fields in Rusholme.
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- The weather wasn't quite as good in 2011 but people were still in the mood to party.
- Perhaps a hot chocolate would have been more appropriate. Parklife Festival in 2011.
- Forget the music, time for some mud wrestling. Parklife Festival, 2011.
- Still smiling at Parklife Festival in 2011 despite the wretched weather.
- A great way to see what's going on at Parklife Festival, 2011.
- The stage set up in Platt Fields.
- Reveller enjoying the last ever Parklife Festival at Platt Fields. Parklife Festival, 2012.
- Revellers making their way through the mud bath. Parklife Festival, 2012.
- Nile Rodgers performs at Parklife at Platt Fields Park on June 9, 2012.
- Reveller at Parklife at Platt Fields Park on June 9, 2012.
- Flaming Lips performs at Parklife at Platt Fields Park on June 9, 2012.
