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Get In! To Eccles

Sat 28 — Sun 29 March 2026  •  Free*

A brand-new festival is landing in the town centre on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026. For one weekend, streets and venues across Eccles will come alive with performances, installations and unexpected moments.

Featuring playful new installations and interactive works by Lowri Evans at Eccles Train Station, inspired by its passengers and volunteers; 6 Music Festival and FAT OUT present Lauren Auder, Naima Bock & R.AGGS at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom; and Eccles Community Chess Club, the only dedicated high-street chess venue in the North West, hosts a full-blown Tandem Chess Simul, giving the public the rare chance to challenge UK Grandmaster Danny Gormally and resident Candidate Master Mike Surtees as they take on multiple games at once.

You can also expect live music in local venues, an artisan market, interactive installations, family-friendly performances, tonnes of activities, and plenty of chances to get stuck in and join the action, with more events, venues and surprises still to drop.

Venues


Eccles Community Art Gallery • Independent Street Artisan Markets • Eccles Parish Church St Mary’s • Ilirian Greek • Eccles Community Chess Club • Eccles Train Station • The Lamb Hotel • Unit 9 The Mall (Eccles Shopping Centre) • Eccles Town Hall Ballroom • 96 Degrees

*with the exception of 6 Music Festival and FAT OUT present Lauren Auder, Naima Bock & R.AGGS at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom. Now sold out.

Check back soon for the full programme and more information, as well as more free ticketed events as part of the weekend.

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Saturday 28th March

Lowri Evans: Train Dreaming at Eccles Train Station

Commuters passing through Eccles Train Station on the week of the festival may experience something out of the ordinary… Expect joyful, visual surprises on the platform exploring messages of hope, and the community of Eccles.

11:30am - Lizzie Bell at St Mary’s Parish Church

Local organist Lizzie Bell performs popular organ favourites on the beautifully restored church organ at St Mary’s, including music by Handel, Hans Zimmer and more.

12:30pm + 1:30pm - Amba Strings at Eccles Parish Church St Mary’s

Enjoy the gorgeous sounds of a string trio in the historical St Mary’s, featuring a mix of pop and classical hits.

7pm - Lauren Auder, Naima Bock and R.Aggs at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom *SOLD OUT*

6 Music Festival and FaT OuT present a line-up of some of the most exciting emerging artists of this year in the amazing ballroom at Eccles Town Hall. Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music.

7:30—9:15pm - Greek Folk at Illirian Greek

Come to Illirian for the full Hellenic experience tonight with live music from the Greek Folk Band.

7:30pm - The Mollies at 96 Degrees Eccles

Three-piece female vocal trio with warm harmonies, and down-to-earth energy.

8:30pm - Paul Wright at 96 Degrees Eccles

Irish folk singer and guitarist from Eccles who has run and supported multiple open mic nights around Eccles, Bolton, City Centre and Monton over the years.
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Sunday 29th March

Lowri Evans: Train Dreaming at Eccles Train Station

Commuters passing through Eccles Train Station on the week of the festival may experience something out of the ordinary… Expect joyful, visual surprises on the platform exploring messages of hope, and the community of Eccles.

10:15am + 11:15am - The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man live at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom • tickets required, book here

As seen on CBeebies! The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man is a fun and interactive musical re-telling of this well-loved story, featuring a live narrator and musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This live performance is aimed at under 6s but any age will enjoy it. The performance lasts around 30 minutes.

11am—4pm - Independent Street Artisan Market on Church Street

Independent Street champions local independent businesses and produce. Come and discover what’s on offer from small businesses and artisans in Eccles.

3:30—5:45pm - Music Through The Ages presented by The Music Shed at Eccles Town Hall Ballroom • tickets required, book here

MC Jenna G hosts an afternoon of live bands representing the top talents of local music school, The Music Shed. Featuring bands of all ages from youth-led Mount Chaos (modern and classic rock), Kat Attack (blues and classic rock) and Redemption (pop and modern rock) to adult bands Nomads (blues and indie rock), Manley Park (classic rock including Elvis, Neil Diamond and David Bowie covers) and even a set of 1926 hits from Dawn Patrol to celebrate Salford’s Centenary year. Set times to be announced.

3:30—6pm - Bandeoke at The Lamb Hotel

Don’t miss your opportunity to get up on stage with a live band! There will be three bandeoke sets with the usual karaoke in between - sign up on the day.
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Workshops, Activities & More

Sat 11am—3pm - Salford Badge Club at Eccles Parish Church St Mary’s

An accessible art workshop where you bring your most fantastic ideas, and then transform into custom wearable art. Whether you’re looking to craft or just connect, Salford Badge Club offers a welcoming space for everyone.

Sat 11am—3pm - Family Craft Workshop at Eccles Parish Church St Mary’s

Come and make your own bright and cheerful ‘stained glass’ out of paper & film with Eccles Community Art Gallery.

Sun 2—4pm - Tandem Chess Simul at Eccles Community Chess Club

A rare chance to challenge a real UK Grandmaster, Danny Gormally, as well as resident Candidate Master Mike Surtees as they take on multiple games at once in a full-blown Tandem Chess Simul.

Sun 6:30pm - Eccles Town Centre Photowalk with Not Quite Light • tickets required, book here

Join photographer Simon Buckley AKA Not Quite Light for one of his popular evening photowalks exploring the fascinating area around Eccles Town centre, soon to undergo major regeneration.  Everyone welcome, bring a camera, a phone or whatever recording device you want.


Exhibitions

Sat 11am—3pm - ‘Our Eccles’ group exhibition at Eccles Community Art Gallery

Eccles own community of local artists explore their impressions and experience of the town.

Sat & Sun 11am—3pm - Moss Dreams by Freya Wysocki at Unit 9 The Mall (Eccles Shopping Centre)

Enter into a playground of the microscopic and gaze at the world from the moss's perspective! Wade through the muck cling to the rock face, squeeze in between the cracks and the slippery crevices… Moss Dreams is an immersive installation for all the family that encourages play and imagination.