WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2026. SIGN UP AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW MORE. • WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2026. SIGN UP AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW MORE. • 
WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2026. SIGN UP AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW MORE. • WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2026. SIGN UP AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW MORE. • 

We Invented the Weekend returns to MediaCity and Salford Quays on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026 and getting there couldn’t be easier.

The weekend is set to be an especially busy period across Greater Manchester. In addition to We Invented the Weekend, several large-scale events are scheduled, including:

  • UB40 performing at the AO Arena on Saturday 6 June
  • Hot Wheels Stunt Show taking place at Co-op Live across both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June

Alongside these events, essential improvement works will be carried out in the city centre, resulting in temporary changes to tram service patterns:

  • No trams will operate via Market Street and Shudehill during the weekend
  • Further works on the Rochdale line are planned for Sunday 7 June

As a result of these combined factors, a significant increase in the number of people travelling by both road and rail is anticipated across Greater Manchester and it is strongly advised to plan ahead to avoid delays.

How to get to We Invented the Weekend

Getting there by tram 

The quickest and most convenient way to travel to the festival is by tram.

The MediaCityUK tram stop on the Eccles line (light blue on some journey planners) brings you right into the heart of MediaCity. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Lowry and right next to the University of Salford, placing you at the centre of the action.

The Imperial War Museum tram stop on the Trafford Park line (red on some journey planners) is only a few minutes’ walk from the main festival venues, offering another easy route in.

For more information on ticketing, the Greater Manchester tram map, or the tram schedule, visit the Bee Network website or app.

Bee Network

Getting there by bus 

There are also plenty of bus services running throughout the day, making it easy to travel to and from the event.

30 – Piccadilly Gardens to Trafford Centre (live departures) / Trafford Centre to Piccadilly Gardens (live departures)

50 – East Didsbury to MediaCityUK (live departures)

51 – East Didsbury to MediaCityUK (live departures)

53 – Cheetham Hill to Pendleton (live departures) / Pendleton to Cheetham Hill (live departures)

79 – Pendleton to Stretford (live departures) / Stretford to Pendleton (live departures)

Don’t forget, you can now get on board with adults paying no more than £2 for a single bus journey, and £1 for a children’s single. For more information, you can visit the Bee Network website.

Journey times on bus can also be impacted due to the increased levels of traffic, so be sure to plan ahead and allow extra time for your travel. 

Bee Network

Getting there by train 

For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Salford Crescent, located around a 30-minute walk away or approximately 20 minutes by bus using the 50 service.

Manchester’s main stations; Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road offer excellent local, regional and national connections, and are all within 30 minutes of the venue by tram or bus.

  • The MediaCityUK tram stop on the Eccles line (light blue on some journey planners)
  • The Imperial War Museum tram stop on the Trafford Park line (red on some journey planners)
  • 30 – Piccadilly Gardens to Trafford Centre (live departures) / Trafford Centre to Piccadilly Gardens (live departures)
  • 53 – Cheetham Hill to Pendleton (live departures) / Pendleton to Cheetham Hill (live departures)

For more information on travelling by train, you can visit the National Rail website. 

National Rail

Cycling and walking 

Greater Manchester now offers the option to hire Starling Bank Bikes. Through the Starling Bank Bikes app, you can locate and unlock your bike, get from A to B, then safely lock your bike again – easy! Starling Bank Bikes operates in the Salford Quays area, to find out more visit our dedicated bike hire information page. 

MediaCity is also the location of a cycle hub. Providing safe cycle parking with CCTV in operation, more information on how to use a cycle hub can be found on the Bee Active website. 

You can find the Bee Network’s own map of cycle routes within the Salford Quays area or you can visit the Bee Network journey planner to discover your bespoke route via Greater Manchester’s cycle network. 

Whether you decide to walk for a full or partial journey, you can beat the queues, see more of your city and make a positive choice for the environment by walking to your venue. 

Visit the Bee Active website and see what’s within a 15-minute walk of Salford Quays. 

Bee Active

Getting there by car 

If you’re travelling by car, there are convenient park and ride options available:

  • The Eccles line offers parking at Ladywell, with 432 spaces
  • The Trafford Park line has 341 spaces at Parkway

Both sites allow you to park for free and hop on a tram straight to the MediaCityUK stop.