A 2-Day Music & Art Event at Ancoats’ Old Naval Yard with Thai BBQ & Cocktails by Jane Eyre

Key Points

• A new 2-day festival named ‘Hello Old Friend’ will take place at the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September.
• The event transforms a forgotten space into an art, music, and food extravaganza, sponsored by Heverlee Premium Lager.
• Features a new exhibition by Manchester-based illustrator Harrison Edwards titled Hello Old Friend, showcasing new works drawing inspiration from traditional mediums and finding fun new ways to play with them.
• DJ sets from incredible artists will provide the musical entertainment.
• Thai BBQ food from Neon Tiger, who will bring their grill to cook some of their favourite dishes.
• Signature cocktails served by Ancoats Bar of the Year winners, Jane Eyre, throughout the festival.
• Tickets priced at just £5, including a free pint of Heverlee with each purchase.
• Harrison Edwards, based in Manchester, has created designs and illustrations for favourite hospitality spots over the last 10 years.

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Ancoats (Manchester Chronicle) 15 January 2026 – A vibrant 2-day music and art festival called Hello Old Friend is set to revive the forgotten Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, featuring illustrator Harrison Edwards‘ new exhibition, DJ sets, Neon Tiger‘s Thai BBQ, and Jane Eyre‘s cocktails, all sponsored by Heverlee Premium Lager on 17th and 18th September. Tickets are available for just £5, including a complimentary pint of Heverlee, drawing local excitement for this affordable cultural extravaganza.

The event promises to blend creativity, cuisine, and entertainment in a historic yet underutilised venue, highlighting Manchester’s thriving arts scene. Organisers emphasise the festival’s role in repurposing industrial spaces for community enjoyment.

What is the Hello Old Friend Festival?

The Hello Old Friend festival emerges as a fresh addition to Manchester’s cultural calendar, specifically designed to activate the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats. As described in the official announcement, this 2-day spectacle on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September will feature an array of attractions. The core element is the new exhibition by Harrison Edwards, a Manchester-based illustrator whose Instagram handle @thefreshprints_ showcases his portfolio.

Harrison Edwards‘ Hello Old Friend exhibition will present new works that draw inspiration from traditional mediums while finding fun new ways to play with them. Over the last 10 years, Harrison Edwards has crafted designs and illustrations for some of Manchester’s favourite hospitality spots, establishing himself as a key figure in the local creative community. No direct quote from Harrison Edwards was provided in the announcement, but the exhibition’s theme underscores innovation within classic techniques.

Complementing the art, the festival includes DJ sets from incredible artists, ensuring a lively musical backdrop. Food and drink offerings elevate the experience, with Neon Tiger (@___neontiger on Instagram) bringing their signature Thai BBQ. Neon Tiger will deploy their grill to prepare some of their favourite dishes, promising authentic flavours amid the festivities.

Who are the Key Players Involved?

Jane Eyre (@thejaneeyremcr), recognised as Ancoats Bar of the Year winners, will serve signature cocktails throughout the event. Their presence adds a premium beverage element, appealing to attendees seeking sophisticated drinks in a casual setting.

The entire festival is sponsored by Heverlee Premium Lager, which not only funds the event but also incentivises attendance through the ticket offer. Tickets for the event are just £5 and you’ll get a pint of Heverlee for FREE!, making it an accessible outing for art lovers, music enthusiasts, and foodies alike.

As reported in the primary event announcement, the festival aims to transform a forgotten space into an art, music and food extravaganza. While specific journalist bylines were not attached to the originating post, coverage echoes across Manchester lifestyle sources, attributing details directly to the event’s promotional materials.

When and Where is the Event Happening?

The festival spans two days: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September, at the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats. This location, often overlooked, provides a raw, industrial charm ideal for such a pop-up event. Ancoats, known for its regeneration and creative hubs, serves as a fitting backdrop.

No additional dates or extensions have been mentioned, positioning this as a limited-time opportunity. The September timing aligns with Manchester’s post-summer cultural surge, avoiding peak holiday clashes.

What Makes Harrison Edwards’ Exhibition Special?

Harrison Edwards’ new exhibition Hello Old Friend stands out for its focus on blending tradition with playfulness. The works draw inspiration from traditional mediums and explore fun new ways to play with them, as stated in the event description. Based in Manchester, Harrison Edwards brings a decade of experience, having contributed to designs and illustrations for some of your favourite hospitality spots over the last 10 years.

This exhibition marks a personal milestone, reintroducing classic techniques through a contemporary lens. Attendees can expect visually engaging pieces that resonate with local hospitality aesthetics, given Harrison Edwards‘ track record.

Which Food and Drink Options are Available?

Culinary highlights include Thai BBQ food from Neon Tiger, who will bring their grill to cook some of their favourite dishes. Neon Tiger‘s street-food style fits the festival’s casual vibe, offering bold, grilled Thai flavours.

Jane Eyre, the Ancoats Bar of the Year winners, will be on hand to serve up some signature cocktails throughout the festival. Their award-winning status underscores quality mixology, pairing well with the free Heverlee pint included in tickets.

Sponsorship by Heverlee Premium Lager ensures lager flows freely, enhancing the festive atmosphere without additional cost to ticket holders.

How Much are Tickets and What’s Included?

Affordability defines the event, with tickets priced at just £5. Each ticket grants entry plus a pint of Heverlee for FREE!, providing exceptional value. This structure, tied to the Heverlee Premium Lager sponsorship, lowers barriers for a broad audience.

No tiered pricing or VIP options were detailed, keeping it egalitarian. Purchases likely occur via standard event platforms, though specifics direct to the announcement’s call-to-action.

Why is This Event Generating Buzz in Manchester?

Manchester’s cultural landscape thrives on such grassroots initiatives, and Hello Old Friend taps into that by reviving a forgotten space. The combination of art by Harrison Edwards, DJ sets, Neon Tiger‘s BBQ, and Jane Eyre‘s cocktails creates a multifaceted appeal. Heverlee‘s involvement adds polish and accessibility.

Local media previews highlight the event’s potential to draw crowds, especially with the £5 entry and free pint. As a one-off in September, it promises a unique blend of experiences in Ancoats’ evolving scene.

What Should Attendees Expect Overall?

Visitors can anticipate a seamless fusion: wandering Harrison Edwards‘ exhibition, savouring Neon Tiger‘s Thai BBQ, sipping Jane Eyre cocktails or a free Heverlee, all soundtracked by DJ sets. The Old Naval Yard‘s transformation underscores community-driven creativity.

The event’s compact 2-day run encourages full attendance, maximising enjoyment. Neutral observers note its role in spotlighting local talents like Harrison Edwards, while delivering value through sponsorship perks.