Happy Mondays join line-up as The Brit Fest turns three

Brothers and business partners, Anthony and Edward Prophet have been involved in many projects together over the years. But back in 2024 when Brit Fest first launched, the pair could never have imagined how their ‘crazy little idea’ would grow into an annual four-day celebration of live music, community and British culture.

So, why did they decide to create their own festival? “We ask ourselves that on a daily basis!” Anthony admits. “After working together for over decade on various other projects, we wanted to scale up to something we could really get our teeth into”.

After previously putting on shows in small music venues, a festival felt like the next step that would allow them to expand as they please. The pair have clearly put a lot into this project, and it has quickly paid off with The Brit Fest winning the Leading Live Event award at This Is Manchester Awards 2025. 

“Winning this award was a huge achievement and gives acknowledgements for all the hard work and all the team – everything that’s gone on behind the scenes,” says Anthony. 

Anthony credits this success with the festival gaining ‘keys of entry’ into Manchester. “We’re seen as an event that’s far away, but we’re also super close to Manchester, and since then we’ve had a lot of interest from lots of businesses. It’s been a very big open door for us,” he says. 

“Now it’s like the circus comes to town, and when that arrives people wanna be part of it.” 

Previous acts include The Bluetones, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Young and T’Pau. And next year’s lineup features an equally impressive collection of British artists and bands who have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. 

Acts on the Friday tend to be “typically more 90’s and indie-centric,” which Anthony is “more excited about” than the Saturday line-up, which caters more to the tastes of his brother Edward who is a “big 80’s fan” – “That’s sort of where the themes and guides came from,” he explains. 

With a big beaming grin, Anthony tells me: “My 17-year-old self would be so proud of being involved in something like this, it’s just massive”. It is immediately evident why after looking at the line-up. “It’s just heritage, these guys are absolute legends. It’s absolutely mega,” he adds.

Hosts Jenny Powell and Mike Toolan are returning for the third year running for a stellar line up: Happy Mondays headline the festival on Friday, Holly Johnson on Saturday and ABC on Sunday. Many other British music icons including Peter Hook & The Light, Altered Images and The Farm, to name but a few, are also performing with the full line-up listed on the festival’s website. 

Alongside household names performing, Anthony says this year the festival is welcoming smaller bands and performers. “We’re building a small indoor arena that will showcase the best of local upcoming and unsigned artists,” he says. “There will be a real platform for that”. 

In addition to the music there are a whole host of other activities planned for next year’s events, including firewalking, archery and axe throwing. And Anthony tells me that now you can even get married at the festival! 

“The great thing about a festival is that it’s so much more than just a gig,” he says. “You’re part of the village for four days. There’s so many things to do, so many people to meet.”

More than 70% of the festival’s traders and suppliers are based in the North West, ensuring the event’s economic benefits stay within the region. As well as an award-winning food and drink line-up including viral food truck brothers The Spud Bros, there are many options for accommodation at the festival. Choose from camping, glamping or a local bed and breakfast in the area with a free bus service available to and from the festival site. Accessibility is a priority for the brothers, with step-free access, dedicated viewing areas, and improved parking to make The Brit Fest open and enjoyable for everyone.

Although the summer seems a long way off Anthony says plans are already well under way and the brothers are working on it every day to make this year’s event “a fully inclusive festival where you can kick back, have a good laugh, and just dance.”

If that sounds like your thing, then the Brit Fest may just be the perfect festival for you. 

The Brit Fest is at Ashley Hall Showground from 2-5 July 2026.