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Little HOME returns on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Aug 2026

HOME's free family festival Little HOME returns with a weekend of free creativity, performance and play!

Little HOME returns to HOME on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Aug 2026 


A free weekend packed with theatre, live performances, circus skills, crafts, film, music and family activities.


Programme includes a performance by Batala Manchester, Theatre shows; Tales from the Lighthouse, Kiwi Kwala, Puffin Rock and the New Friends and curious workshops with Skylight Circus Arts and much more. 
All Little HOME’s programme of events is free, you can book events or decide on the day, where some tickets will be available. 


HOME's much-loved family festival Little HOME returns this summer, inviting families to enjoy two days of free creativity, performances and hands-on activities across the venue on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Aug. 
From theatre and storytelling to circus skills, crafts, dance, music and family-friendly films, Little HOME transforms the venue into a vibrant playground of imagination, with activities taking place both inside HOME and across the outdoor spaces. 


Whether families are discovering live theatre for the first time, getting creative in a workshop or enjoying a film together, Little HOME offers something for every age, making it one of Manchester's highlights of the summer holidays. 


This year's programme features an exciting mix of returning favourites alongside brand-new experiences. Families can set sail on a musical adventure with Tales from the Lighthouse, enjoy the enchanting puppet performance All In A Mouse's Night, take part in Over to You: The Storytelling Gameshow, or discover the magical world of The Magic Bookmark. 


Outside, festival favourites Skylight Circus Arts return with their ever-popular circus skills workshops, while Kiwi Kwala brings interactive walkabout performances packed with fun and laughter. On Sunday, Batala Manchester fills the festival with the infectious energy of reggae samba rhythms, alongside vibrant Bhangra Dance and Dhol Drumming workshops celebrating music and movement from around the world. 
Creativity is at the heart of Little HOME. Throughout the weekend families can enjoy storytelling and crafts with Phoebe Foxtrot, create their own story dice with People's History Museum, make celebration pin dolls with the National Football Museum, and decorate cookies and cupcakes in HOME's Bar & Kitchen. 


Returning for 2026 is HOME's popular Chill Zone, providing a relaxed space where families can take time out with drawing, crafts, board games and sensory-friendly activities facilitated by a guest artist. 
Film lovers can enjoy family screenings of Puffin Rock and the New Friends in HOME's cinemas, before rounding off each day with Amazing Animations on the First Street outdoor screen. 


Little HOME takes place on Sat 1 and Sun 2 Aug 2026. All activities are free to attend, although some events require advance booking. 

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