As part of IVW’s annual celebration of independent music and culture, the Manchester Improvisation Festival is proud to launch its inaugural edition on:
Wednesday 28 January 2026 at The Carlton Club, Whalley Range, Manchester
Delivered in partnership with IVW and the PRSF Early Career Promoter Fund, and supported by Arts Council England, the festival joins a UK-wide celebration of independent venues as essential spaces for musical and cultural innovation.
Following the success of its sister event, the Manchester Blues Festival, this new festival places improvisation at the heart of all art forms throughout history. This first edition focuses specifically on music, featuring a dynamic programme of talks and performances from leading improvisers across a vast spectrum of genres: Baroque, Folk, Indian Classical, Jazz, Electronic production, Contemporary, Blues, Beatbox, and Freestyle Rap—concluding with an all-star finale jam session.
Featured artists include: Asuka Sumi · Jon Coley · Luke Reddin-Williams · Ali Roocroft · Laurie Agnew · Liviu Gheorghe · Owen O’Sapien · Clive Mellor · Will Tang Clan
Rooted in community and independent culture, the festival celebrates improvisation as the foundation for shared creativity. It honors the innate human capacity for expression that enriches and bonds societies, providing a space where the music—and the moment—comes first.
Tickets:
https://www.skiddle.com/e/41736015
https://see.tickets/mcrimprovisationfest
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcrimprovisationfest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584285872194
Contact: Will Tang
Email: improvisemcr@gmail.com
