NightGarden is an immersive celebration of audiovisual delights. Set in the industrial hinterlands of Greater Manchester on an ex-garden centre, this event presents a programme of eclectic sonic and visual artists exploring themes of biodiversity, human resilience and radical futures.
Now celebrating its fifth edition, NightGarden has revealed their first wave of programming for 2025. This DIY gathering invites intergenerational audiences on a magical journey from day to night, with a dynamic live programme that encourages exploration, play, and pure joy – it’s a “choose-your-own-adventure” at this intimate 300 capacity event.
The 2025 programme includes acts performing on a self-designed, self-made Decagon Stage – where cutting-edge visuals and high-end audio create an immersive backdrop for an eclectic mix of live music and visual performances spanning electronic, jazz, and psychedelic genres.
THE PROGRAMME SO FAR:
Live Music
VOKA GENTLE will be operating on a plane between avant-garde indie, bubbling electronica and cosmic psychedelia, with an addictive,
amorphous live sound.
Manchester’s own SILVERWINGKILLER will bring late-night energy by fusing world music with analogue arpeggiators, aggressive bass, live breakbeats and vocals in English, Mandarin and Shanghainese.
Also performing is Newcastle-based ME LOST ME, described in The Guardian as “stripping folk back to its bones while letting its future echoes bleed out”.
Connecting with people through frequency and rhythm, electronic pioneer HIGHER INTELLIGENCE AGENCY will perform a hybrid live / DJ set.
Sun-drenched fun will be delivered by Sheffield’s LIFE AQUATIC BAND, a 5-piece who bring a mix of 70s Pop, NewWave and 2000s ElectroClash.
And Birmingham’s own ZYGGURAT will skillfully weave analogue synths, jazz-infused drums and accordion into an ancient yet futuristic sound.
Live visuals
Saudi artist-biologist WAAD ALBWARDI will explore the generative potential of nature through creative programming, and renowned visual artist MODULATE_SC will deliver a cosmic electronic transmission.
DJ Sets
DJ sets amplified from a repurposed disco horsebox will be keeping people dancing. With LOOKING GLASS ALICE, SOBORGNOST and PURE RAVERS taking to the decks.
Workshops
SORCHA NOBLE will be leading a collective clay artwork and SUSPENDED IN SUNBEAM will share the art of natural dyeing.
Finally, drag clown CAKE BOI will be serving up fabulousness in the forest with a bespoke performance as dusk falls.
Plus there’s even more to be announced. . .
Alongside further live acts accompanied with live visuals, a captivating network of sculpture trails will weave through the forest, integrating lighting, sound and responsive design to enhance the
natural surroundings of their botanical ex-garden centre.
Workshops will be included to get hands on, whilst quieter pop-up performances will emerge in amongst the foliage. The site takes a collective pause for a nutritious dinner (included in the ticket cost) before night falls.
A magical dusk procession sets the tone for the evening programming of live acts where dancing and self-expression is encouraged, alongside DJ sets at their second stage.
