Festival Square – 4 July 2021
4 Jul 2021
![Main image for festival Square July 4 event](https://thumbor.factoryinternational.org/a7ZMvgJfNEQTQmhLq4gzjN83rGw=/900x600/filters:format(webp):quality(60)/https://publicydn4hdgozyjrg.blob.core.windows.net/public/dd/images/FS_Jul-4.f038209.jpg)
- Date
- 4 Jul 2021
- Venue
- Cathedral Gardens
- Tickets
- FREE
A family rave, power-ballad aerobics and the best in new Manchester spoken word
Griot City is a new Manchester label championing vital new poetry from the city. Bringing together spoken word and music, they were in residence in Festival Square on Sunday 4 July, when longtime Festival pal Dave Haslam presented live performances from SheBeKeke (aka Keisha Thompson), Jardel Rodrigues & Chris Jam and Reece Williams plus a pair of DJ sets from the brilliant Werkha. After the Griot City crew, DJ-MC-beatmaker Konny Kon stepped in with a DJ set.
The day kicked off with hot tunes and cool kids’ crafts at a family-friendly rave hosted by The Playhouse Project with MC Kwasi, Lil’ Fee and Veba (Groove Armada), before Girl Gang Manchester encouraged you to ‘be as uncool as you feel’ with a joyful power-ballad-aerobics workout. After a DJ set from Sweepy Dee, we heard from Young Identity poet and rapper Kofitolduso – before the Griot City crew took the mic.
We would like to thank Therme Group, Co-op, JW Lees, Hawkins\Brown, Buro Happold and Civic Engineers for their contributions to Festival Square.