Join us on Saturday 17th October 2026 for a truly unique 12-hour harp marathon on the beautiful Arts Centre stage at Withington Girls’ School. From morning through to evening, enjoy continuous live harp music in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with our cafeteria open throughout the day for refreshments.

The Harpathon is at the heart of The Manchester Harp Festival’s community work and is a joyful, inclusive event bringing people together through music. Whether you’re an experienced harpist, a music lover, or have never seen a harp before, everyone is welcome. Come and try the instrument for yourself, take part in interactive activities, and enjoy arts and crafts throughout the day. It’s a chance to experience the magic of the harp up close in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Your Harp. Your Community. Your Day 

As well as celebrating our incredible harp community, the Harpathon is a key fundraising event for the Manchester Harp Festival, with all proceeds going directly towards making the festival possible and supporting our unique outreach project.

A special feature of the day will be our Harpathon Harp, where you can take part in our Sponsor a String initiative, a creative and interactive way to support the festival. There will also be a range of other goodies and opportunities to contribute throughout the day.

Come for an hour or stay all day, we would love to welcome you to be part of something special.

Your Harp. Your Community. Your Day 

Just want to come along?

We would love to welcome audience members to simply come and enjoy the day, to soak up the wonderful “harpy” atmosphere, listen to beautiful performances, or even have a go yourself in our guided Come and Try corner.

This is a free community event, but we do ask that you register here before the event, so that we know to expect you and are able to keep track of attendees.