$Refract$

22 - 27 July 2025

A festival of performance and events that challenge you to see things differently

A carefully curated programme, jilted from convention, for audiences of all ages, Refract is back this July with the sixth edition.

Curated by Waterside Arts, our exciting festival of work takes place in and around Sale in Trafford.

Expect the unexpected as Trafford’s award-winning arts destination is re-imagined both inside and out. Running from Tuesday 22 July to Sunday 27 July, this six day event promises bold performance and awe-inspiring experiences for everyone.

This year's vibrant and exciting line-up includes well-known international acts and plenty of free outdoor shows for families, from high energy circus, to samba reggae and a global mega star from Las Vegas!

Tue 22 Jul '25

Refract 24 Arun Ghosh Bandstand (Dawn Kilner)

Live Music

Arun Ghosh & Full Band

Acclaimed clarinettist Arun Ghosh & his full band

Wed 23 Jul '25

Theatre & Performance

The Remarkable Ben Hart

Magic shows that are unforgettable, funny, dark and profoundly baffling

Comedy & Spoken Word

TAPE FACE:20

Mime with noise, stand-up with no talking – drama with no acting

Thu 24 Jul '25

SCREEN HUG Levantes Dance TOYS ёRoswitha Chesher

Free

Family

Hug

A vibrant outdoor contemporary circus theatre performance and living installation

Theatre & Performance

The Remarkable Ben Hart

Magic shows that are unforgettable, funny, dark and profoundly baffling

Comedy & Spoken Word

TAPE FACE:20

Mime with noise, stand-up with no talking – drama with no acting

Fri 25 Jul '25

Free

Theatre & Performance

Everywhere's A Beach

Join us for a day at the beach unlike any other in this high energy, circus theatre show! Perfect for the whole family

Free

Family

Hug

A vibrant outdoor contemporary circus theatre performance and living installation

Live Music

Bay Bryan

With deep roots in the theatre, Bay brings a bard-like flair to his live performances often weaving stories in and out of songs, making for a cabaret-like atmosphere that is playful, authentic and ethereal

Sat 26 Jul '25

Free

Theatre & Performance

Everywhere's A Beach

Join us for a day at the beach unlike any other in this high energy, circus theatre show! Perfect for the whole family

Out of the Deep Blue, Refract 25 (Peter Lopeman)

Free

Family

Out of the Deep Blue

An outdoor spectacle featuring a giant sea puppet

Free

Family

Batala Manchester

Global Brazilian samba reggae street percussionists bringing the carnival culture, of Salvador Brazil, to the streets of the world!

Sun 27 Jul '25

Free

Family

The Global Grooves Bloco

How do you know when the party’s started? When Global Grooves Bloco and Brass have arrived, that’s when!

Free

Theatre & Performance

CAGED

Outdoor dance piece performed in and outside a metal birdcage

Free

Family

Out of the Deep Blue

An outdoor spectacle featuring a giant sea puppet

About

Refract is a festival of work curated by Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford. The programme uses spaces both inside and outside Waterside, often taking place in an unusual setting in response to the piece of work being staged.

The inaugural Refract festival took place in 2017 when Waterside curated a series of events and performances to show how our vibrant building and all of its spaces can be used in innovative, surprising and creative ways.

Take Part

Volunteer

Come and volunteer for us!

We're looking for friendly and approachable individuals who enjoy working with the public for the six days of Refract:25.

Exciting opportunities including stewarding, artist liaison, audience management, surveys/collecting audience data for both indoor and outdoor events during the festival.

You will need to be over 18 and available between Tue 22 and Sun 27 July - no minimum number of shifts required.

Volunteer Form