Shaping the future of digital.
Now in its second decade, the Digital Skills Festival has become a cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s thriving tech ecosystem. What began over 10 years ago as a small gathering of employers and educators has grown into one of the UK’s leading events focused on digital careers, skills and talent.
Held annually in the heart of Manchester, the Festival brings together industry leaders, educators, students, graduates and jobseekers for a week of insight, opportunity and collaboration. Each year, the programme grows in size and scope – with headline events, panel discussions, hands-on sessions and fringe activities designed to inspire and inform.
Over the years, countless young people have found their first step into the tech industry at the festival’s flagship event, Talent Day – meeting future employers, discovering new career paths and connecting with peers and mentors. Many of today’s brightest tech professionals made their first industry contact at a previous Digital Skills Festival.
It’s not just a place to start careers – it’s a place where important partnerships are forged, new ideas are explored, and the sector comes together to tackle some of its biggest challenges and opportunities.
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2026 Festival
Digital Skills Festival 2026 is set to be our most ambitious yet, focusing on key themes including pathways into technology, talent, diversity, leadership and of course, skills.
Highlights include an exciting tech challenge for school-aged children, a celebration of diversity led by our flagship programme Digital Her, the return of our ever-successful Talent Day with an emphasis on early pathway options, and an exclusive VIP Leaders Evening, Digital Skills Feast, to wrap up the week in style.
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