Fans of Morrissey and The Smiths are set to take over an iconic Manchester venue this May as the annual MozArmy festival returns for another weekender celebrating the music and legacy of one of the city’s most influential artists.
Tickets available here https://t.co/FZsjN7CIkK
— Mozarmy (@Mozarmy) February 27, 2025
Taking place on 9 and 10 May, the festival is one of the more unique fan gatherings in Manchester and beyond. This year marks a significant change in the organisation of the event, as George Allen of the Morrissey and Wine podcast, steps in to take over as the lead organiser Julie Hammill, who ran the event for the past 11 years. Posting a farewell message on Tumblr, Hammill reflected on the festival’s spirit, saying, “The meet is inclusive and it always will be. It is welcoming. It is open. It is equal. To feel that we belong to something is what makes humanity bloom.”
The two nights of the event will be held at the Star & Garter, with the first night being a MozArmy meet at the Morrissey Smiths Disco night on Friday 9 May, though it is not included in the price of Saturday’s ticket. Adorned with a mural of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, the 200-capacity Grade II-listed venue had fallen upon hard times in the past 10 years, though it was confirmed in January that it was under new operatorship who have pledged to preserve the atmosphere and invest in structural improvements.
Following Friday’s disco, Saturday will see a variety of acts and performances, ranging from tribute band Frankly, The Smiths, musician Conor McLoughlin, a live recording of Morrissey and Wine, Mozeoke (Morrissey + karaoke), and a Morrissey look alike competition. Saturday night’s events are expected to carry on late into the following morning.
Proceeds from the events will be donated to Feed My City, a Sikh-led charity providing emergency vegetarian meals across Greater Manchester. The charity has earned various awards, including the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (equivalent to an MBE), and a special recognition award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester for providing over 300,000 warm meals and promoting religious and social harmony.
On the festival, Allen said, “If you’ve never been before, this year is the time to do it. You’ll find a lovely environment, cheap drinks and some great live music. It’s also a great chance to support the Star & Garter. They’ve been running the monthly Morrissey Smiths Disco for decades and hold a very special place in the hearts of fans. It’s the perfect home for MozArmy.”
The festival forms just a small part of a wider vibrant music tourism scene in Manchester. Music brings over 800,000 visitors to the city each year, supporting 6,800 jobs, and contributing over £300 million to the local economy according to a Manchester City Council report.
With a rich sense of community and belonging, the unique makeup of the MozArmy Meet offers fans a chance to celebrate the ongoing legacy of Morrissey and The Smiths, all while supporting a small music venue and a local charity. Tickets for the event are £22, including booking fee, and are available here.
