MAD//North will return to Aviva Studios in Manchester for a third consecutive year, taking place in February 2027. The event is built around a design-led, “unconference-style” approach, with this year’s edition themed around “Northern Soul”, encouraging movement, conversation and self-curated experiences across Manchester’s St John’s area and wider creative district. Dan Brain, co-founder of MAD//Fest, said: “Coming back to Manchester and Aviva Studios was a very easy decision for us. The response to MAD//North was overwhelmingly positive, not just from our audience and partners, but from the wider creative and business community across the city.” Organisers say the 2027 edition will build on the campus-style model, with expanded programming and deeper collaboration with local partners under consideration.