WHAT IS BITFEST?
Bitfest is the UK’s flagship Bitcoin festival.
So… is it a conference? Well, yes and no.
Bitfest is a space where people from all walks of life can come together for a weekend powered by Bitcoiners. It’s about community as much as it is about technology: a place to connect, learn, explore, and actually experience Bitcoin culture in action.
While talks and panels are part of the program, Bitfest goes far beyond a traditional conference – incorporating talks, discussions and hands-on workshops covering not just Bitcoin, but other freedom-adjacent topics.
Our inaugural event, Bitfest 2025, featured 5 events and 8 themed zones across 3 days, with 60+ speakers and artists, all hosted across multiple nearby venues. And now Bitfest is back for 2026. Bigger, louder and with even more to explore!
This year’s programme brings together 7 events and 9 zones, creating an even bigger celebration of Bitcoin, freedom technology, creativity and the communities building the future.
Bitfest is designed for everyone – whether you’re deep in the space or just getting started. It’s family-friendly too and so bring the kids along!
Day 0 also features Nostrshire, the UK’s first full-scale conference dedicated entirely to Nostr.
EVENTS
Bitfest isn’t just one event — it’s a whole weekend of them. From Nostr and Bitcoin conferences to live music, internet culture, social events and everything in between, each event has its own character, community and reason to be here. Explore the events that make up Bitfest 2026.
ZONES
Across the festival you’ll find nine themed zones, each bringing a different side of Bitcoin and freedom technology to life. From talks and hands-on workshops to gaming, music, art, business and a place for the kids, there’s plenty to explore beyond the main stage.
CONFERENCE
TALKS & PANELS
WORKSHOP / HACKZONE
DIY
EXHIBITION
PROJECT AND BUSINESS EXPO
GALLERY BY PEPE.X
BITCOIN ART EXHIBITION
FREEDOM FEST
FREEDOM & SOVEREIGNTY TECH
GAMING
GAMES & COMPETITIONS
MUSIC
NEW MUSIC ECONOMY & VALUEVERSE
NETWORKING
DRINKS, FOOD & BANTER
KIDS
BITCOIN JUNIORS
PRE-PARTY
BITFLIX & PRE-EVENT RECEPTION
6:30pm - 1am — 19 NOVEMBER — PENDULUM HOTEL/SECRET LOCATION
Kick off the Bitfest weekend with The Six Billion Dollar Man, Eugene Jarecki’s award-winning documentary exploring Julian Assange, WikiLeaks and the price of truth. Fittingly, when traditional gatekeepers blocked the film, it found a route to audiences through the Bitcoin community.
Full Bitfest ticket holders can then join our exclusive pre-event drinks reception to meet fellow Bitcoiners and get the weekend started.
DAY 0
NOSTRSHIRE
9am - 6pm — 20 NOVEMBER — PENDULUM HOTEL
Nostrshire is the UK’s first full-scale Nostr conference, bringing together builders, developers, creatives and enthusiasts under one roof, all in one day. We would have added freedom fighters to the list, but we would say that all these people are on the cutting edge of freedom, privacy and decentralisation technology.
NATHAN DAY
btcmap.org
THE CRYPTO DONKEY
ForgeSworn
DEREK ROSS
Soapbox
PABLO DENVER
BAO.MARKETS
GEMMA
Yojimble
PETER YARED
Layer3.press
TOM DWYER
BITS
AJ
Nostr.dev
SHORT FIAT
Fanfares.io
BEN ARC
LNBits/Nostr.com
DAN GERSHONY
Angor.io
AVI BURRA
Plebchain Radio
NOSTRSHIRE AFTERPARTY
NPUB DUB
6:30pm - 1am — 20 NOVEMBER — JOSHUA BROOKS
Connecting rebel music with rebel money and rebel technology. nPub Dub brings reggae, dub and sound system culture together with Bitcoin, Nostr and the New Music Economy. Expect soundsystem legends, artists, performances and plenty of vibes.
DJ KULLAR
ROOTS REBELLION
RAS KEYLEB
MEGUMI MESAKU
MAD MUNKY
KIRIT MAGIC
DAY 1
BITFEST
9am - 6pm — 21 NOVEMBER — PENDULUM HOTEL
Bitfest is the centrepiece of the weekend. A full day bringing the wider Bitcoin world together under one roof for talks, workshops, exhibitions, art, culture, technology and a healthy amount of organised chaos. From developers and entrepreneurs to artists, activists, educators and everyday Bitcoiners, it’s a day built around the people, ideas and communities pushing Bitcoin forward.
JOE NAKAMOTO
MC
SUSIE VIOLET WARD
Bitcoin Policy UK/
Journalist
NICHOLAS ANTHONY
HRF CBDC Tracker
JAN-WILLEM BERGER
Deciphering Bitcoin
BEN DE WAAL
Cyber Anarchist/Bitcoin OG
NIGEL SHARP
Kitchen Mishap
ROB GASKELL
Appold
KARLIATTO
Bleskomat/
ContextBTC.org
GARY SMITH
BSE Conference
BITOSHI BLOCKAMOTO
Bitmap.land
PHILIP CHARTER
Totally Human Writer
NZONDA FOTSING
Conférence Bitcoin Afrique
SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
DAY 1
PEPE.X
ALL DAY — 21 NOVEMBER — GALLERY & EXPO ZONE
Pepe.X is where Bitcoin internet culture escapes the timeline and becomes a real-world experience. Memes, digital art, games, creators, collectors and unapologetically online culture collide in a space celebrating the weird, creative and occasionally ridiculous side of the Bitcoin community. Serious conference behaviour is entirely optional.
FZERO
REBEL MONEY
NATHAN SONIC
DARKY
AFTERPARTY
NEW MUSIC ECONOMY CONCERT
6:30pm - 12am — 21 NOVEMBER — FAC251
The New Music Economy brings together musicians, DJs, creators and fans exploring what happens when music meets Bitcoin, Nostr and Value for Value. Part concert, part experiment and part late-night celebration, it’s about putting artists and audiences back in control — then turning the volume up and seeing what happens.
ROGER 9000
G.O.L.D
LONGY
AKME
THE GREENSANDS
AIRKLIPZ
FABLE
ANDY PRINCZ
ROOTZOLL
MAD MUNKY
DAY 2
BITFEST SUNDAY SOCIAL
22 NOVEMBER — VARIOUS LOCAL VENUES
Bitfest Sunday Socials is the relaxed final chapter of the weekend. A chance to grab some food, have a drink, reconnect with people you met along the way and squeeze in a few more conversations before everyone heads home. No stages, no packed schedules and no rushing between talks; just Bitcoiners, friends and communities hanging out properly after a very busy couple of days.
GET TICKETS EARLY!
Early Bird pricing is available for a limited time, or register to stay up to date with changes.
With a range of ticket options available including Student concessionary, Child, Family and one day passes, Bitfest is accessible to everyone!
Bitcoin and Fiat Payments accepted!
OUR PARTNERS
Companies who have worked or exhibited with us.
WORK WITH US
Bitfest is a grassroots event and community working to communicate, educate and collaborate, putting community and creativity first.
Interested in getting involved with one of the most interesting Bitcoin events across the globe?
Use the forms below to get in touch!
SPEAK AT BITFEST
EXHIBIT AT BITFEST
FAQ
What is Bitfest?
Bitfest is the UK’s flagship Bitcoin festival, bringing together Bitcoin, Nostr, freedom technology, music, art, culture, workshops, gaming, businesses and communities for one packed long weekend in Manchester.
When is Bitfest 2026?
Bitfest 2026 runs from 19–22 November 2026, with different events taking place across the long weekend.
Where is Bitfest?
Bitfest’s main venue is The Pendulum Hotel in Manchester, with events taking place at nearby venues throughout the weekend.
Do I need to know about Bitcoin to attend?
Absolutely not. Bitfest is for everyone — from people who have been running nodes for years to people who have only just heard about Bitcoin. Come curious, ask questions and get involved.
How do I get to Bitfest?
Driving
From the North — M6 / M61
Follow the M6/M61 towards Manchester, then join the M60 following signs for Stretford. Take M60 Junction 12 and join the M602 towards Salford/Manchester. At the end of the M602, follow the A57 towards Manchester. Continue onto the A57(M) Mancunian Way and take the second exit, then immediately follow the slip road signed University/Sackville Street. The Pendulum is on Sackville Street.
From the South & Midlands — M6
Follow the M6 north and leave at Junction 19, taking the A556 towards Manchester. At the Bowdon roundabout, take the third exit onto the M56 towards Manchester Airport/Manchester. Continue to the end of the M56 and follow the A5103 towards Manchester. At the roundabout beneath the road, take the third exit following A57(M) / Sheffield signs, then take the second exit up the ramp onto the A57(M). Take the next exit signed University and immediately fork left onto the slip road for University/Sackville Street. The Pendulum is ahead on Sackville Street.
From London — M40 / M42 / M6
Follow the M40 north, then the M42/M6 towards Manchester. Continue on the M6 north and leave at Junction 19, then follow the South & Midlands directions above via the A556 and M56.
From Manchester Airport — M56
Take the M56 towards Manchester. At the end of the motorway, continue onto the A5103 towards Manchester and follow the same route as above: take the third exit at the roundabout following A57(M) / Sheffield, then the second exit onto the A57(M). Take the next exit signed University and follow the slip road for University/Sackville Street.
Public Transport
From Manchester Piccadilly:
The Pendulum is around a 10–15 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station, or a short taxi ride.
From Manchester Oxford Road:
The Pendulum is only a few minutes’ walk from Manchester Oxford Road station.
From Manchester Airport:
Direct trains run from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly, normally taking around 20 minutes. From Piccadilly, The Pendulum is a short walk or taxi ride.
Manchester is also well connected by rail from cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. There are several car parks within walking distance of The Pendulum, including NCP Circle Square on Oxford Road, which is just a couple of minutes from the hotel.
We’ll add further details, including any Bitfest/Pendulum parking discounts or codes, here once confirmed.
What does my ticket include?
There are several ticket options depending on how much of the festival you want to experience. A Full Bitfest Ticket gives you access across the main festival programme and includes the exclusive Bitflix Pre-Event Reception.
Can I buy a One Day Pass?
Yes. A One Day Pass can be used for Nostrshire on 20 November or Bitfest on 21 November, and includes access to all zones and the relevant afterparty.
What is Bitflix?
Bitflix is our Bitcoin Film Zone, returning this year as a pre-festival event. It kicks off the festival with a screening of The Six Billion Dollar Man, followed by the Bitflix Pre-Event Reception. It’s a chance to start the weekend with a great film, good conversation and the wider Bitfest community.
Who can attend the Bitflix Pre-Event Reception?
The Pre-Event Reception is an exclusive benefit for Full Bitfest Ticket holders. One Day Pass and Afterparty-only tickets do not include access to the reception.
Are children welcome at Bitfest?
Yes. Bitfest is family-friendly, and children are welcome. For ticketing purposes, a child is anyone under 16.
Can I leave my children in the Kids Zone?
Yes. The Kids Zone is a supervised play space for children during the festival where they can play safely while parents enjoy the event. It is not intended as a formal childcare or day-care service. The team are DBS checked and appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place.
Where can I see the full agenda?
The full agenda, including timings, speakers, workshops, performances and other programme details, will be published separately as we get closer to the festival.
Can I pay for my ticket with Bitcoin?
Yes. Bitfest tickets are available to purchase in Bitcoin or fiat.
I've never been to a Bitcoin event before. Will I fit in?
Definitely. Bitfest is deliberately broader than a traditional Bitcoin conference. Whether you’re a hardcore Bitcoiner, a Nostr user, a builder, artist, musician, entrepreneur, parent or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, you’re welcome.
Are there any discount codes for accommodation?
Yes. We’re partnering with The Pendulum and other local hotels to secure discounted accommodation rates for Bitfest attendees.
Hotels, discount codes, rates and offer expiry dates will be added here as they are confirmed. We’ll keep this section updated throughout the run-up to Bitfest.
I have a different question. How can I get in contact?
Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Register now to join our community and get notified about Bitfest updates!
