The highly anticipated Manchester International Festival is set to return from June 29 to July 16, showcasing an array of exciting new theatre, music, art, and more across venues throughout

the city. With a combination of unique events, including a city-wide treasure hunt and inflatable artworks, as well as the opportunity to explore the new arts center, Factory International, before its official opening, this biennial arts festival promises to be a captivating experience.

One of the festival's highlights will be a major exhibition featuring Yayoi Kusama's inflatable sculptures, titled "You, Me and the Balloons." This extraordinary exhibition will be housed within the vast warehouse space of Factory International, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Kusama's mesmerizing world. Additionally, esteemed curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and footballer Juan Mata will join forces to explore the intersection of art and football, while musicians and composers such as Alison Goldfrapp, Afrodeutsche, and photographer Benji Reid will present their new works.

Excitement will also be buzzing at the all-new festival square outside Factory International, where a diverse lineup of 190 artists, bands, DJs, and musicians will take the stage throughout the festival fortnight. Best of all, these events are free of charge, allowing everyone to enjoy the music while indulging in delicious food from various vendors. Don't miss out on performances by renowned Manchester band A Certain Ratio, The Orielles, Dutch Uncles, and a captivating 'in conversation' on-stage interview with Canadian artist Peaches.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the exciting events happening at Manchester International Festival 2023:

Yayoi Kusama's Inflatable Sculptures: A major exhibition featuring the renowned Japanese artist's captivating inflatable sculptures will take center stage at Factory International, offering a unique visual experience.

City-Wide Treasure Hunt: Embark on a thrilling treasure hunt across Manchester, searching for collectable coins and discovering hidden surprises along the way.

Celebration of Water: Head over to Mayfield Park for an immersive experience celebrating our connection to water through a captivating blend of theatre, arts, dance, and music.

Lost Dystopian Masterpiece: Explore the depths of the John Rylands Library as Maxine Peake brings a lost dystopian masterpiece to life in a mesmerizing adaptation.

The Trequartista – Art and Football United: Curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and footballer Juan Mata collaborate on this unique project, uniting contemporary artists and footballers to create inspiring new works inspired by the legendary Trequartista position and style in football.

Although the festival was originally set to include a three-night residency by American singer Janelle Monáe, unfortunately, the performance had to be canceled due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.

With a diverse lineup of events, encompassing a wide range of artistic disciplines, Manchester International Festival 2023 is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, discover groundbreaking works, and celebrate the power of creativity in the heart of Manchester. Photo by Andy Miah, Wikimedia commons.