From June 29 to July 16, Manchester, England, will host a vibrant lineup of international artists for the Manchester International Festival 2017. Founded in 2005, the festival brings together bold new commissions, performances and installations across the city, staged in historic and contemporary venues alike.
Highlights this year include the unveiling of the Soviet-era statue of philosopher and writer Friedrich Engels as part of the interactive project Ceremony. The work features a live film event that traces the statue’s journey and chronicles its placement in the city, creating a powerful moment of public reflection.
Performances to watch for include Cotton Panic!, a new piece devised by Jane Horrocks—best known for her role as Bubbles in Absolutely Fabulous—working with Nick Vivian and Wrangler alongside Stephen Mallinder. This show will take place within the dramatic Victorian setting of Upper Campfield Market Hall, making full use of the venue’s soaring architecture.
The festival programme also includes an immersive theatrical experience, Party Skills for the End of the World, created by Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari with Abigail Conway. A range of talks and debates is on offer too, including Interdependence: We Need to Talk, a provocative forum addressing some of today’s most pressing and divisive topics.
Digital and sound-based works form a strong thread through the schedule. One notable example is One of Two Stories, or Both, a radio composition and sound installation presented in five episodes by Field Bagatelles. Alongside these offerings, visitors can expect dance, music, film, theatre, and food events that together create a lively and diverse cultural programme.
Getting around Manchester during the festival is straightforward. The city’s Metroshuttle provides complimentary bus services linking the main train stations with multiple central locations, while the Metrolink tram network offers extensive connections across the region.