Cast of thousands all set for outburst of creativity
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TALKS ABOUT WHY THIS YEAR’S MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL SHOULD BE THE BEST EVER
WITH only days to go before the opening of Manchester International Festival, one person knows better than most how much hard work is going into making this year’s festival the best yet.
Artistic director John McGrath says this year’s festival has something for everyone, with a cast of thousands of local people taking part alongside world-renowned international artists.
He said: “Only days away now from our opening and the city is bursting with creative artists from all around the world. Hidden in galleries, theatres, warehouses, and even car parks – busy putting the finishing touches to their bold and beautiful ideas.
“What makes this year special though is that we have literally thousands of local people who are all part of this creative outburst, taking part in different events throughout the festival.”
For the first time, MIF starts this year with a free public performance – open to everyone – at 6.30pm in Piccadilly Gardens, on June 29.
What Is the City but the People? is a unique event, featuring hundreds of individual Mancunians – from the ordinary to the extraordinary – each walking a 100 metre fashion runway through Piccadilly Gardens, creating a very special portrait of the city. With huge video screens and a fantastic live band, an audience of thousands is expected, so it’s worth getting there early.
The skills of Mancunians are featured in a range of other productions this year too. For Fatherland at the Royal Exchange Theatre, a chorus of Manchester Men joins professional actors.
John said: “Hundreds of blokes have been attending special vocal training sessions. Think of a cross between Only Men Aloud and a Football Crowd!”
There’s also still time to sign up to ‘My Festival’ to hear about other ways to get involved – volunteering, training workshops, or local projects.
John said: “Whether you come to a free event, buy a ticket for a special show, sign up to My Festival, or just soak up the sunshine at Festival Square, join us for 18 extraordinary days in Manchester.”
Find out more at www.mif.co.uk.