The Manchester International Festival (MIF) is a large-scale, multifaceted event held every two years. First officially launched in 2007, it has since gained immense popularity and become one of the leading global festivals for music, dance, and culture, showcasing new and original works. Read more on manchesterski.com.
The History of the Manchester International Festival
The festival’s origins trace back to 2005 when a special pre-festival commission proposed the idea. The first grand musical event was held in 2005 at the Manchester Opera House, featuring the renowned band “Gorillaz.” This event is considered the precursor to the iconic Manchester International Festival. Notably, the performance was later released on the DVD Diamond Days Life.
Another musical highlight followed in 2006, with the city hosting “Young Voices” and an 8,000-strong school choir performing works by Ennio Morricone and Nicholas Royle under the title School Festival Song.
In 2007, the festival featured an art installation created by Steve McQueen in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, addressing the 2003 Iraq War. The installation served as a tribute to British soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict.
Since then, the event has become a biennial tradition, known as the Manchester International Festival. It has evolved into a platform for innovative and cutting-edge exhibitions and performances across various art forms, including music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. The festival has been held every two years since July 2007.
Key Features of the Manchester International Festival
The Manchester International Festival is a vast and diverse event covering various aspects of cultural life. A hallmark of the festival is its commission of new and exclusive works created specifically for the event. This initiative involves collaboration with artists, musicians, performers, and creative minds from around the globe, promoting their work on an international stage.
Initially featuring primarily local artists, the festival has expanded to include performers from other countries alongside Manchester-based talents. This blend of global and local stars creates a unique and inclusive atmosphere.
The festival also stands out for its use of multiple venues across the city, including theatres, galleries, public spaces, and unconventional locations. This approach maximises public engagement, attracting people from diverse backgrounds.
Over the years, the festival has evolved to feature not only musical performances, dance, and theatre but also experimental and interdisciplinary projects. These works challenge traditional artistic boundaries and offer visitors innovative experiences.
Notable Programmes and Artists at the Manchester International Festival
Over the years, the Manchester International Festival has hosted numerous performances and featured a wide array of global and local artists, including:
- 2009: Kraftwerk, Steve Reich, Marina Abramović, Manchester-based alternative rock group Epiphany, theatre troupe Punchdrunk, De La Soul, Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson, Antony and the Johnsons with Manchester Camerata, Carlos Acosta, and The Durutti Column. The main events were held at the Manchester Velodrome, generating a profit of £0.2 million.
- 2011: Björk, Damon Albarn, Snoop Dogg, Marina Abramović, Victoria Wood, WU LYF, D/R/U/G/S, Air Cav, Punchdrunk, Sinéad O’Connor, and more. Key performances took place at the Palace Theatre, with the festival generating £0.1 million in profit.
- 2013: Maxine Peake, Kenneth Branagh, The xx, Massive Attack and Tino Sehgal, Rob Ashford, and Kenneth Branagh. The central performances were hosted at the Palace Theatre.
- 2015: A record-breaking number of visitors, surpassing the expected turnout by nearly 10,000, attended the festival. Renowned global artists performed during the event.
- 2016: A notable production of Giselle by the English National Ballet and Sadler’s Wells Theatre was staged during the festival.
The Manchester International Festival Today
By the 2020s, the Manchester International Festival had firmly established itself as a significant cultural event, attracting attention and visitors from across the UK and around the world. The festival continues to push the boundaries of artistic innovation, offering a platform for both renowned and emerging artists while contributing to Manchester’s reputation as a global cultural hub.