Crippled With Laughter at Aviva Studios

A dreamlike film and installation by award-winning artist Juliet Ellis, exploring identity, strength and impermanence. A visually arresting highlight of MIF25.

Manchester will once again become the world’s stage this summer, with Manchester International Festival taking over venues and spaces across the city and beyond.

Festival Square is the beating heart of Manchester International Festival 2025, returning to its riverside location once again.

For the first time ever, MIF joins forces with The Royal Ballet to present a bold new adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s seminal novel.

It was a huge hit at MIF23 and went on to tour the world. We’re thrilled that Benji Reid’s acclaimed live photography show returns to Manchester this spring.

Following the release of their 12th album, Come Ahead, the iconic Glasgow band Primal Scream perform in the Warehouse space at Aviva Studios.

Artist Social for all creatives at any stage for their career to network, mingle and connect with Factory International.

Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?

Expect wild acrobatics, outrageous cabaret and electrifying variety when acclaimed Irish sensation THISISPOPBABY come to play at Aviva Studios.

Playable art installations, Shakespearean adaptations, contemporary cabaret, hip hop and live photography, Factory International bring another electrifying Spring Season.

Try your hand at stand up comedy with an eight week intensive course with Dave Williams in the Frog and Bucket’s School of Comedy.

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

Beat the Frog is a legendary amateur comedy night, taking place each and every Monday. Many famous names prove it’s the real deal.

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

Providing award-winning Comedy since 1997, XS Malarkey is a not-for-profit comedy club, hosted every week by Toby Hadoke.

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

Comedy, song writing and virtuosic pianists collide with Athanasia Kontou to form an unexpected line up at Halle St Michael’s church.