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Don’t Miss at MIF23

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

An exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s psychedelic larger-than-life inflatable art, a new work by the prolific Japanese experimental composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and the world premiere of Kimber Lee’s lauded untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play. The Manchester International Festival 2023 programme is packed with unmissable events – a true celebration of Manchester, its culture and its people.

Running from 29 June to 16 July, at this year’s festival you’ll find extraordinary events taking place in our favourite theatres and cultural haunts, as well as well-trodden public areas newly transformed into lively performance spaces. Most thrillingly, this year’s festival offers the first opportunity to step foot inside Factory International‘s spectacular new venue, with the Kusama exhibition, – titled You, Me and the Balloons, the first major showing in the space.

Further highlights of the festival include a musical theatre retelling of Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta’s cult 1977 novel, The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions  and a live fusion of choreography, theatre and photography in Find your Eyes, by the award-winning photographer Benji Reid.

With all the eyes of the world on Manchester this summer, read on for more details of those ‘don’t miss’ events happening at Manchester International Festival.

For our longlist of MIF23 happenings, head here.

Seasonal Guides

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Mother’s Day in Manchester and the North

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Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

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Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
Alcohol-free things to do in the North

So you’re off the booze and you’re wondering what there is to do in Manchester that doesn’t involve drinking…
The Little Prince
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Looking for things to do with the family over the February half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.
Valentine’s Day

Don’t leave Valentine’s Day to the last minute. You’ll find plenty in our guide, from top restaurants to outside-the-box activities.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
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Destinations

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
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It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

We shelter here sometimes promo image. Featuring My Dog Sighs inside and abandoned building.
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
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Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

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