Big Imaginations Festival

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Big Imaginations Festival

Z-arts, Manchester
19 October-5 November 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Big Imaginations
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Families across the region rejoice as The Big Imaginations Festival of family theatre brings nine remarkable shows to 26 venues across the North West this autumn.

Expect astonishing light shows and musical adventures, the wisdom of ancient fables and the newest kinds of fairy tales from renowned artists and theatre companies from all over the globe.

Crucially, this festival is about the diversity of the world and cultures around us which is reflected in this cracking range of theatrical experiences. Big and little kids alike can immerse themselves in stories which are a true reflection of their own and shared worlds and the variety of experiences which surround us all.

We love that this wonderful partnership working from venues across the region, led by Manchester’s Z-arts, has not only resulted in a festival of such relevant and high quality work for family audiences but it’s relatively affordable too.

We also love the diversity of venues from grand halls to village halls, theatres to libraries and community centres. Across one fortnight throughout Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Yorkshire, children of all ages can be inspired by innovative dramatic adventure and families can make lasting memories together.

What's on at Z-arts

Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts
FamiliesManchester
Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts

A free day of bizarre behaviour and exciting live performance at Z-arts. Expect the unexpected. Playful, unpredictable, and not easily forgotten.

Free entry

Where to go near Big Imaginations Festival

Venture Arts
Hulme
Gallery
Venture Arts, Manchester

Venture Arts is a progressive visual arts charity based in Hulme, Manchester, with a small exhibition space. It works alongside learning disabled artists to create and show exciting new collaborative visual artwork.

Clay Studio Manchester
Manchester
Event venue
Clay Studio Manchester

Clay studio was founded in 2016 to provide a dedicated workshop for new graduates, hobby ceramicists and experienced makers. The studio also offers a range of classes for students of all abilities.

Manchester
Event venue
Niamos Centre, Manchester

Niamos is a co-operatively run exhibition, arts, and performance space with a micro bakery, music studio’s, a kitchen and a holistic well-being space in the midst of transformation.

Hulme
Hulme Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre, originally known as the Hulme Hippodrome opened its doors on 6 October 1902. In 2018, the historic venue was relaunched as a community arts centre by NIAMOS – a collective of artists, musicians and local residents.

Homeground
Manchester
Event venue
Homeground

Homeground is HOME’s brand new outdoor venue, providing an open-air space for theatre, food, film, music, comedy and more.

Manchester Metropolitan University Brooks building, Birley Campus in Manchester
Manchester
Event venue
MMU Birley Campus

Birley is Manchester Met’s world-class centre for Education and Health Professionals and the university’s flagship community campus.

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