Fusing artforms, exploding boundaries and asking those pressing questions, Manchester International Festival returns to the city from 29 June to 16 July 2023.

The festival delivers world-class art to Manchester as well as bringing different communities together. Expect 18 beautiful days of extraordinary cultural events, performances and happenings taking place across the city.

Most importantly, MIF23 offers the chance to try something new. Dive into the unknown – experience world premiere performances and world-class art – as MIF pops up somewhere near you. There are lots of free events and £10 tickets available across all shows – so it’s the perfect opportunity to take a chance on something you might not have experienced before.

You’ll find walking-tour-meets-street-theatre in We Cut Through Dust – a free performance as you walk through the streets of Manchester guided by your mobile phone; a stunning and meditative new performance by leading European theatre company, Rimini Protokoll. The festival also hosts cabaret greatness – the legendary trans performer, Justin Vivian Bond will bring one special night of song and stories to the spectacular new venue, Factory International.

Meanwhile, audiences of all ages can enjoy Noah’s Flood, a joyful, one-of-a-kind opera and the ideal theatre show for a family outing. Finally, the festival will close with a super celebration of British South Asian music curated by Sam Malik.

Cast your eyes over the full programme and gather your friends and family together to try something fresh and unique. Your summer starts here – take a look at our suggestions for ‘something new’ to try at MIF23.

For our longlist of MIF23 happenings, head here.