Guides
What's on
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Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Visual Arts at MIF25

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

Visual arts have always been a core element of Manchester International Festival, with unique exhibitions that push the boundaries of how art can be displayed and encountered. MIF25 returns with artists as storytellers, sharing ancient knowledge, looking into the future or revealing the secrets of their studios, all the while seeking a deep connection with their viewers.

Indigenous wisdom is generously shared by Santiago Yahuarcani in The Beginning of Knowledge, while FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE combines cultural ceremony and digital art.

Shilpa Gupta considers the importance of language and experiences gathered along the way in shaping our identities in You are the place. Venture Arts‘ pop up studio allows us a peek into the studio of artist Michael Beard alongside others while An Inheritance sees local school children create time capsules to be opened in 100 years’ time, in a display as considered as it is moving.

 

Seasonal Guides

Alcohol-free things to do in the North

January doesn’t have to mean hiding at home with fizzy water and The Traitors. Manchester’s packed with things to do without a pint in hand.
Festive Happening Camerata
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming – time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.

A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
New Year’s Eve in the North

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best options for seeing out 2025 in style – from wallet-friendly parties to some truly lavish experiences.
Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.
Christmas in the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
Visit Blackpool.
Christmas Markets in the North

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.

Destinations

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Ceramic Sculpture
Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford right now, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.