Event Reviews

Review! MIF 7th April 2011

by Jennifer Simpson


Alex Poots, Festival Director of Manchester International Festival (MIF) gave a talk at Bruntwood on Thursday 7th April on the many delights of Manchester’s third International Festival.  The Festival launched in 2007, followed by the 2009 Festival which was a huge success creating an economic impact of around £35 million. With a focus on sustainability and creativity, the Festival relies on support from the public and private sectors whilst creating opportunities for local people to get involved in the action.

The event, which runs from 30 June to 17 July 2011 provides an excellent opportunity for artists from around the world to showcase their work which in turn provokes some exciting debate and discussion. Local, national and international Artists will take the lead with music, visual art, dance, theatre, culture and innovation. There is also the opportunity for the community to get involved by volunteering for all kinds of positions from Artist Liaison officer to Festival Fronteer. So far, MIF has had a great response from individuals wanting to volunteer, which just goes to show the pride Manchester bestows in its people.

Manchester is now internationally recognised as a platform to project creativity and innovation to the world arena. In this year’s programme some of the highlights will include, Björk’s ‘Biophilia’, an eclectic mix of music, nature, technology and science and Damon Albarns new work, ‘Doctor Dee’ which portrays the Elizabethan Alchemist who inspired the likes of Shakespeare and Marlowe. The Festival will also stage the work of the much acclaimed writer and performer, Victoria Wood with ‘That Day We Sang’ and the infamous Snoop Dogg, the latter of which has recently sold out due to such high demand. ‘The Life and Death of Marina Abramovi' is set to be an astonishing piece which focuses on Abramovi's true life events. Her startling work has even had the likes of Lady Gaga pay homage to it. 

These are just a few of the extraordinary world premieres set to hit the streets of Manchester and with such an exciting line up, there is no doubt that this year MIF will exceed all expectations with an explosion of colour, culture, music and art. The Festival has truly put this great city on the map marking Manchester as the place to be to see new and original work for the very first time

Jennifer Simpson is a Trainee Solicitor at Cobbetts LLP 

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