Manchester International Festival 2017

Summary

Thank you for joining us this last 18 days and for making the festival a success. Scroll back to remember some of the higlights of MIF 2017 and see you in 2019!
Manchester International Festival ran from 29 June and 16 July 2017
Talk to us @mifestival on twitter & mcrintfestival on Facebook

Live Reporting

the Manchester International Festival team

Tonight is a tribute to our brave, our bold, our bestpublished at 19:20 BST 29 June 2017
What is the City but the People?

#loveMCR
#whatisthecity
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Birds-eye view of the spectaclepublished at 19:16 BST 29 June 2017
Or, seeing as it's Manchester, a bee's eye view?

What Is The City But The People?
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Sneak a peek backstage...published at 19:08 BST 29 June 2017
What is the City but the People?

Our stars get themselves ready to take pride of place...
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The brightest lights of the city gatherpublished at 19:06 BST 29 June 2017
Watching the stars of Manchester being celebrated

Image source, MIF/Hayley Kerridge
Image caption,
Mary Anne Hobbs opened What Is The City But The People? with festival Artistic Director John McGrath
BBC Radio 6 Music legend Mary Anne Hobbs is curating a series of pioneering gigs as part of this year's festival, find out more about her Dark Matter series, external
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Evening: the great, the good and the crowdpublished at 19:05 BST 29 June 2017
Part 1, What is the City but the People?

Lily
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Look at her. This is Lily, she can tell you about the antics of the city. About raves, the 142 night bus and the tragedy of spice in Piccadilly.
Quote Message
I live in Fallowfield. It's in Gorton district, Manchester. I live there because it's my end and I've spent my life around M14. I love it. Nowhere I feel better or safer walking around. – Lily
Vincenzo
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
More than the job, Vincenzo loves the service he provides. If you're happy the bin is empty, he's happy he empties the bin. He cleans the Town Hall. His dream is to own an ice cream shop.
Pat
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
This is Pat, lead councillor for the city centre. He loves parades.
Zaynah
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
You can't love every animal, so Zaynah will be a doctor, not a vet.
Samina
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Samina connects people. Her optimism comes from her mum.
Talat
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
In between property deals, Talat drove medical aid to Syria. Sometimes they all get in the car to search for the end of the rainbow.
Carl
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Carl was in the Boys Brigade, Simon was a Cub Scout. Last year they were Lord Mayor of Manchester and Consort.
Simon
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Carl was in the Boys Brigade, Simon was a Cub Scout. Last year they were Lord Mayor of Manchester and Consort.
Bruce
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Part Fagin, part Pied Piper, Bruce is behind-the-scenes Mr Manchester Music
Lemn
Image source, Hamish Brown
Image caption,
Lemn is Chancellor, no less, of the University of Manchester. Not bad for a lad brought up in care who didn't know his own name.
Bez
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Oh! it's Bez. Bez from the Happy Mondays. Do us your dance Bez.
Day: For Love and Moneypublished at 19:03 BST 29 June 2017
Shakar & Shabnam: A love Story…

Shakar
Image source, MIF
Here's another love story. Part 1.
For a few nights, Shakar slept on a bench in these gardens. Under a lamp post to his left. It's no longer there.
He worked in a garment factory to his right. That's gone too. In his pocket, a packet of Nice biscuits to last the week.
One evening on the top deck of a bus he spies the girls from school. Shakar calls to her. A Woman on the bus says - Love, he's calling you.
We're well underway, and the atmosphere is electricpublished at 19:01 BST 29 June 2017
#loveMCR

What Is The City But The People?
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Day: For Love and Moneypublished at 18:57 BST 29 June 2017
Part 2, What is the City but the People?

Sally
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Sally was too short to be a police officer. So she chose to be a criminal barrister
Beekeepers Richard, Kay and John
There are beehives dotted across the rooftops of the city. Inside the bees are organised, buzzing, working hard.
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Richard
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Kay
Quote Message
I zip wired across the Manchester Ship Canal between the Imperial War Museum and Lowry Theatre to raise funds for a cancer charity. - Kay, beekeeper
John
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
John
John and Mel Slattery, Ann and Steve Barnes
The second oldest profession in the world. Baking. The Slatterys have been doing it for the last 50 years.
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
John Slattery
Quote Message
I am a baker working in our family business. In 1989 and 1991 we were awarded British Bakers of the Year. You can take the boy out of Wythenshawe but you can't take Wythenshawe out of the boy - John
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Mel Slattery
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Ann Barnes
Quote Message
I work in our family business. We are bakers, confectioners and chocolatiers. The business was started by my parents 50 years ago - Ann
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Steve loves seeing the loaves laid out of a morning
Colin
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Colin volunteers at Ordsall Hall. He's never seen the ghost. But once there was the smell of roses which went as soon as it came
Rose
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
"All my life I wanted to be a Mum. When that was fulfilled I became a PA" - Rose
Quote Message
In 2005 I assisted the Dam Head Residents Association in applying for and receiving the funding for an under 5's play area. I was a small part of the group who consulted with the local community to provide a safe, local, play area which had been sought for 35 years. I was asked to officially open the play area and on arrival discovered it had been named after me! - Rose
Atul
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Atul gets into work at 3.30am. Because he loves it. And he only does things that he loves. Lucky man.
Quote Message
I design spaces, people call them interiors! We work in the city in the Northern Quarter so we always walk across (Piccadilly Gardens). It's always full of the people of Manchester, it's a bit like watching a play. It's an amazing place, especially when the sun is out - Atul
What are we listening to?published at 18:54 BST 29 June 2017
That's our composer, Graham Massey

The powerful soundtrack is being created live by legendary electro-rock pioneer Graham Massey and a host of local talent.
Learn more about Massey's work and legacy on his Soundcloud:
Day: for love and moneypublished at 18:47 BST 29 June 2017
Part 1, What is the City but the People?

Vinnie
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Vinnie walks, noticing the city's changing skyline. He remembers the Electric Circus, Ranch, Pips and the Aaban.
Shameer
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
No, they're not twins. Shameer is good at most things, he says.
Shaquille
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Shaquille writes songs and gets mistaken for his brother.
Dan/Anna Phylactic
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
When Dan puts the gloves on, it all clicks into place
Michael/Cheddar Gorgeous
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
As a geeky, queer kid, Michael loved gods, monsters and dragons
Kieran/Donna Trump
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
"Donna is an extension of what I am" – Kieran
John/Liquorice Black
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
John never intended to be a drag queen. It was an accident.
Yasmeen
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Yasmeen works as a teaching assistant at the school she went to. She lives next to her Mum.
Iman
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Her daughter Iman goes to the same school.
Catherine and Edie
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Catherine's first year with Edie has been profound and bonkers. Her job is researching politics and government. A lot's gone on this year.
Bev
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Bev said goodbye to her husband - Jo had said he didn't want to linger and to take what was useful. So the machine was switched off and his kidneys donated.
Quote Message
Since the death of my husband 18 months ago, I am so proud of the way Gracie has coped with life. We have also realised that we have the most wonderful family and friends who have been there to support us. Gracie and I have also realised how precious and fragile life is. – Bev
Grace
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Grace said goodbye to her father
Bailey
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Bailey and Junior are part of a trinity. Their sister is in London.
Junior
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Bailey and Junior are part of a trinity. Their sister is in London.
Bruce
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Bruce is here to meet his blind date. What has he got to lose?
David
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
This David is a French floral artist with a shop called Frog.
David
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
And when this David is called to people in crisis, he invites God to go ahead of him
Quote Message
I help bereaved people remember loved ones by doing Pagan, Christian, Humanist and inter-faith funerals. I will marry any two people who genuinely love each other as equals. – David
Frankie
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Here's Frankie – Bruce's blind date. She thinks if he's brave enough to do this he could be the man for her. And if not? She'll go down the pub with her mates
Dawn: New beginningspublished at 18:45 BST 29 June 2017
Part 3, What is the City but the People?

Mickie
Image source, MIF
Mickie drove trucks in the army across Europe, Egypt and Palestine.
She's lived opposite the crematorium for the past 68 years.
This year, Mickie will celebrate her 100th birthday in a hotel.
Tonight, our city and its residents are the starspublished at 18:45 BST 29 June 2017
What is the City but the People?

#loveMCR
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No matter where you are, or where you're frompublished at 18:41 BST 29 June 2017
We're proud to welcome you to Manchester

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Dawn: New beginningspublished at 18:41 BST 29 June 2017
Part 2, What is the City but the People?

John
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
John Robb
Vincent
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Vincent is retired but looking for a new job to get him out every day. As a lad he'd visit the Gardens with his Mum and Dad.
Quote Message
The greatest thing that has happened to me recently is my visit to the Philippines to see friends and tell them about Manchester. I am looking forward to my return visit to the Philippines and to be able to take gifts from Manchester with me - Vincent
Helen
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
"My cancer was a blip. Drinking was 25 years. Death was in the post. Now I look up"
Chris
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Chris stood on the rooftop of the empty Ducie Bridge pub. He wanted to say; "People could live here". Instead he got two months bed and Breakfast in Strangeways.
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
The big tower that howls. Ian designed that and much of Manchester after the IRA bomb.
Keep watching our live-stream for all the juicy detailspublished at 18:34 BST 29 June 2017
Learn more about our stars

We'll be posting the stories and details of our Manchester stars as they walk - get ready for amazing tales, inspirational origins and a truly sensational portrait of our beloved city....
Image caption,
Amazing to see so many people gathered in Piccadilly Gardens!
Dawn: New beginningspublished at 18:33 BST 29 June 2017
Part 1, What is the City but the People?

Stefan
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Stefan leaves his room at 6am to sell the big issue at Victoria Station, every day he sees hundreds of people pass him by
Jennifer and Baby James
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
James drew his first breath on Sunday Morning, this is his first time out in the city amongst it all. And Jen's return too.
Quote Message
Having my first child Thomas changed my life - like going from black and white to pure technicolour! I can't wait to meet our second son... - Jennifer
Sermed
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Sermed will qualify as a doctor in July- his nightshifts end at 8.30am
Quote Message
When the refugee crisis began in 2015, I started a fundraising campaign through a Facebook video. It was an eye-opening experience that I will never forget, and I hope to do more humanitarian work in the future - Sermed
Lina
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Lina is hopeful for Syria after the war. Until then she is a fish out of water.
Kate
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
Kate chose her own name. She was christened Andrew. She stayed in Manchester to transition, she felt the city owed her.
Quote Message
I have been a single trans woman for over 5 years and recently met an amazing trans man who is now by boyfriend. I am a big Kate Bush fan and when I transitioned I called myself Kate in her honour - Kate
Colin
Image source, MIF
Image caption,
8.50am every morning, Colin takes a different route across the Piccadilly. He's thinking about leaving, making a new path.
John McGrath introduces the showpublished at 18:31 BST 29 June 2017
What is the City but the People?
John McGrath
Artistic Director, Manchester International Festival

Quote Message
Manchester has been showing the world that it is a city that comes together and loves its people. And this piece is a celebration of that.
Preparing to live-stream. We're ready...published at 18:20 BST 29 June 2017
The stars are ready...

Let's get this started, right Peggy?
#mif17
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From 6 days old, to 100 years old - the stars of our runwaypublished at 18:13 BST 29 June 2017
What Is The City But The People

Image source, MIF
Image caption,
What Is The City But The People?
Mere minutes until the official opening of this year’s festival - as the final prep is done and the whole of Manchester gathers, we’ll run you through a few key stats…
What Is The City But The People?
Number of participants: 140
Length of runway: 100 metres
Oldest participant: 100 years old
Youngest participant: 6 days old
Our livestream begins now, so stay here!
Dress-code for tonight's openingpublished at 18:11 BST 29 June 2017
Poncho-formal?

Ready for What Is The City But The People?
To those who prepare to brave whatever weather Manchester throws our way... we salute you.
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