The world-class performances in beautifully restored and reclaimed spaces across Manchester made the International Festival (MIF) a rip-roaring success last week.
The 18-day festival ended on Sunday after attracting a quarter of a million people to more than 300 performances of new commissions and special events.
MIF made headlines around the country most notably for the outstanding staging of Macbeth – starring and co-directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Alex Poots, artistic director and CEO of Manchester International Festival, praised the new and found spaces used.
“For MIF13 we’ve explored some of the city’s hidden places,” he said.
“It’s been a revelation to see crowds in Mayfield Depot and the Albert Hall and a joy to welcome artists like Maxine Peake, Kenneth Branagh, The xx, Massive Attack and Tino Sehgal to bring these amazing spaces back to life.”
As well as a host of original spaces, the festival also utilised many of Manchester’s existing venues and galleries.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, praised the success of MIF and the economic boost it brought to the city.
“The fourth Manchester International Festival has built on the success of previous events and once again proved a remarkable showcase for the city,” he said.
“It attracted a great many visitors and stimulated imaginations and debate.
“As well as being a remarkable artistic success with memorable and in some cases headline-grabbing shows, it will undoubtedly have provided a major economic boost to Manchester as well.”
Picture courtesy of Manox via MIF Press, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
