If you live in Manchester, you've already seen the huge billboard adverts and noticed that some of your local theatres are getting ready for the 2015 Manchester International Festival. But the great thing about this fortnight of first-time events is that it attracts so many visitors to this great city.
So, if you're thinking of attending but need a helping hand, here's a guide to the MIF highlights - and answers to some frequently-asked questions:
What is MIF?
Described as "probably the most radical and important arts festival today" by the New Yorker, the Manchester International Festival is the world's first festival of original, new work and special events. Taking place biennially, it launched in 2007 as an artist-led commissioning festival presenting ambitious new works of performing arts, visual arts, music, theatre, dance and family events.
Where does it take place?
Events are staged all across Manchester and Salford in a variety of venues including the Palace Theatre, The Bridgewater Hall, the Opera House, The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery. Some free events take place in public spaces, such as Manchester Peace Gardens, MediaCityUK, the Town Hall and Deansgate.
What to Read Next
Non-traditional venues are sometimes used like the Manchester Velodrome, derelict railway station Mayfield Depot, an old office building in Spinningfields and the Festival's specially-built Pavilion in Albert Square.
Can I work at MIF?
Applications have now closed but recruitment for MIF17 opens in January 2017, and you can get more information by emailing volunteering@mif.co.uk. If you're looking for paid jobs, head to http://www.mif.co.uk/about-us/jobs/.
What else can I see and do?
If you love culture but just want to sit and watch the bearded hipsters walk by, then Festival Square is ideal for you. It's free to get in and you can chill out, but still feel part of the festival, as there are DJs, acoustic events and food and drink available.
Catch Björk for one night only
If you're a Björk fan, then you may have bought a ticket to see this one-off gig at the Castlefield Arena on Sunday, July 5. This is an outdoor venue, so you'll hopefully be able to catch Björk's unique vocals on a hot summer night as she sings songs from her latest album Vulnicura. Tickets are sold out, but make sure to contact MIF for returns.
Celebrate the art of DJs
10x10: Four Tet - Live in Concert is a celebration of spinning the decks and is on for two nights at the Mayfield Depot on July 17. It features the likes of Tyondai Braxton, Koreless and Eat Your Own Ears, so If you fancy an all-nighter, this is for you.
Damon Albarn has a night off from Blur
He may be the toast of the indie music scene again with the return of Blur, but Damon Albarn is also a regular at MIF, having created Monkey and Dr Dee. This time, he premieres wonder.land in this new musical spin on Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Directed by the National Theatre's Rufus Norris â€" the man behind cinema hit London Road - you can expect this one to get you curiouser and curiouser. The show will be staged at the Palace Theatre from June 29 until July 12.
Get up close and personal with FKA twigs
Tahliah Barnett's debut album LP1 has been met with high praise, and now you can watch in awe live as the singer and dancer makes seven short films at ITV's old Granada Studios from July 9 to 15. This unique event has sold out, but more tickets will be available via Twitter and Facebook nearer the time.
Jamie xx invites you to the ballet
Mercury Prize winner Jamie xx teams up with choreographer Wayne McGregor and visual artist Olafur Eliasson to present Tree of Codes, a contemporary ballet inspired by Jonathan Safran Foer's book at the Manchester Opera House from July 2 to 10. The book was literally cut from the pages of Bruno Schulz's story to create a new narrative, and this production has taken two years to make.
Maxine Peake follows Hamlet with a haunting fantasy drama
The Village actress Maxine Peake stares out at you with menace in her eyes in the artwork for Caryl Churchill's enticing play, directed by the visionary Sarah Frankcom. Peake plays the title role in The Skriker, which follows a shapeshifter who can turn into various beings.
Following the success of The Masque of Anarchy at MIF two years ago, Peake and Frankcom have a great track record. The Skriker takes place at the Royal Exchange Theatre from July 1 to 18 - it's sold out, but some more tickets will be released soon.
Broadchurch's Charlotte Rampling leads Neck of the Woods
British actress Charlotte Rampling stars in this twisted tale about a wolf staged at the excellent new Manchester arts hub HOME, from July 10 to 18. Intimate and beguiling, this promises to be one of the highlights of MIF. The play is sold out, but restricted view seats will be on sale soon.
Professor Brian Cox unveils a hugely ambitious project
There is a huge mystery surrounding Cox's Age of Starlight, which is scheduled for the Old Granada Studios on Sunday, July 5. It's been dubbed the "most technologically advanced and high-risk commission MIF has ever undertaken". So ambitious in fact, that the full show is still in development, and so it will be more of a taster for the final product.
Cox said: "The Age of Starlight will invite us to face the biggest questions about our existence, our place within the universe, and the origin of our universe itself, using new technology to create an experience beyond anything that has been possible before."
Adam Buxton introduces his funniest friends
Comedian and actor Buxton presents his latest material with a little help from his friends at the Pavilion Theatre from July 3 to 5. Buxton's shows are a guaranteed laugh, so his latest project is bound to be worth a watch. Tickets are sold out, but more may become available this week.
Take the kids to The Tale of Mr Tumble
Justin Fletcher plays this CBeebies favourite in a new show which also features comedienne Ronni Ancona as Miss Eerie. One-time Voice UK contestant Samuel Buttery (who went on to star in the Boy George musical Taboo) also features in this family event at the Manchester Opera House from July 11 to 19.
Manchester International Festival runs at various venues from July 2 to 19. Find out the full programme and more information at http://www.mif.co.uk/events/
