FAMILY FUN AT MIF

DIANNE BOURNE ON THE CHILD-FRIENDLY SIDE OF MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

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MANCHESTER International Festival has returned in July with a host of arts and cultural events across the city and wider Greater Manchester region.

And the good news for families is there are a host of events taking place that are suitable for younger audiences - and many of them are free to attend.

The big opening event at the biennial festival was an epic moment in the city centre - as a herd of life-sized animal puppets took to the streets.

The Herds saw a parade of animals, which have been journeying across Africa and Europe to make their arrival in the UK, stalk the city on Thursday July 3. It then headed on to Heywood the following day July 4, and Pennington Flash on July 5.

Also taking place as part of MIF 2025 will be a huge new exhibition where international football stars have collaborated with acclaimed artists.

The Football City, Art United event has seen the likes of Manchester United star Eric Cantona team up with artist Ryan Gander, and fellow former Red Shinji Kagawa collaborate with artist Chikyuu no Osakana Ponchan on a new Japanese Manga cartoon images.

There will also be the return of Festival Square at Aviva Studios, an outdoor space with food and drink stalls as well as a series of free arts and music events taking place across the festival from July 3 - July 20.