Manchester International Festival

Created by the singular German artist and composer Heiner Goebbels and receiving its world premiere in Manchester as part of 14-18 NOW, this Artangel co-commission explores Europe since the outbreak of the first great war of the 20th century: a contradictory, non-linear world lurching from the crisis of conflict to the promise of peace as 100 years pass by.

Part-performance, part-construction site, Everything that happened and would happen is a re-enactment of history, always on the verge of collapse – only to be rebuilt as if nothing had happened.

Featuring 20 performers and musicians, this new work brings together live music, performance, sound, movement and image on the site of Mayfield, a former railway station in Manchester.

Each performance will last approximately three hours, with audiences invited to explore the space and experience the work from a range of different vantage points.

This world premiere is being presented with Manchester International Festival as a pre-Factory event for its new world-class arts space being developed in Manchester.

Extend your stay in Manchester and experience everything the city has to offer. From its unique and eclectic restaurants and bars, to its vast array of museums, galleries, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Manchester.

A huge number of attractions in Manchester are free including Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, the Museum of Science and Industry, Imperial War Museum North, and the People's History Museum, as well as the fantastic National Football Museum. For something different, why not head to The Lowry at Salford Quays, home to three stunning theatres and galleries, and while you're there explore the Northern home of the BBC with a studio tour (prebooking essential) and the home of one of the UK's best loved soaps, Coronation Street.

Explore Manchester's vast culinary scene with new restaurants, bars, gastropubs, micro breweries and cafes opening weekly. With foodie destinations such as the Corn Exchange and Mackie Mayor and independent brunch hotspots such as Federal and Evelyn's Cafe Bar.

Explore the below itineraries to help plan your visit, and take advantage of some of the great hotel and food & beverage offers too.

Save over 50%* on travel to Manchester when you book in advance at tpexpress.co.uk TransPennine Express run services into Manchester from across the north of England and Scotland.

*Terms and conditions apply’