Lock 91 Competitors

We are Salford and proud. The city we call home is at the heart of everything we do. Because where we’re from is why we’re here. We’re here to spread the joy of art and creativity, further and wider. We’re here to give space to different views, voices and opinions. And as a charity, we’re here to put every pound we make back into our work; supporting local communities, nurturing young talent and creating a programme as diverse and open minded as the city itself. In short, whatever you’re here for, whether that’s a show, an exhibition, an artist, a band, a comedian, or a workshop, we’re here for it.

Manchester International Festival (MIF) is the world’s first festival of original, new work and special events, staged every two years in Manchester, UK. MIF launched in 2007 as an artist-led festival presenting new works from across the spectrum of performing arts, visual arts and popular culture. MIF has commissioned, produced and presented world premieres by artists including Björk, Steve McQueen, Robert Wilson, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Jeremy Deller, Wayne McGregor, Maxine Peake, Boris Charmatz, The xx, Zaha Hadid Architects, Thomas Ostermeier, Damon Albarn, Punchdrunk, Elbow and Marina Abramović. MIF brings together world-renowned artists from different art forms and backgrounds to create dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking new work, staged in venues across Greater Manchester – from theatres, galleries and concert halls to railway depots, churches and car parks. MIF works closely with venues, festivals and other cultural organisations globally, whose financial and creative input helps to make many of these projects possible and ensures that work made at MIF goes on to be seen around the world. The Festival also works widely within Manchester with a new initiative called My Festival – a community of creative people from all backgrounds, ages and corners of the city who are forging closer connections with MIF. MIF’s Artistic Director and CEO is John McGrath, previously the Founding Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales. In 2017, MIF was confirmed as the operator of The Factory, a new £110 million cultural centre in Manchester due to open in 2020. MIF is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

Victoria Warehouse is an event space like no other in the heart of Manchester. Our heritage in the cotton trade has been a symbol of strength and innovation in the city for more than a hundred years. Now, we’re channelling that spirit into Manchester showmanship. The historic nature and unconventional surroundings of Victoria Warehouse have inspired Britain’s greatest brands. Co-op, Topshop, Mini, Jaguar Landrover, Kellogg’s and Manchester United have all chosen us to deliver an eclectic mix of sports and music shows, parties, gala dinners, conferences and meetings. And the verdict was unanimous: we are the venue for enthralling events. But it’s not just a venue. Victoria Warehouse is supported by a team that know two events are never the same. They work hand in hand with our clients to adapt the space for large and small-scale events alike. Victoria Warehouse can be anything you want it to be. The limit is your imagination. Our mission? To be an iconic and inspiring destination where the UK’s greatest events and experiences unfold. To be the place everyone is talking about.