Factory International

MIF25 callout: Festival Square

Calling all Greater Manchester talent – apply to perform on MIF25’s Festival Square

Two members of Sens Sagna & the Kajamor Family performing on the stage at Festival Square. The lighting is red.

Perform at MIF25

Festival Square is back for MIF25 – and this year, it’s bigger than ever! 

Festival Square is the beating heart of Manchester International Festival – a place where audiences gather to discover new artists, experience incredible performances and celebrate the energy of the city.

From 3 to 20 July, we’re taking over the Social and the Undercroft, the outdoor space at Aviva Studios. Apply to be part of a vibrant hub of live performances, workshops and events that showcase the incredible talent of Greater Manchester.

Apply now →

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hear from performers, musicians and creatives across all genres who live in Greater Manchester — whether you’re a steel band, folk musician, hip hop collective, dance troupe, community choir, classical ensemble, DJ, or something completely unexpected. 

We’re also looking for artists who can bring music workshops, dance sessions and even live podcasts to the space. If it’s exciting, engaging and brings people together, we want to hear about it.

What We’re Looking For

  • High-quality performances that captivate and inspire.
  • Original work that reflects your artistic voice.
  • Events and performances that create an uplifting, inclusive atmosphere.
  • Artists who celebrate the breadth of talent across Greater Manchester.

All performances take place on a 4m x 5m stage, so please consider what’s possible – we’re happy to work with you to make it happen.

Why Get Involved?

Whether you’re leading a workshop, performing live or hosting a podcast, this is your chance to be part of a major international festival — and all performances are paid.

We actively encourage applications from those who reflect the diversity of Manchester, including musicians from all areas of the city, marginalised communities and genders, and those with disabilities. 

FAQs

Yes! We have a live performance fee of £300 and a DJ fee of £150.

They are 30 minutes each.

We’ll have a basic backline that we encourage everyone to use. Due to the nature of the site and the programme there will be a very minimal soundcheck time and so be prepared for this in advance.

All performances take place on a stage no larger than 4m x 5m, so please consider what’s possible – we can work with you on this too, if you have an idea you want to explore.

Please select Other and tell us how you would describe yourself.

Unfortunately travel costs are not covered, so need to be considered within the performance fee.  

Everyone will find out whether their application has been successful the week of 17 April.

How to apply

Apply now →

Key dates

Applications open: 24 February, 12 noon (BST)

Deadline: 23 March, 12 noon (BST)

Applicants Notified: w/c 17 April

For more information on our equal opportunities policy, visit: factoryinternational.org/policies/mif-equality-policy

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