Factory International

Endless Summer

Photo of Aviva Studios in the sun
Tickets

Our Endless Summer programme runs until 31 August 2023.

Our programme takes place at Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, and at our outdoor areas.

Accessibility features available for this event: Wheelchair Access

Inspired by all things Kusama, come hang out at Aviva Studios this summer for endless joy

Now that MIF23 has finished, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Throughout the summer, we’ve got a bumper series of free activities, gigs and DJs on the cards.

From 17 July, we're winding down Festival Square and getting our outdoor space summer ready. Our riverside hangout will be be back soon and open throughout the day – perfect for sipping an afternoon pint, grabbing a cuppa or picking up a bite to eat in the endless sunshine (we hope!)

Come evening, head indoors to our brand-new café and bar The Social, which will come to life with local bands, DJs and performers every Thursday to Sunday as part of Summer Sounds. And from 22 to 27 August, we’re celebrating Pride with a very special programme in collaboration with local artists.

We’re embracing the playfulness of Yayoi Kusama’s You, Me and the Balloons exhibition, with plenty of free, self-led learning activities to get stuck into. There's also free workshops for children led by local artists, makers and creators which invite you to dive into Kusama’s polka dot world. And of course you can also visit the exhibition while you’re here.

There's something for older kids and young adults too – our Young Creatives workshops include street dance, movement, creative writing and drawing workshops all inspired by Kusama’s psychedelic artworks.

Watch this space for more info on activities and music day-by-day.

Photo: Mark Waugh

What's On

Booking info

Our Endless Summer series is free to attend – keep an eye on our social media channels and newsletters for when more details about our workshops and programme are released.

Access information

Here you can find access information for Aviva Studios. If you have specific access needs that aren’t yet addressed, please email access@factoryinternational.org prior to the event and we’ll do our best to help.

The full address of the venue is Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ and the what3words is chop.feeds.chase.

There is step-free access to all outdoor areas at Aviva Studios. Once inside Aviva Studios, there is step-free access to all areas of the venue. The flooring throughout the building is smooth concrete.

The entrance to the Hall is by lift, escalator or stairs from one side of the Social beside the brick arches.

The entrance to the Warehouse is by lift or stairs from the Social. Two lifts and a staircase to the Warehouse are located in the Social opposite the bar.

The Social has a range of seating, including those with arms and backs.

The bars in the Social and Hall Foyer have lowered accessible service points.

Our building is large. We have portable stools available to borrow if you would benefit from resting along the way during your visit.

We have wheelchair spaces and seats at standing events for all events.

There are accessible toilets on all public levels of our building.

Accessible toilets (a mixture of wheelchair accessible cubicles with right- or left-hand transfer as well as accessible ambulant cubicles with grab rails) are located in the brick arches in the Social.

There are additional accessible toilets located in both Hall Foyers.

You do not need a key to use the accessible toilets.

Assistance dogs are welcome at Aviva Studios, and we can provide mats and water bowls on request. If you are bringing your assistance dog to our Endless Summer series, we would appreciate you letting us know in advance by emailing access@factoryinternational.org.

Travel information

The venue can be approached along Water Street (coming from Quay Street) or along Liverpool Road (coming from Deansgate or Castlefield).

The Water Street route is the quickest way to arrive at our City Square entrance (the main entrance for this show).

Our closest stations are:

Salford Central station: 0.4 miles

Deansgate station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram: 0.6 miles

St Peter’s Square tram: 0.6 miles

Manchester Victoria station is approximately one mile from Aviva Studios

Manchester Piccadilly station is approximately 1.3 miles from Aviva Studios

Click on the links above to find detailed access information for each station.

Free bus services stop at all city-centre stations, and near to Aviva Studios along Deansgate, Bridge St and Quay St. Buses on these free routes are wheelchair accessible. For full details of the free bus routes, please visit the TfGM website.

There is a car park approximately 0.6 miles from the event entrance at Water Street Car Park, New Elm Rd, Manchester, M3 4JH.

There is also a NCP car park (Manchester Spinningfields) approximately 0.5 miles away from the venue at Spinningfields, New Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3BE. It has 35 accessible bays.

There are a small number of Blue Badge spaces along Water St and Quay St. Otherwise head towards Liverpool Road, Great John St and Lower Byrom St – close to our neighbours, the Science and Industry Museum where there are a small number of additional Blue Badge spaces.

For a list of other parking bays available in the area, visit Manchester City Council website.

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