Factory International

The Welcome

11 – 19 November 2023. We’re celebrating the opening of our new space with a spectacular series of events and performances chosen by the people of Greater Manchester – and everyone is welcome!

Over nine days this November, we’re filling every inch of Aviva Studios with a cultural celebration like no other. Wander from showstopping live performances to immersive installations. The Welcome is a celebration of Greater Manchester, its people and our building.

The Welcome is curated by the Factory Assembly, a wonderful group of local residents who have spent the past two years working on a dream programme. We asked them, if you had the run of this place, what would you do and who would you invite? Together, we can’t wait to share the results.

The Welcome showcases the full spectrum of talent across our region alongside international names too. Explore the programme below and pop by this November and see for yourself.

What's On ↓ 

Highlights

  • Kalabanté Productions: Afrique en Cirque

    11 – 15 NOVEMBER | Kalabanté Productions roll into town with their dynamic, high-energy celebration of Guinean culture

  • Inside Out: This is Manchester

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | Celebrate the faces who make Manchester with these larger-than-life portraits of the best of us

  • Leeroy New: Balete Spacecraft

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | Artist-designer Leeroy New takes over the Social at Aviva Studios with a colourful commentary on consumerism

  • Company Chameleon: Deep Flow

    19 NOVEMBER | Find your flow in this mass movement choreography from Company Chameleon and the people of Greater Manchester

  • Street Culture Takeover

    18 NOVEMBER | We’re bringing the rebellious spirit of the streets inside with a day packed with the best of Manchester’s rich street culture

  • Street Culture Shut Down Party

    18 NOVEMBER | Manchester DnB legend DRS headline a night of music and tricks featuring the UK’s top BMX riders and skaters

  • Ming de Nasty: Under Construction

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | Celebrate the unseen work and workers that have built Aviva Studios with these powerful portraits from Ming de Nasty

  • The Welcome: Community Takeover

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | Celebrate The Welcome with a series of free events at Aviva Studios

  • The Welcome: Soundtrack

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | An exciting showcase of music from across Greater Manchester and beyond

  • 100 Waving Kites

    11 – 19 NOVEMBER | Celebrate our new chapter at Aviva Studios with a kite display made by young people across Greater Manchester

  • Factory Settings

    Always on | Switch on and step into a world of colourful characters by artist Jack Sachs

What's on by day

What's on by theme

Talks and Tours

CREATED BY THE PEOPLE OF GREATER MANCHESTER

"We're an amazingly diverse group of people aged 17-70 from across Greater Manchester. Most of us don’t have a background in the arts but we all have a passion for the city, our local communities and for bringing people together to have fun.”

Meet the Factory Assembly →

The Welcome Daily

Your guide to making the most of The Welcome. We’ll tell you what to read, watch, listen and do with input from the curators Factory Assembly.

The Story of Aviva Studios

Explore the journey from ambitious idea to landmark cultural venue through four commissioned projects
Read →

Watch

A participant performing in rehearsals

Building Worlds: Deep Flow

00:02:33

Kevin Edward Turner talking

Company Chameleon | In the Studio

00:07:29

Group photo of Factory Assembly

Building Worlds: The Welcome

00:02:19

Artist Leeroy New with one of his sculptures

Leeroy New | In the Studio

00:08:27

Food & Drink

A pepperoni pizza and margherita pizza and three cocktails on a table
There's something for all tastes at Aviva Studios. Check out our latest offers like half price pizza slices throughout The Welcome and a bake and tea or coffee for under a fiver. Thirsty? We’ve got 2 for £12 cocktails and £4 Amstel pints all day every day. Click below for more on our menus and the latest deals.
Find out more →

Visit us

We are open 10am-11pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Entry to Aviva Studios is free.

Calm Spaces

As part of The Welcome, we’re trialling spaces to chill out. We have Recalibrate and Recharge spaces that provide low sensory and low sensory social environments. These spaces are open throughout most of The Welcome and are available to visit during performances. It would be great if you let us know what you think if you use them.

  • One Recalibrate Space (a low sensory environment) on the third floor (please note that before and after Afrique en Cirque this space will not be quiet)
  • Two Recharge Spaces (a lower sensory social environment) both on the ground floor, one in the Social itself and the other in the tunnel to the Science and Industry Museum.

Sensory tools will be available in these spaces. You can also borrow sensory bags and tools (fidget toys, ear defenders and plugs, eye masks and visors) from our information desk.

Resources

Membership

  • Become a Member

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  • Young Factory

    If you're age 16-26 join today for free and you’ll get discounted tickets for gigs, exhibitions, the theatre and other arty adventures.
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