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!

Since getting involved in the Manchester International Festival by hosting a festival in my house Future Feast back in 2019 and then being a co-creator of Looking Forward To Tomorrow (Environment Day and Equality Day) in 2021, I have been very lucky to join an amazing group of Greater Manchester Residents to form the Factory Assembly responsible for designing, planning and delivering The Welcome . The Welcome is a nine-day series of events  (11^th-19^th November) to welcome all the people of Manchester into Aviva Studios, the brand new arts and culture venue for Manchester located behind the Museum of Science and Industry on the old site of Granada Studios (my one time former employer!). Huge events, family friendly workshops and talks are all available for everyone to access and come and make Aviva studios theirs. It would be wonderful if you were able to attend some of the events as there really is something for everyone and it looks set to be an amazing and immersive cultural experience. The Factory assembly is a fantastic group of people who it has been and incredible privilege to work with and go on the massive journey with but nothing would be possible without the hard working team who work full time at MIF and Aviva Studio- their support, care, patience and dedication to realising this project in the way is was conceived and developed has been phenomenal and illustrated just what can be achieved when an organisation really invites in and supports people. I could not be prouder.