Damon Albarn Joins Line-Up For Manchester International Festival
Blur and Gorillaz mainstay Damon Albarn has been added the line-up for this year’s Manchester International Festival.
The event takes place between 1 and 18 July and will see its participating artists reflect on ideas such as love and human connection in a post-coronavirus world. Last month, organisers announced Patti Smith and Arlo Parks as performers.
It’s been confirmed today (27 May) that MIF 2021 will see Damon Albarn present his ‘The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows’ project, which the much-acclaimed musician showcased during last weekend’s Live At Worthy Farm stream.
Albarn will perform on 13 July at Manchester International Festival, where he’ll be joined by a string quartet.
Rema, meanwhile, are set to headline the festival’s Homecoming Live showcase on 17 July, joining the likes of Midas The Jagaban, Anz and Julie Adenuga. Meanwhile, Billy Nomates, The Lounge Society, Pip Millett and more have been added to MIF’s Festival Square bill of free events. For more information visit the MIF’s official site.
According to a press release, Manchester International Festival 2021 will offer up “a unique snapshot of these unprecedented times” while playing “a key role in the safe reopening of the city’s economy”.
MIF’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, John McGrath, explained: “I am thrilled to be revealing the projects that we will be presenting from 1-18 July this year – a truly international program of work made in the heat of the past year and a vibrant response to our times.Created with safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything, it is flexible to ever-changing circumstances, and boldly explores both real and digital space.
“We hope MIF21 will provide a time and place to reflect on our world now, to celebrate the differing ways we can be together, and to emphasise, despite all that has happened, the importance of our creative connections – locally and globally.”