Taking place over nine days in November 2023, and filling every inch of the building, it’ll be like the biggest party you’ve ever seen. We’re not just having a few folks round and cranking up the music, though; The Welcome is your invitation to celebrate the breadth of creativity all around us and to get as many of you involved as we can.

The programme’s more than a year in the making, with our wonderful group of local residents – the Factory Assembly – calling the shots and developing the entire series of events just for you.

They’ve working closely with our team, as well as with acclaimed artists here and abroad to put together a programme that includes the best of circus, music, fashion, food, exhibitions and more.

We set out to experiment, play, go all out. We asked locals, if you had the run of this place, what would you do? Who would you invite?

The Welcome will showcase the full spectrum of awesome talent right here - the best of Manchester but with an international flavour... and a few secret ingredients.

Wander from gig to show, to something you don’t know. Go on a creative tour of the building and tuck into tasty treats with the family. Or why not become part of the performance, share your hidden talent, learn a new skill, make a friend?

That’s what Factory International’s about – meeting people and having fun.

So join us for our massive celebration, right here in Manchester.

Updates coming soon. Watch this space!

Presented by the Factory Assembly and supported by The Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.