A host of leading artists from the world of art, music and performance are coming together for the start of the Manchester International Festival.
It includes the Prima Donna opera by musician Rufus Wainwright and a collaboration from Mercury Prize winners Elbow and the Halle Orchestra.
The 17-day festival starts with German electronic musicians Kraftwerk playing at Manchester Velodrome later.
The first Manchester International Festival was held in 2007.
This year also features a multimedia production created by Blur frontman Damon Albarn, which includes more than 40 acrobats, vocalists and martial arts experts.
The BBC's Culture Show will broadcast three programmes from the festival.
RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Manchester International Festival
BBC Manchester
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