Manchester International Festival has confirmed that a major part of its 2023 programme will go ahead as planned, after the death of prolific composer and headlining artist Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The Oscar-winning composer and Japanese pop pioneer died on Tuesday last week at the age of 71.
Sakamoto had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 2021, saying at the time of his diagnosis that he would be ‘living alongside cancer’.
His death has been met with waves of sadness from those in the music and film industry, and beyond.
Manchester International Festival had just recently announced Sakamoto as a headlining artist for MIF23, with a groundbreaking new ‘mixed reality’ concert created by the composer in collaboration with Tin Drum.
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They have now confirmed that Kagami will go ahead as planned, ‘in accordance with his wishes’.
Factory International said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ryuichi Sakamoto. We send our condolences to his family and those closest to him at this time.
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“In accordance with his wishes, our production of Kagami will go ahead during MIF23 as part of his unique legacy.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ryuichi Sakamoto. We send our condolences to his family and those closest to him at this time.
In accordance with his wishes, our production of Kagami will go ahead during MIF23 as part of his unique legacy.
— Factory International (@factoryintl) April 2, 2023
In response to the bittersweet announcement that the show will go on, one person wrote: “I’ve been a big fan of his for 40 years, saw him play the RFH in 1996 & booked my tickets for Kagami yesterday. Am so very sad but glad the show will go ahead in his memory.”
Another person said: “Unfortunately expected, but very very sad. I am so glad we have the chance to see Kagami. Another piece of his beautiful legacy.”
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Someone else wrote: “Can’t quite believe this, having enjoyed Sakamoto’s work and delving into his back catalogue the last few years. Was already so excited for Kagami in July, but this will be all the more poignant now.”
Kagami will ‘fuse dimensional moving photography with the real world to create a never-before-experienced mixed reality presentation’ when it premieres in Manchester this June, as part of MIF’s wider festival programming.
Paying tribute to Sakamoto, Professor Brian Cox wrote: “He was a big part of my ‘80s musical experience – initially for me through his work with David Sylvian and Japan – but of course he leaves a magnificent catalogue of music behind.”
Massive Attack wrote: “An honour to share Meltdown 08 with you maestro. A genius, & a gentleman.”
REST IN PEACE RYUICHI SAKAMOTO
“Here am I, a lifetime away from you…”
Sad to learn of the passing of actor, composer, and producer @ryuichisakamoto. The renowned Japanese artist passed on Tuesday 28th March aged 71.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 11 – 17 May 2026
Emily Sergeant
How has May been treating you all so far?
Now that this month is well underway, and summer is right around the corner, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from blossom trails, to museum exhibitions, days out, and more.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 11 – Sunday 31 May
Blossom and Bloomtown 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 11 May – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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NEW OPENING – Egg & Co
Deansgate
NEW OPENING – Egg & Co / Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester’s very-own Egg & Co has opened the doors to its first solo restaurant this week, promising some of the best breakfast butties in town.
Located just down the road from Eggslut, but undercutting them on price by several quid per sandwich, this is a local business that wants to start your day off the right way.
Grab an egg sandwich and a truffle hash brown, because these breakfasts are no yolk.
The Flat Baker Pistachio Festival / Credit: The Manc Group
A festival dedicated to all things pistachio is officially back in Manchester this weekend.
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Back again by popular demand, nowhere does pistachio quite like Debs and her team at The Flat Baker, who have, once again, worked up a full menu of pistachio inspired bakes – from classic filled croissants to Basque cheesecakes, savoury bakes, and even drinks.
There are vegan maritozzi, and gluten free brownies too, so no one has to miss out on the bakery event of the year👇
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
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Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know.
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Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
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It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Akon speaks on his connection to Manchester after run of Co-op Live gigs
Danny Jones
Music veteran Akon has recently discussed his connection to our city following his run of live shows here in Manchester.
In fact, he went so far as to say he feels much more affinity here than he does with ‘The Big Smoke’.
The seasoned Senegalese-American rapper, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and humanitarian, teamed up with fellow chart-topper Ne-Yo for not just one, not even two, but three whole nights at Co-op Live this May as part of their co-headline tour across the UK and Ireland.
Chatting with Simone Riley on BBC Radio Manchester before the third and final gig of the trio, Akon admitted that there’s “something about Manchester” that he loves way more than London.
As you can see, while he couldn’t quite put his finger on what exactly is about it in the North compared to the capital, he said simply that “it’s crazy here”, and he loves it.
Same, mate. Same.
Admitting that he feels “more attached to Manchester than London” and labelling the energy from the crowds as “stupid” up here (he meant it in a good way, we promise), Simone couldn’t help but confess her joy over his comments.
He’s not the only global superstar to have recently shouted out their affection for 0161, either, as Billie Eilish also said something similar.
Speaking to the mainline BBC at the premiere of her Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), she said that while the dates lining up were certainly a key factor, there were other reasons why she chose Manchester to film her new movie.
Our Audio North team were also lucky enough to chat with Akon’s touring partner Ne-Yo recently, too, who also had nothing but good things to say about us as a place to play.
As for Akon, the 53-year-old has obviously played here plenty of times over the decades, with last year’s tour being his first return in a decade.
That being said, given how glowingly he’s spoken about us and how popular these joint performances were, we reckon it won’t be that long before he comes back.
Last but not least, we obviously couldn’t resist going along to at least one of the nights for ourselves; listen to what we had to say about the tour in our full review down below.
Daisy Jackson -
4th April 2023 
