Celebrating creativity, community, and connection, this year’s theme More in Common reflects a shared desire to build understanding and prevent divisions in society caused by fear and misinformation, championing the power of art to unite people across cultures.
Curated in collaboration with the Arts & Migration Group of international artists, Horizons 2025 pays tribute to those who advocate for unity, justice, equality, and reconciliation. The festival honours the artists and communities building bridges, creating connections, and challenging hate and despair while celebrating the richness of global cultures through a week of visual art, film, community events, family-friendly workshops, and live music.
Horizons 2025 kicks off at Band on The Wall on Thu 12 Jun, where Manchester’s global diaspora takes centre stage, celebrating Band on the Wall and CAN’S World of Song programme.
On Fri 13 Jun, audiences can look forward to a live panel presented by Refugee Action, the unveiling of a new public commission by photographer Pinar Yildiz, performances from local musicians, and our Horizons Festival After-Party.
On Sat 14 Jun, families are invited to dive into a day of creativity with free activities and workshops including paper mosaic and print making, a traditional Palestinian Dabke dance class, Ukrainian Petrykivka painting, and clay tea light making in honour of Diwali.
Art lovers can celebrate the unveiling of a brand-new exhibition at our Inspire Gallery created by WAST (Women Seeking Asylum Together). Plus, a vibrant showcase of theatre, dance, live music, and animation will take place in Theatre 2, as we host our Global Youth Takeover created by young people from Afrocats, Community Arts North West, Band on the Wall, and Culture Bridge’s community-based creative engagement programmes.
On Sun 15 Jun, we present Arts and Migration On Screen, a captivating series of short films from animation to experimental documentary exploring migration, belonging, and community through the eyes of local filmmakers.
Tickets for Horizons 2025 are on sale from Fri 2 May.
You can check out our official festival announcement here.
