Head over to Albert Square to catch the best bars and street food around for the MIF

This week sees the launch of the highly anticipated Manchester International Festival, with Albert Square once again being transformed into Festival Square; a pop-up hub of food, drink and live entertainment.

An eclectic mix of street food and good drinks awaits you for the duration of MIF, and the best part about it is that it's complete free entry! Celebrated North West chef Paul Heathcote will be kicking off culinary proceedings with tasty offerings such as griddled burgers and sushi platters, as well as their "Not Quite a Ploughmans" consisting of an interesting pie combination of Rhubarb, Pork and Black Pudding. Add in some tasty street food from such Northern institutions as Greedy Bassetts, Hungry Gecko and Ginger's Comfort Emporium and this isn't one to be missed.

But what about the drinks offering I hear you cry? Don't worry - MIF have covered all bases there with three bars situated within Festival Square serving a great range of cask ales including the specially brewed MIF Festival Ale. Festival Square will also house the Festival Pavilion hosting music sets from Delphic, Rob Da Bank and M O N E Y; which are all ticketed events - but there will also be a great range of free outdoor sounds, from brass bands to world music.

Festival Square, Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5PE

Open 4th July - 21st July: Midday til late.