The full programme for the Manchester International Festival this summer has just been announced:

The Festival incorporates over 25 specially commissioned productions, performances and projects, created by an extraordinary shortlist of leading artists from across the spectrum of culture, the arts and innovation – including Damon Albarn, Carlos Acosta, William Orbit, Heston Blumenthal, and Johnny Vegas.

Acknowledging Manchester’s pivotal role in music, the Festival programme will have a focus on new music – premiering work by established and emerging international musicians, such as PJ Harvey, Kanye West, Happy Mondays, Ojos de Brujo and The Noisettes.

MIF also promises to work with local universities and icons for the inaugural biannual event, which runs from 28 June to 15 July. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 30 March.

The Guardian, however, is offering £5 off the best available seats for the 2 and 3 July performances of Monkey: Journey to the West. To get your £32.50 or £37.50 tickets click here and enter the code GRDN2.

Not exactly affordable art for the masses, is it, especially when you add on Ticketmaster’s £1.50 service charge and another £1.40 for the privilege of collecting your ticket. But that’s another debate entirely…