Everyone loves a good spoof – and that’s what the eagle-eyed among us might have spotted around town:

Yup, the Best of Manchester Awards posters have been re-imagined as ‘Best of Manchester Notions’ – click above for a larger version, and check out the ninja symbol top right in particular.

The (official) organisers love it and are appealing for the designer to come forward. They’ll get their space within the BoMA exhibitions. Alternatively, anyone who helps out with some detective work will get a couple of tickets to the awards night. Email marketing at urbis dot org dot uk.

No sooner had I posted about Steve Reich’s ticket competition than two more present themselves – this time from City Inn hotels:

It’s our 10th year anniversary and are celebrating by giving you the chance to win VIP tickets to see Antony and the Johnsons perform at Manchester Opera House on 3 July. Simply go to http://www.cityinn.com/tenth-anniversary/,  select the exclusive event you wish to be in the draw for and submit your email address.

The prize this time includes two tickets to the show and champagne reception, plus a room, three-course meal and full English breakfast for two people.

The chain is also offering the same prize for the Kraftwerk/Steve Reich show on 2 July – click here for more information.

With Manchester International Festival just three weeks away, Mancubist’s comprehensive (read: fairly haphazard) coverage is gearing up. First off, here’s a tip-off about one of your last chances to get tickets to possiby the festival’s biggest event:

Thought you’d be interested to know that the good people at Boosey & Hawkes are giving away 2 tickets to the sold out Kraftwerk/Steve Reich gig, complete with hotel, dinner and… backstage passes!

And in fact the prize includes two nights at the Radisson Edwardian, dinner at The Market Restaurant – plus a chance to meet Reich. To win, you need a Twitter account and then to visit @SteveReich for a series of questions. Check out the latest answers here, and get your own answers in by Friday.

The American composer (a bit of a hero of mine) will be having his new work 2×5 premiered by Bang on a Can at the Manchester Velodrome on 2 July. I’m sure you know what Kraftwerk are all about, but for an introduction to Reich’s music, visit his Myspace. Or if you fancy splashing out, I highly recommend this album by Powerplant, which features music by both.

Finally, I hear that a handful of tickets might be released nearer show time – so keep checking the MIF site if you don’t win.

Ear to the Ground, organisers of events such as D:Percussion, have been in touch about a launch party for Manchester’s bloggers. Here’s what they say:

Come along to the Bay Horse on Thursday to find out more about the Cutting Room Experiment. This is the event which could see hundreds of people bouncing around in the biggest Space Hopper race ever, a huge silent disco and a mass dance routine to Michael Jackson’s Thriller just to name a few. Until votes close on Friday, May 29 anything could happen!

With an interactive website, this event wants the audience to get involved, come up with their own ideas and also vote for their favourites in each stream.

And this is where you come in – bloggers are the new influencers and we want you to get involved. Have a look at the website – www.cuttingroomexperiment.com – there are 12 streams on everything from architecture and design, dance, pop music, art and craft, literature and loads more to make sure there is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy. Get voting or if you have a better idea, then put it down.

And to kick off  ‘the biggest user-generated event ever attempted by the people of Manchester’, they’re offering bloggers a free pint at the Bay Horse on Thomas Street. Head down at 6.30pm tomorrow, Thursday, for a chat and to claim your two complimentary units of alcohol.