Street party to launch £25m Manchester arts hub

Film director Danny Boyle will host the opening evening of the Bank Holiday weekend event

A new £25m arts centre will open in Manchester next month with a funfair-themed street party event hosted by film director Danny Boyle.

Called Home, the city centre cultural hub will include theatres, galleries, cinema screens, a bar and a restaurant.

Plans have been announced for an official launch party over the Bank Holiday weekend of 21-25 May.

It will feature film screenings, chatshow-style discussions, live musical performances and storytelling.

On 21 May, Burnley-born Trainspotting director and Home patron Mr Boyle will host an evening culminating in a pyrotechnics display that will ring the centre, created by the merger of Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre.

'Informal and friendly'

Films, plays and music featured during the celebration will also have a Mancunian theme, organisers said.

Home's chief executive Dave Moutrey said: "We want everyone to feel welcome in our new Home, and that's what this weekend is all about.

"In addition to the bold international contemporary art, theatre and film for which we're known, the launch will see a whole host of activities for all the family take over our new spaces and the surrounding streets.

"It'll be five-day celebration that's fun, informal and friendly."