Book now: MACFEST 2020 celebrates Muslim heritage in Manchester

Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, better known as MACFESTUK, will return to Manchester and the North West in January 2020 for another celebration of literature, music, food, history, film and connecting communities. Following the success of MACFEST 2018, the award winning festival has expanded and partnered with several festivals in the North to bring even more events to its programme. Opening with a weekend festival which will take place at the British Muslim Heritage Centre on Sat 11 and Sun 12 of Jan (following Saturday’s opening day keynote from Professor Salim-Al Hassani about Science and Muslim civilisations), over two weeks of (mostly free) events will follow, spanning from Mon 13 to Fri 31 Jan. Founder, curator and executive director Qaisra Sharaz FRSA, an international novelist, educationalist and award-winning peace activist, says that the festival ‘celebrates the diversity and richness of Muslim heritage in our country’. Must-see events include celebrations of literature, art, comedy and performance, including a stand up set from comic Tez Ilyas, screenings of  the powerful film Unanswered Call about Uighur communities of East Turkestan and musical events at The Lowry and The Whitworth. The festival also promises panels discussions throughout, featuring politicians such as House of Lords member Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, artist Lord Richard Fou-ad Macleod and writers Myriam Francois-Cerrah, and Yvonne Ridley. With events taking place over two weeks in various locations around Manchester, including John Rylands Library, The Royal Exchange Theatre and the Manchester Museum, there’s sure to be something for everyone at this incredibly culturally rich and diverse festival.