The ex Blur and Gorillaz will be performing his ‘The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows’ project on July 13^th, and will be accompanied by a string quartet. Many artists have been announced along with Albarn: indeed, MIF 2021 will also see the participation of Billy Nomates, The Lounge Society, Pip Millett and more. The festival’s press release anticipates that the event will offer ‘a unique snapshot of these unprecedented times’ while playing ‘a key role in the safe reopening of the city’s economy’.

MIF’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, John McGrath, explained: ‘I am thrilled to be revealing the projects that we will be presenting from 1-18 July this year – a truly international program of work made in the heat of the past year and a vibrant response to our times. Created with safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything, it is flexible to ever-changing circumstances, and boldly explores both real and digital space. We hope MIF21 will provide a time and place to reflect on our world now, to celebrate the differing ways we can be together, and to emphasise, despite all that has happened, the importance of our creative connections – locally and globally.’ You can find more information on the festival here and tickets here.

Damon Albarn, class 1968, is a musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is internationally known for being Blur’s frontman and lyricist and member and songwriter of Gorillaz. Albarn has multiple side projects, including his own solo career, and has composed music for movies and theatre scripts.