Last night's launch party for Manchester International Festival saw several famous faces amongst the crowds. Guests who had been to see either 'Tree of Codes' or 'wonder.land' gathered at Festival Square outside the town hall to celebrate the start of the 18 day festival of premieres and special events.
But there was a surprise in store when MIF director Alex Poots took to the acoustic stage, announcing a mini gig by Damon Albarn, who wrote the music for 'wonder.land'.
Albarn thanked Poots, saying he had changed his life, having worked with the Festival on previous occasions with 'Gorillaz - Demon Days Live', 'It Felt Like A Kiss' and 'Dr Dee'. He sang three songs to a stunned crowd, ending with Blur's 'The Universal'.
Watch the video below, (shot on a phone).
Read Time Out's review of 'wonder.land' and see what else is on at MIF15.