Theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls and the media will take the Festival to the whole of the UK and beyond.

A programme of music, visual arts, dance, literature and exhibitons will be within the reach of everyone, from local workshops to huge international events.

Cultureshock is a groundbreaking arts programme in the North West forming the hub of the cultural strand of The Spirit Of Friendship Festival. A snapshot of the programme can be found in our Events Diary , alongside some of the many events taking place in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.

The Spirit of Friendship Festival will run from 11 March - 10 August 2002. Find out how you can be a part of it by emailing festival@manchester2002.co.uk.