BLOOM

In December 2023, a group from Greater Manchester visited Osaka and Tokyo, along with partners from industry, culture, and sport. The trip was one of the UK’s most successful visits to Japan, marked by Mayor Andy Burnham and Mayor Yokoyama signing a historic agreement.

Mayor Burnham promised that Greater Manchester would return in 2025 with a cultural performance at Expo Osaka. Mixing music, fashion and dance, BLOOM premiered at Expo Osaka in June 2025 and will also be performed in Greater Manchester during Japan Week in September.

What is BLOOM?

BLOOM is a celebration of Greater Manchester’s contemporary creative scene. GMCA commissioned Salford-based creative producers From The Other to develop the brand new live performance; working with composer and DJ AFRODEUTSCHE, dance company Company Chameleon, and queer-led fashion brand Belladonis.

The show is built around the theme of change and transformation, inspired by the true story of three students from Satsuma, Japan, who travelled to Oldham in 1865 to study new cotton industry technology. By reflecting on this shared past between Greater Manchester and Osaka, BLOOM looks ahead to their connected future and a landmark year of cultural exchange.

BLOOM premiered at Expo 2025 in Osaka in June. It will debut in Greater Manchester at HOME on Friday 5 September, followed by shows at Hallé St Peter’s on Sunday 7 September and at Oldham Library Theatre on Tuesday 9 September.

Book a ticket for the Friday 5 September performance at HOME (external link)