A mini city of shipping containers springs up at MediaCityUK, the new home of BBC Children’s Television.

Some containers are miniature performance spaces, some are specially adapted recording and animation studios. And some are kitted out as interactive installations allowing the very young to explore a fantasy world of sounds and music.

Following the huge success of Manchester International Festival’s previous children’s programmes, Music Boxes was a musical playground specially designed for children. From jamming with fantastical new musical instruments, to opera for the under-twos, from making a DIY pop video to learning how to play the ukulele, Music Boxes was fourteen days of musical magic.

Music Boxes was held at MediaCity UK, Salford in July 2011.

Commissioned by MIF Creative, BBC, Salford City Council and Abu Dhabi Festival.

Produced by Manchester International Festival and CBeebies.

With support from Association of Greater Manchester Authorities