As co-founder of the now globally renowned Manchester International Festival (MIF), Christine Cort has played an instrumental role in the cultural renaissance of Manchester over the past 15 years or so.

Starting out in the late 80s as 'chief envelope stuffer' at London's famous Riverside Studios (working alongside the likes of Brian Eno, Kenneth Branagh and Vanessa Redgrave), Blackburn-born Christine spent a not entirely happy year at the Design Museum (having met Sir Terence Conran at a cocktail party), before joining Time Out in 1992 where - alongside visionary founder Tony Elliott - she helped to take the title across the globe, launching in dozens of cities including New York, Dubai and Istanbul.

In 2005, Christine & family left London to return to her native Lancashire, before a call from friend and collaborator Alex Poots just weeks later persuaded her to help him create the world's first festival of entirely new work - Manchester International Festival was born.

Here we discuss Christine's childhood in Blackburn; her memories of Manchester in the 70s & 80s; her time at university; first jobs; moving to London; Time Out; Manchester International Festival (of course), her recent decision to leave, and what's coming next...

Produced and presented by David Blake (all the people)