THE KIROV Ballet is to perform outside London for the first time, to mark the three-year anniversary of The Lowry.

Since it opened, the centre in Salford has become an award-winning showcase for drama, dance and art, with sell-out shows and more than 1,000 productions.

It has also been central to the successful regeneration of the Salford Quays area.

The Kirov is to bring its work to The Lowry from its Mariinsky Theatre home in St Petersburg.