Large Manchester Issue 15

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Issue 15 July 2010

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The Perfect Guide to the Perfect City

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Issue 15 July 2010

Hello One and All, At the time of going to print, it wasn’t clear whether England were through to the next stages or not but after the first few disappointing matches, fingers crossed their final game is a lot more productive. On the upside of the World Cup so far, it’s been nice to see Castlefield being utilised for screening the matches – such a beautiful part of town deserves to play host to this type of event and it’s a great occasion to bring the people of the city together.

A most significant milestone at Large has been reached this month with the launch of our website. The aim of the website is to provide you, the readers, with the latest news of what’s happening in Manchester, where to go and what to do on a daily basis. You can also read the latest version online and download some great offers to make life in Manchester that bit more cash-friendly. We would love to hear your thoughts on the website so visit www.largemanchester.com and please send us any comments to editor@largemanchester.com For this issue, we’ve taken an in-depth look at Manchester’s art scene focusing on graffiti art which adorns the walls and unused spaces of many buildings. The piece looks at graffiti art through a photographer’s lens and looks a little further behind the trend for graffiti art.

The weather has been spectacular in June so far so here’s to a cracking and sun-kissed July.

Until next time...

Sending Large Love.

20% OFF - SUMMER SALE NOW ON It’s shopping time! Choose from a stunning collection of living room furniture and sofas designed and made in Italy. Sale runs from 3rd July 2010 to 30th August 2010.

Natuzzi, 5th floor - House of Fraser Manchester PO Box 60 Deansgate, Manchester, M60 3AU T: 0161 839 6536 www.natuzzi.co.uk

Editor: Kelly Byrne Contributors: Lois Connelly, Alex Frost, Francesca Raphael, Natalie Shaw.

Snail mail: Large Manchester, 60 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ Website: www.largemanchester.com Email: editor@largemanchester.com, advertising@largemanchester.com Main Office: 0161 235 7270 Advertising: Contact Claire or Francesca on 0161 235 7270 Editor: Contact Kelly on 0161 235 7278 Disclaimer: ©2010. Large Manchester is published by Large Publishing Ltd. Large Manchester retains copyright.

All rights recognised. We cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited text, photographs or illustrations. Views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

Sankeys Best Club in the World

City Sounds

Sankeys has been voted Number 1 club in the whole wide world in the biggest poll ever run by DJ Magazine.

After 16 years at the top of its game in Manchester, the club has been given the greatest of accolades for its longevity, outstanding sound system and dedication to cutting edge sounds.

From humble beginnings back in 1994, the club has a seen a legacy of performers grace its stage including Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, Moby, Fedde Le Grand, and Steve Angello.

Club owner David Vincent says; “We will be adding a few nice touches to improve the club further in 2010... Whilst things have

progressed and the music continues to twist and turn things, Sankeys remains special.” He goes on to discuss how six cities around the world have influenced the development of Sankeys and that the long term plan is to open Sankeys in these six cities in the future... watch this space! L

Manchester Tourism Awards

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The winners of the Manchester Tourism awards were recently revealed with Chill Factore scooping the ‘Access for All’ Award, Radisson Edwardian coming top of the hotel league,

Manchester Art Gallery as a very worthy winner of ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and The River Bar and Restaurant at The Lowry taking the top spot in the restaurants category. L

Bye Bye to The Library Theatre The 4th July is not only significant for our neighbours in the US of A but also for us Mancunians as the magnificent Library Theatre closes its doors after nearly 58 years.

City Sounds

Since 1952, The Library Theatre Company has played a central role in the development of the people

and culture of Manchester. For the next four years, the theatre will take up residency at The Lowry before moving to the Theatre Royal in 2014, allowing them to keep the intimacy of the library but with more seating and better backstage facilities, reflecting the demands of a modern theatre. L

moon walk down to jacksons bar Formerly known as Moon Bar, situated at the waterside within Piccadilly Basin.

Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday till 11pm Friday & Saturday till 12pm

Aaron Mellor & Clint Boon

0161 228 2677 Enquiries: jacksons.bar@hotmail.com

New Faces at South

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Fresh from their acquisition of FAC 251, Tokyo Industries are taking over legendary city venue South after acquiring the club from its previous owner for the last fifteen years Paul Cons.

update South for its 15th birthday celebrations. Which in turn lead to take over talks. Paul has moved to London and decided his weekly travels to Manchester were getting a bit much so Mellor stepped in and the rest is history as they say.

Cons was previously the promotions manager at the Haçienda and Factory Records and Aaron Mellor, MD of Tokyo Industries was helping him to

Expect a sizeable investment, fresh interiors and serious improvement in the sound system. We can’t wait! L

Jacksons Bar

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20 Tariff Street

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Jacksons Warehouse

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Largemanchester.com

Log on each day to get a roundup of what’s taking place that day or you can skip forward to see what’s happening the next weekend, or even next month to make sure that you’re not missing out on anything exciting!

Diamond Duo

Ladyboys of Bangkok

If you’re in desperate need of your office or apartment cleaning then look no further, Large has uncovered a real treat in the powerful cleaning form of the Diamond Duo.

The impeccable Ladyboys of Bangkok are back to celebrate their 10th year in Manchester with their new fun-packed show ‘Fantasy and Feathers’ in The Sabai Pavillion on Sackville Street.

Mary and her staff have been working across Manchester for a number of years now cleaning with lots of TLC. From office spaces to city centre apartments, cleans start from £25 from top to bottom which when you break it down, is less than the cost of a take away.

The company also offer laundry facilities so if you really can’t be bothered with keeping on top of your washing then fear no more.

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There are also some great offers to take advantage of, the best news and gig reviews and much, much more. Be part of our growing family and log onto www.largemanchester.com L

They aren’t a big firm, which is reflected in their caring attitude and they work around you, so long shifts and busy lives don’t equal problems.

They do cleaning for many big property companies across the city centre including Shepherd and Gilmour and prestigious apartments in Beetham Tower so they come highly recommended.

Large readers get 10% off your first clean. Email info@diamondduo.co.uk or call 07961 342 585 for more details. L

The production runs from 2nd to 31st July meaning there is ample opportunity to catch the glittering array. It’s not just a night out here, it’s a slick, must-see show with unique performances from Lady Gaga to The Saturdays and a certain Beyonce number to get all the ‘Single Ladies’ on their feet but be warned, there’s not an ounce of cellulite in sight which may evoke slight feelings of jealousy!

We’re talking immaculate make up, over 300 outfits and show-stopping choreography that goes down a storm with both men and women alike. It seems that the show which comes to Manchester each year has fast become the mid-summer get together for many eager to see what new show the year brings.

New to Manchester

New to Manchester

It’s here, online and ready to be used so have a look and see what you think. It’s the one-stop-shop for making life easier if you live, work or socialise in Manchester.

The Sabai Pavilion, Sackville Street, Manchester.

Book your tickets at www.whatsontickets.com or 0871 705 0705 L (calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary.)

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HD Brows

New to Manchester

Harvey Nichols has introduced a new way of getting your brows into spectacular shape.

There’s a massive appeal here for the ladies but that’s not to say guys can’t be preened to shapely perfection!

North Tea Power If you’re a tea drinker then check out one of the Northern Quarters newest spots with a vast array of speciality teas on offer alongside coffee, cakes, soups, sandwiches and just about anything you would fancy for breakfast and lunch.

They also do tea testing sessions so you can try before you buy. It’s a gorgeous little place and worth a stop by on your way to work or if out for a leisurely lunch.

36 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LA (facing Tib Street car park) www.northteapower.co.uk L

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HD Brows is a complete eyebrow overhaul in just 15 minutes. Using precision grooming, eyebrows are expertly shaped to enhance the whole face. They use all manner of techniques to achieve the perfect brow including waxing, threading and tweezing so there is no need for straggly strays anymore – unless sporting Liam-esque eyebrows is more a fashion statement to you than a musical homage.

Harvey Nichols 21 New Cathedral Street Manchester M1 1AD L

MANCHESTER’S WOMEN NEED

YOU Gentlemen, do your duty and register today.

Bringing London 's most exclusive dating club to Manchester. elect club is an exclusive social network for eligible, single, dynamic professionals.

www.electclub.co.uk/manchester M. 0773867052 T. 0161 280 6319 St James' Court Brown Street Manchester M2 1DH

Calling all Quiz-lovers...

This month’s going to be bumper packed for events. First up is our regular Large pub quiz taking place on Wednesday 21st June (World Cup will be over so no interruptions!)

Large Socials

Massive thanks needs to go to our regulars who are making the quiz the most well attended in town (even when it’s glorious sunshine outside, we’re still a full house!).

Summer Nights We’re also running a lovely summer social where we are going on a tour of Manchester lead by Manchester tour guide Philippa.

The tour kicks off at 6pm and ends up in Barbirolli (Lower Mosley Street) where we’ll be tucking into a delicious BBQ, which will be well needed after a walk around town.

Looking at Manchester as a city of protest, pioneer and performance, the sinister slums and gothic grandeur, attendees will be hearing about the noble and quirky Mancunian pursuits that shaped the city and rocked the world.

It costs £12 per person and can be paid on the night, however, places are limited. Please email socials@largemanchester.com to reserve your place.

The gentle walking tour around town reveals the hidden detail in the familiar buildings we often pass without seeing. The walk promises to be entertaining, surprising, informative, fun and fingers crossed, nice and sunny!!

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Its £4 entry, which includes a glass of wine on arrival and pie and peas in the break and takes place at The English Lounge on High Street. The event starts at 6.30pm with the quiz beginning at 7.15pm. There are some cracking prizes to be won aswell as a bar tab! If you want to take part then email us on socials@largemanchester.com to reserve your table with a maximum group size of 7 people.

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Wistful Wondering

Are you Manchester’s most eligible batchelor?

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Are you a single eligible bachelor living in Manchester?

Do your friends tell you you're a funny guy? Do girls make random excuses to talk to you?

Does your mum congratulate herself every day on bringing such a fine specimen of man into the world? Are you in fact...Manchester's most eligible bachelor??!

Elect Club offers a personal introduction service, with the help of the superb Elect representatives who make it their business to understand what you really want and match you up with exactly that.

For the month of July only, Elect are offering one very lucky male Large reader the opportunity to win the most coveted title in Manchester... Manchester's most eligible bachelor. Along with the title comes a free membership to the exclusive Elect agency who will make it their mission to find you the one missing from your life and in the process introduce you to like minded individuals in fabulous surroundings with invitations to Manchester's most exclusive venues.

If you are worthy of this mighty title then get in touch with us and let us know in less than 30 words what makes you Manchester's Most Eligible Bachelor. Please attach a recent photograph with your application and send to editor@largemanchester.com Remember boys, it's not a beauty contest, beauty comes from within so get in touch and let us know what sets you apart from the rest. The lucky winner will be announced next month on the Large website. L

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RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park – 21st to 25th July

Wistful Wondering

Encounter the very best summer has to offer at this year’s RHS Show Tatton Park, where there’s something for everyone.

The grounds of the park will be transformed and not only is about flowers; there is also a range of fantastic food and drink provided by upmarket Fortnum and Mason and afternoon tea in the Brasserie.

www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHSShow-Tatton-Park/2010 L

Each year at the flower show, attendees tuck into 45,720 ice creams, 46,530 cups of tea, 1,980 portions of champagne with strawberries and cream and 19,800 sandwiches!

Enjoy 2 for 1 Dining At 100’s of restaurants across Greater Manchester including Harvey Nichols (Brasserie), Chaophraya, Yang Sing, Wagamama, Kitchen @ The Circle, Stock, Choice, Tiger Tiger, Live Bait and many many more with the Hi-Life Diners Card.

Large have teamed up with Hi-Life to offer readers the chance to save £100’s courtesy of this 2 month free trial offer.

Urbanathlon – 25th July If you are of an athletic nature and fancy a short trip over to Sportscity on Sunday 25th July then have a look at the Manchester Urbanathalon.

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For 2010, the brand new RHS Young Designer of the Year Competition arrives at Tatton. The finest young gardening talent in the country have applied and three finalists will receive £12,000 in funding to realise their gardens at the show.

FREE 2 Month Trial for Large Readers

It is anticipated that 1,000 people will take part in the event.

Urbanathalons are multi-disciplinary, city foot races with the emphasis squarely on having fun. You can run as an individual or with mates as a team of three and each race

has more than 12 urban obstecles in it. It’s fair to say you’ll be running, scrambling, climbing, dangling and definitely laughing throughout. It’s certainly something you won’t forget!

The event is 5k long so only for the tough amongst you and the obstacles are all kept a secret so participants don’t know what they are in for! www.urbanathlon.co.uk L

How Hi-Life Works...

• Hi-Life Members receive a Hi-Life Diners Club Membership Card providing access to 1000’s of ‘2 for 1’ savings.

• They select a restaurant at which to dine and call to make a reservation mentioning Hi-Life.

After enjoying their meal, they simply present their Hi-Life Card.

• Their bill will be presented with their Hi-Life saving already deducted.

Terms and Conditions Certain restrictions may apply.

Please call 0800 458 4195

To apply for this wonderful offer, simply call 0800 458 4195 or visit www.hi-life.co.uk and quote Ref: Large.

Fluids 10 Step Party Guide

1. Plan the party, give yourself and guests a minimum of a week to get the drink ingredients. Keep things simple. Simple things done well are a lot easier than trying to be fancy and running around like a mad dog!

2. Think about what your friends would happily help with. If one friends works at an off-licence, ask them to pre-order wine and spirits and you go and collect.

If someone else works in the Arndale, ask them to sort the fruit from the indoor market and ask your friend working at a supermarket to sort nibbles and fruit juice etc.

3. Produce a shopping list - ask guests to bring certain things on the list and you provide the remaining ingredients. This saves cash for you, but also people are more than happy to help, which makes your life less stressful

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4. Work out what you need mathematically... a good rule of thumb is to work on 3 drinks per head (dependent on friends drinking attitudes and how long the party is). You get 14 x 50ml shots and 28 x 25ml shots in a 70cl bottle of spirit, and work out roughly what you need.

5. Order / make enough ice...

Base the volume of ice on 4 ice cubes per drink and an additional 4 ice cubes if you’re creating cocktails.

turned the iPod on. To double check and make sure you have no last minute worries, ask your Mrs, as most likely she will tell you 5 things still needed!

If you have any questions or want to hire the professionals, please pick up the phone. We are happy to help.

7. Put a bin next to the drink making area and place a few bins around the party. People will happily use a bin but without a bin in view you will be asked regularly or people start leaving plates, empties etc in the kitchen... trust us, it makes the cleaning sooo much easier!

8. Pre-mix Pimms and place in big jugs or make a fruit punch.

This helps get a party going and makes guests feel at ease helping themselves straight away. Plus, there is no better summer drink in the world than Pimms. We use lime, strawberries, mint, cucumber and oranges - the fruitier the better!

9. Consider offering Bellini’s or Kir Royal’s as an alternative to Champagne on arrival, it’s a bit different and so easy to do... it makes you look slick!

Fluid offers mobile bar hire, quality staff and stylish cocktail bars for social, corporate and outdoor events.

Fluid Bars Ltd Hope Mills, 6th Floor 113 Pollard St, Manchester M4 7JA

24 hour party people

24 hour party people

Throwing a party often seems stressful, hard work and gives little opportunity for the host to enjoy the knee’s up...

Whether it’s a garden party, BBQ or birthday party, we have a 10 step guide for you hosts (or potential hosts) this summer.

6. If you’re not hiring a bar (from fluid), then use the kitchen or a table. Lay out the ice bucket, cut some fruit, leave out knife and chopping board, measuring jiggers, glasses and put the spirits and mixers in a row...

The similar you lay out drinks, the easier guests feel about helping themselves which allows you to play host!

Tel: 0161 275 9996 Mobile: 0787 946 2375 Email: info@fluidbars.co.uk Web: www.fluidbars.co.uk

10. Give yourself a 1 hour window after you’ve got ready and 21

3B TARIFF STREET | MANCHESTER | M1 2FF | 0161 236 2446 WWW.MANCHESTERPHOTOGRAPHICGALLERY.CO.UK INFO@MANCHESTERPHOTOGRPAHICGALLERY.CO.UK

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Photography courses for all levels 5 minutes from Piccadilly Station Run by photographers, for photographers

Penne (£10.50) with white wine, spinach, porcini and tarragon cream. The sauce was delicious and was given a real aniseed kick from the tarragon. It was a huge portion and the chicken was well-seasoned and moist.

Tummy Rumbles

Felicini

Large rating 8.5/10

60 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5EE.

Felicini’s has been in Manchester for a good few years now but I can hold my hands up and say I’ve never stepped through the doors of the place before! After hearing that they had changed their menu I thought it would be a great opportunity to head along for a visit.

Probably overshadowed by the rise of the other Italian giants in this city, I found that Felicini’s really shouldn’t be overlooked as the food is as my mother who was dining with me put it ‘absolutely gorgeous!’

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Their starters menu has been changed to include more tapas sytle dishes called ‘Ciccetti’. We tried out the Bruschetta Capponata (£2.95). Yellow peppers, toasted pine nuts, slow roasted cherry

tomatoes and capers are presented with grilled sour dough bread and you build your own bruschetta. It’s a bit fiddly but the taste is spot on.

The Bocconcini Mozzerella and Sun Blush Tomatoes (£2.50) are another must-try. Being complete bread-aholics we had to try the Feli Bread Tin (£2.95) which is served quaintly in an actual bread tin and features a selection of Italian breads including Italian foccacia and walnut bread – don’t be tempted if you’re cutting down on the carbs.

All of the starters were excellently priced and tasted delicious.

They’ve introduced a few new mains to the menu, some not so typical for an Italian restaurant such as their Spiced Ground Lamb Burger (£10.95) and Fish Pie (£9.95). For mains I went for the Wild Mushroom and Chicken

My guest had the Barbequed Chilli Prawns with Mango (£11.50). This dish comes highly recommended and perfect for those not wanting a stodgy pizza or pasta but something filled with flavour. It’s served with a cucumber and melon salad, toasted coconut and sweet and sour dressing - a real taste sensation. Fruity and light, a perfect summer dish.

There really wasn’t much room for dessert but what caught my eye is that Felicini’s do their own range of ice creams including Peanut Butter and Peroni Beer (£4.95 for three scoops)...it’s safe to say I couldn’t resist and rolled out of the restaurant well fed and looking forward to my next visit. www.felicini.co.uk L

Albert’s Restaurant and Bar 120-122 Barlow Moor Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2PU Large rating 7/10

The decor is slick, modern and pretty damn cool. The outside dining area is going to be a real pleaser for summer and even for those days when there is a risk of rain there’s a section that is covered so you won’t have to worry about a sudden downpour.

At first glance, my vegetarian dining partner felt there wasn’t a huge amount of choice for her and also the menu was missing the usual (v) denoting veggie dishes.

To kick off, I went for the Mini Pie and Peas (£6.50) served with rich gravy and mushy peas. It was a pleasure to see such a hearty starter on the menu. Filled with rich steak and gravy and with a side portion of chips, it would be big enough to constitute a main meal.

Moving onto mains, I went for the ever so slightly exotic Coconut and Lime Chicken Curry (£13.00).

The dish came served with a handpressed flat bread packed with spring onions and chillies - a delicious accompaniment to the dish. The curry itself was delicately spiced and creamy but didn’t leave me begging for more. My guest tried out one of Albert’s pizzas, as again she was struggling for veggie options. The Funghi Rossa (£8.50) came packed with delicious vegetables can be described as top-notch as far as pizzas go.

Albert’s is a beautiful venue and a wonderful addition to Didsbury.

Packed with local residents, radiating laid back cool, I’m sure it will be the perfect hang-out for summer and will be constantly filled with guests eager to find that happy medium of outdoor space and good food. I found the food good just not top class, but I’m sure it will get better as time goes by, the team becomes more settled and the tweaks are ironed out.

Tummy Rumbles

Tummy Rumbles

Long has Albert’s Shed reigned supreme as one of the big boys on the dining scene in city centre Manchester, but the owners have decided to take their offering to the suburbs of Didsbury.

My guest went for Asparagus Spears (£5.50), one of the only veggie options (aside from the breads selection). The dish was beautifully presented but not a delight and the Hollandaise sauce was a little overpoweringly ‘eggy’.

www.albertsdidsbury.com L 26

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Bicycle Ballet – 25th July Can you make your bike dance?

80 cyclists are needed for this spectacular event taking place in Castlefield on 25th July.

Goings on in the City

Its part of the Urban Moves festival - Manchester’s outdoor festival of contemporary dance - and this is your opportunity to show off your biking skills in a highly original way.

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The creators are looking for local cyclists to join the mass thirty minute performance. Reminiscent of Busby Berkeley’s stunning synchronized film choreography, the bicycle ballet explores the highs and lows of city cycling; the sheer joy of swerving downhill, the wind behind you and the sun on your face, tempered by the gritty reality of urban cycling.

The Bicycle Ballet has been specially commissioned for Manchester as part of this year’s Urban Moves festival. To take part you need to have basic bike-riding skills and confidence, have your own bike and be prepared to commit to a few training sessions.

For more information and to register, email: info@digm.org.uk or 0161 232 7179 If you fancy heading along to see the spectacle then visit www.bicycleballet.co.uk for more information. L

Manchester Jazz Festival – 23rd to 31st July Taking place in various venues across the city-centre, Manchester Jazz Festival is a truely home-grown celebration of Manchester people and music showcasing some of the coolest and newest jazz.

Now in its 15th year, highlights will include Mike Walker, Steve Swallow, Stu Brown’s Raymond Scott Project, jazz films on at the Odeon Printworks and a young bands showcase in collaboration with Wigan International Festival. www.manchesterjazz.com L

Goings on in the City

John Henshaw & Vicky Binns

24:7 Theatre Festival – 26th July to 1st August Now in its seventh year, 24:7 Theatre Festival has established itself as one of Manchester’s landmark cultural events.

The festival was created as an outlet for nurturing new talent in both writing and acting to help maintain the artistic buzz of our region.

Now, seven years later, the festival has grown, fuelled by wonderful content, public adoration and the support of patrons John Henshaw and Vicky Binns, which results in a week of exciting new drama and comedy and the opportunity to experience something different from the norm.

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The festival isn’t just for playwrights and thespians, it’s for everyone.

It was established by David Slack after he performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was sucked into the electric vibe across the city. He decided to bring the most exciting elements to Manchester and 24:7 was born.

To see the full programme of the festival visit www.247theatrefestival.co.uk L Image from ‘Hatch’

Unmissable Manchester Urban Moves International Dance Festival 23–25 July - Manchester city centre Urban Moves is a three-day festival of professional dance performances on walls, in shop windows and across the city’s squares and parks.

You can also join in and be the performers in a unique Bicycle Ballet – a choreographed dance on bicycles. Free.

Unmissable Manchester

www.urbanmovesfestival.co.uk

Manchester Jazz Festival 23–31 July - Albert Square, St Ann’s Square and other venues This home-grown celebration of Manchester’s vibrant music scene and its unique personalities, brings the coolest and newest contemporary jazz to the city centre. From African to Brazilian, Flamenco to Electro and Soul to Folk – find your jazz! Most of the gigs are free. www.manchesterjazz.com

24:7 Theatre Festival 26 July – 1 August - New Century House Manchester’s unique theatre event is back with ten plays, created by the freshest writing talent, providing cutting-edge drama, thought provoking situations and genuine comedy. Tickets: £8 or less. www.247theatrefestival.co.uk

For the full calendar of unmissable events go to www.unmissablemanchester.com

A recent report has said that 1 in 4 UK workers don’t take a break and if you’re like me and spend the majority of your day sat at your desk, hunched over your keyboard, the onset of the dreaded bad back will have already hit you or be fast approaching! Here are two ways to try and beat the ache.

Osteopaths really gets to the nitty-gritty of what is wrong and causing the pain. I headed to Bramhall and visited Alexandra Worsley Homeopathy who offers a variety of wonderful treatments.

After a full and very thorough assessment analysing my whole life from childhood sprains to adult dramas, it was time to be examined.

I was amazed to find out that my chronic back problem was being caused by a slight difference in leg length causing a sclerosis (curve in the spine to you and me). To add insult to injury, the muscles around my spine have tightened around this curvature resulting in them adding to the pain.

Natasha my consultant showed me a few exercises to keep the muscles loosened and also recommended yoga alongside getting my chair and desk checked out to ensure they weren’t causing any further stresses.

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Next stop, a podiatrist to sort out my uneven feet and hopefully rid myself of this pain.

Alexandra Worsley 19 Bramhall Lane South Bramhall Stockport SK7 1AL 0161 439 9856 www.alexandraworsley.com L

Deep Tissue Massage Inner Sanctuary Spa is a slice of paradise in the city centre.

Offering a myriad of treatments from all types of massage to holistic, organic facials.

Just stepping through their doors induces a calming feeling which was just what the doctor ordered.

After explaining my back problems, my therapist Carla started a deep-tissue massage to iron out the knots in my shoulders and also the problem area in my lower back.

I must admit the area is quite sensitive so she couldn’t apply too much pressure but it worked perfectly in loosening up the tense areas. Carla also placed an infrared

light over my back to warm up the muscles and makes them softer and easier to work on.

After an hour’s stress busting treatment, I was advised to drink plenty of water as massage pushes all the body’s nasty toxins towards the lymph nodes which then need flushing out. I did awake the next morning with a stonking headache but a looser and less painful back.

Best of... Banishing Back Ache

Best of... Banishing Back Ache

Osteopathy

Inner Sanctuary 112 High St Northern Quarter Manchester M4 1HQ 0161 819 2465 www.innersanctuaryretreat.com L 35

Kirsty Almeida

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Colourful character Kirsty Almeida is the freshest face on the music scene and with a deep-rooted Manchester history (she had a residency at Matt and Phred’s), Large wanted to know more about this lady and what the rest of 2010 has in store.

Home is a suitcase!

I’m too much of a gypsy to ‘settle’ but I’m happy in Manchester and that’s all that matters.

Tell us about your new single Spider.

Spider came out 14th June and the follow up will be ‘Late at Night’ in August. It’s about how people think you’re crazy and you’ve pushed the boundaries. So many people are quick to say ‘you’re crazy!’ when you do something a little bit out of the norm but when you’re a creative person, if you don’t use that creativity it can destroy you.

Tell us about you and your band. There are loads of you!

How did you get together?

We’ve all been working on the music scene in Manchester for about eight years and have worked together many times. I decided to write an album and then planned to move to Hawaii and be a marine biologist by day and sit on the beach with my guitar at night.

I wrote the album and contacted all the guys so we pulled together and did loads of gigs before my supposed move. It just took off and after six months of showcasing the new album I got a manager and was signed to Decca records. We went to Spain to rehearse and met with the producers for the album Youth - who has produced Paul McCartney’s last album and Mancunian John Ellis.

What’s changed for you now, do you wake up every day and have to take stock of the developments in your life?

It’s very weird but you don’t really have the time to actually think about how it’s changed because you are literally too busy. It’s all the same stuff but on a much grander scale. I’m always performing now and just have no time. It’s weird as well that all my time is in someone else’s hands.

What will summer 2010 have in store for Kirsty Almeida?

Lots of festivals; Glastonbury, V Festival, Bestival. It’s so great to perform at festivals because you’re playing to a crowd that’s already

warmed up. I’m also designing my own dress that I can play. It has a train made of spoons and forks so I can play my dress when I’m performing.

Live Lyrics

Live Lyrics

You may not be aware of the name yet but a dead cert is that you soon will. With her silky, jazz-trained voice and seven-piece band, Kirsty’s set to be big news.

You’ve lived all over the world (Kirsty’s had stints in the UK, Gibraltar, Venezuela, Singapore, Florida and The Philippines) is Manchester home for you now?

I’ve travelled all my life. Home is a suitcase! I’m too much of a gypsy to ‘settle’ but I’m happy in Manchester and that’s all that matters.”

Kirsty’s debut album, Pure Green Blue is out in August. www.kirstyalmeida.co.uk L

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You and your band mates are very active on Twitter. What do you think Twitter has done for music acts?

It’s just a great way to interact with fans but I am addicted to it. I mean who cares what I eat for breakfast?

Fans can get to know you on a personal level. We all use it in the band although it’s slightly taking over my life!

2010 seems to be the year of the female in music - Ellie Goulding, Marina and the Diamonds etc who do you like?

Live Lyrics

The Saturdays The UK’s shiniest and freshest girl band is heading back up north for a gig at Haigh Hall, Wigan, on July 8th. Large had a gossip with Una from the band and found out that she’s a right tweeter!

You’ve come a long way since your first single in 2008, what’s a day in your life like? Do you get any downtime?

Well it was full steam ahead for the first year and a half but we managed to have a little break in January which was lovely, but I really can’t complain! If the demand is there you’ve got to go with it! I don’t want to not be working because then it means that things aren’t going right for us.

How do you keep your music relevant for the younger age group and still 38

keep your older fans?

When we headline shows that’s when the younger fans come into play but our music is still mature enough to be playing clubs and on the radio so that’s how we keep the older crowds. There are people that will buy our music but wouldn’t come to a gig.

You’ve got a gig coming up in Wigan – how do you find your shows up North?

We’ve performed a lot in Manchester and Liverpool but the gigs up here, it’s weird, it’s like the further you go, the warmer the crowd. I’m not dissing crowds down south but you do get a better reception up here.

We switched the Christmas lights on at Cheshire Oaks and got absolutely soaked and the crowd were amazing and just put up with it!

I like anything that’s current. I love Lady Gaga (Large points out she has recently been in town). She’s like the new Madonna, being controversial and every song is brilliant. She is so brave with her clothes and costume changes and doesn’t care that she’s pushing the boundaries – she’s awesome.

Tell us about your new single?

We’ve just come back from Spain where we filmed the video. It’s called ‘Missing You’ and is the ultimate break-up song about when you reflect on everything from a relationship gone by but you miss the passion and the fire from what you had. It’s out in August so keep a look out!

Tickets for The Saturdays gig in Wigan are on sale from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. L

crowd interaction the group ended their set with ‘The God Machine’ featuring the lyrics “I don’t feel like singing any more”.

With Gary Briggs on vocals, Freebass have quite a grown up feel and unsurprisingly, sound like they’ve been together for decades. The group gel together well, but with a missing ‘third bassist’ only managed a mediocre performance.

Photo: Mark McNulty

Live Lyrics

Freebass

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Located in the former Factory Records building, FAC251 - The Factory seemed like the perfect location for the first Manchester gig by new group Freebass.

Brainchild of Peter Hook, FAC251 is also home to DJ sets from Madchester legends including; Bez, Mani, and Hook.

Hook’s Hacienda Records on 23rd April.

Freebass is a new venture and the result of decades of musical experience, with Gary Briggs, Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, Andy Rourke and Peter Hook at the helm.

With three bassists, the group are trying to create a unique sound, though it’s impossible not to draw from their past experiences as former members of The Stone Roses, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order and Primal Scream.

Throughout their gig the band played tracks from their first album It’s A Beautiful Life, released by

Freebass kicked off the gig with Plan B and with a clear Stone Roses influence, the song demonstrates the range of sounds that you can produce with a limited set of a instruments. Their music is quick paced, lively and loud. Throughout the gig there were clear links back to their past, which their old fans will have found reassuringly familiar.

Even though the majority of the group are from the Manchester/ Salford area, the band pulled an impressive crowd. Unfortunately Andy Rourke was unable to make the gig as he now lives in New York.

Unfortunately, as the night progressed the band seemed to lose interest and the tracks seemed to become more repetitive and merge into one uninspired blur. With little

Though it would have been easy to do, they didn’t include any tracks from their expansive back catalogue.

Regrettably their set didn’t contain tracks likely to become anthems, the most probable of a dubious bunch is ‘Kill Switch pt. 141’, although given their collective song writing prowess, a signature track hopefully isn’t far off.

Given that the Freebass project was started over five years ago, and the experience within the group is unrivalled, the gig should have been overwhelming. Unfortunately the performance failed to meet its potentially unrealistic expectations.

Alex Frost

Photo: John Surdevan

City Centre’s hidden little gem Locals might remember the ramshackle stalls that have perched on the edge of the Northern Quarter for the past 30 years (yes, that’s 30 years!)

It’s the oldest market in the city and it’s had a recent facelift to bring it up to date with shiny, new purpose-built stalls with decorated shutters displaying well-known Northern Quarter sights.

Some of the original traders are still there, such as brothers Tony and Mark McCall who run the fruit and vegetable stall. Their family has been in market trading for five generations, and their stalls have been based here for the past 27 years.

Market shopping has become an attractive proposition for a city centre population switched on to the benefits of fresh food.

Tony said: "We are cheaper and we sell many varieties for different nationalities, from African to Chinese produce. People like to be able to buy small amounts, rather than in bulk. People are also moving back to buying fresh food and cooking for themselves rather than buying something ready-made and processed."

The new Church Street Market also sells pet food, DVDs and computer games, farm produce and lots more.

For more information on visit manchestermarkets.com

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See original date of 2001.

Manchester: home to attitude, style, alternative thinking and creativity. Also home to many works of graffiti art.

Unless you walk round the city centre with your eyes shut, you can’t fail to notice how graffiti art transforms some of the most sterile spaces, even if it does come with negative connotations that are slowly beginning to change. With the abundance of artistic festivals this city hosts each year, graffiti art is becoming well respected and accepted.

Original Banksy piece Manchester.

One Manchester resident with a passion for graffiti is Paul J Goulden.

Over the years, Paul has built up a stock-pile of iconic photography of his favourite graffiti pieces in the city centre. For Paul, graffiti is the ultimate in art. A passion so strong that artists continue even with the knowledge that their piece of work

is likely to be removed, often in just a few days.

The stories behind the graffiti are gems in themselves. Most of the graffiti in the Northern Quarter is done by people who live there, almost as a mark of territory.

Paul takes his camera with him everywhere he goes and has been known to jump off buses before after seeing something that catches his eyes. The unveiling of the Banksy piece last month made Paul chuckle as he had photographed it ten years earlier;

Artistic Passion in Manchester

Artistic Passion in Manchester

I loved Banksy’s work as soon as I saw it many years a go and captured it fresh, before it was covered and who he is now.

“I think it’s too late for a lot of Banksy’s work in Manchester. It was covered over or removed before Banksy became the name that he is.

I loved his work as soon as I saw it many years ago and captured it fresh, before it was covered and Banksy is who he is now.”

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Artistic Passion in Manchester

From top of Tib Street Carpark.

Paul’s back catalogue of work has been kept private for some time but now he’s launching his first exhibition at the newly opened Manchester Photographic Gallery in the Northern Quarter.

One of his most stark and emotional capturings was a photograph taken from the top of Tibb Street car park.

Paul by chance happened to be leaning over the side of the top floor, looking for photographic inspiration and spotted a child’s doll on top of the toilet cubicle surrounded by used syringes.

This is a photographer who’s produced some breath-taking shots from being an opportunist and knowing the city well. Being in the right place at the right time and being bothered to jump off a bus just to get one shot or get up at the crack of dawn to photograph the sunrise.

“All graffiti art says something, even if it’s subliminal. For example, the one from Stevenson’s Square with the three heads. If that doesn’t scream depression then I don’t know what does.”

The first ever exhibition of Paul’s work will be launched at the newly opened Manchester Photographic Gallery from June 29th.

Manchester Photographic Gallery 3b Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF 0161 236 2446 info@manchesterphotogrpahicgallery.co.uk www.manchesterphotographicgallery.co.uk

Many residents of Manchester will have spotted the fantastic pieces of work on many of the independent bars and restaurants roller shutters in the city centre, mostly in the Northern Quarter. To Paul, these pieces symbolise the diversity in Manchester;

www.britart-gallery.co.uk Brand new website featuring the very best in iconic art.

“It’s amazing to just sit in Piccadilly Gardens and watch people of all nationalities come together. The characters and colours – it makes for an interesting place to live.”

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Exhibitions in Barca, Drip & Lammars

Stevenson’s Square.

Conservative Summer Style

The look - indicative of 80’s power dressing, has been updated teaming summer staples such as peg trousers with argyle print shirts and deck shoes, whilst A-line skirts and high waisted Capri pants create a certain preppy charm.

With the weather as temperamental as an unruly adolescent, we are seeing a summer wardrobe prepare for the extreme. Simple knits hug the shoulders of our favourite polo’s, whilst blouses are tied by the waist for the retro look should the temperature happen to soar.

Fashion Forward

Fashion Forward

Inspired by the Government’s recent transformation, Manchester fashion has followed suit by adopting a conservative summer style.

Whilst a palette of neutral tones are predominant throughout the summer months, white jeans and shorts make a return. Their neutrality is a backdrop for us to experiment with bold and bright colour, creating a beautiful contrast to achieve ultra-preppy, ultraconservative summer style. L Natalie Shaw

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Rags to Bitches

Fashion Forward

Rags to Bitches is a multi-award winning vintage boutique located in the Northern Quarter.

The store opened in 2005 and has been a resounding success, clothing the likes of celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Maxine Peake, Helen Mirren and even Trinny and Susanah.

They stock clothing ranges from the 30’s to the 80’s. All vintage stock is cleaned and prepared before being sold on.

The stock is sourced from a variety of places but Rags to Bitches also is a loving home to unwanted items from the Manchester public who think their items would make great additions to someone else’s wardrobe.

As well as being a vintage clothing palace, the shop also has a secret basement where they run dressmaking courses, vintage makeovers and can hold private parties.

One of the owners Simon Buckley told us, “We’d never had a shop before so we approached it with a certain naivety. This meant that we tried to make a shop we would like to shop in, so we set it up from a 50

We’d never had a shop before so we approached it with a certain naivety.

This meant that we tried to make a shop we would like to shop in, so we set it up from a customer’s perspective.

customer’s perspective.” And it certainly works with the shop remaining a strong leader of pioneering independent fashion in Manchester.

Stocking a marvellous range of clothing, accessories, beautiful jewellery and quite possibly everything else vintage you could wear, Rags to Bitches gets the thumbs up from Large and judging by the array of awards as you walk in, it gets the thumbs up from many others too.

Rags to Bitches 60 Tib Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M41LG 0161 835 9265 info@rags-to-bitches.co.uk www.rags-to-bitches.co.uk L Lois Connelly

SH G IN K O PEN LO O ST M U EW O G N O AU R W ID O M

Fashion Forward

Graduate Fashion Local lass Laura Cartwright from Atherton has just taken part in the preview shows for Graduate Fashion Week, where the rising stars of the fashion world get to showcase their collections.

Sponsored by Liverpool One, the Liverpool John Moores graduate talks to Large to explain her collection in more detail.

What inspired your collection?

Well, I explored a few ideas surrounding ballet and fairytale but wanted to have a grungier edge to the collection. From those foundations, I went on to look at Alice in Wonderland and the underlying dark elements from the story as well as Victorian bondage. I then fused these concepts together to come up with Alice in Grungeland.

How did it feel seeing your collection on the Graduate Fashion Week catwalk?

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To be honest, I didn’t even see the show because I was so busy out the back trying to make sure all the outfits were on the right models but the whole day was exciting. It’s what I’ve been working for all year and so nice to finally see my collection finished.

So what’s next?

I’m heading to London to do a masters and after that, who knows! www.liverpool-one.com L

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WHO? REPUBLIC OF SWING BATERIA WHERE? MANCHESTER WHAT? REPUBLIC OF SWING BATERIA PROMOTES THE CULTURE AND SAMBA MUSIC OF BRAZIL IN, AND AROUND MANCHESTER AND HAVE BEEN DOING SO FOR SIX YEARS. The name of the group doesn’t give much away to what it is that they get up to.

Unless you’ve seen them in action you can only describe them as vibrant and energetic.

The group have enhanced links with local Brazilians that live within the community to provide education about the culture to all ages and also provide music workshops to schools and other community groups.

Alex Sidebottom, group chairman, explains: “we feel that the work we do has an uplifting quality for the communities we perform in.”

THAT’S WHY WE NEED YOUR DOSH.

This group has benefited many individuals but one in particular, James* who joined the group in order to change his life for the better. The rehearsals enthused him so much he was able to successfully leave his troubled past behind him.

The teamwork involved with playing in an ensemble and the motivation provided by Alex allowed James’ confidence to grow.

He has made new friends and can now see that there was no need for him to return to the life he had before. Samba did indeed make a real difference to him.

* Name has been changed

COMMUNITYFOUNDATION.CO.UK 0161 214 0940

Kettlebell training for Cardio Sweat It Up, Work It Out

Are you like me?

You hate the 'cardio' that 'normal' people do at the gym like rowing or cycling? Then kettlebell training could be the answer you’re looking for.

There is no better way to burn fat and boost your cardio than with timed sets of kettlebell swings, snatches and presses. These explosive exercises require a great deal of hard work; but the harder you work, the more calories you burn. This is why sprinters are ripped to shreds and marathon runners have that skinny look.

Sprinters are not only lean, they’re strong and powerful, where as a typical marathoner looks like they haven’t eaten for days.

What kind of physique do you want?

If you want a strong, athletic physique, then you should focus on performing exercises at a high intensity level. A series of timed explosive kettlebell exercises such as swings make sprinting look like a stroll in the park.

Time to make your Cardio Fun Too many people try to burn fat with boring rowing and cycling workouts. The bottom line is if you’re not having fun, you won’t stick to your workouts. If you don’t stick to your workouts, you won’t get results! Training with kettlebells is a lot of fun and it will bring fast results.

If you get to the level where the kettlebell exercises alone become too easy, step it up by combining them with aerobic activities such as jogging or skipping. If you're feeling brave try adding everyone’s favourite exercise; Burpees! It’s hard work, but you’ll feel the fat dripping off.

Visit www.kettlebelltraining.org.uk where you’ll find everything you need to help you get to grips with all the exercises, plus a few select workouts to try.

Next month’s article on kettlebell training explains how to improve your strength and tone.

Steve Dawson

FIL World Lacrosse Championships – 15th to 24th July

Sweat It Up, Work It Out

Taking place over at the Armitage Centre in Fallowfield, the biggest World Lacrosse Championships to date roll into town. There are 31 nations competing for the prestigious title with the first England game and the opening ceremony on 15th July.

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15th July 7.30pm

England v Iroquois

17th July 4.30pm

Australia v England

18th July 1.30pm

England v Japan

19th July 7.30pm

USA v England

20th July 7.30pm

Canada v England

After the group matches the semi finals take place on 22nd July and the final on 24th. Be part of it! www.2010worldlacrosse.com L

Sweat It Up, Work It Out

Telephone 0161 236 3453

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Website www.urbanpizza.co.uk

Race for Life This year Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Heaton Park is going to be full of amazing moments for everyone.

Whether you walk, jog or run 5k or step up the challenge and double your distance by taking part in Race for Life 10k, you can join thousands of women all round the country raising money to help beat cancer. Race for Life is the UK’s largest women only fundraising event where all the money raised goes to funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. In 2009, over 12,000 women took part in Race for Life in Heaton Park and raised an incredible £611,000! This year more than 9,476 participants have already signed up and organisers are hoping that 13,000 women will help hit a fundraising target of £649,500 on the 10th and 11th of July.

Cancer Research UK spent over £17 million last year in Manchester on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. For example, scientists at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research are carrying out worldclass research to learn more about the biology of cancer. Next door at The Christie, researchers are taking promising discoveries from the lab and developing them into potential new cancer treatments.

To find your closest event visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111. L

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