MCR10

MCR10 MANCHESTER CITY REGION MAGAZINE

Lowry anniversary issue Christmas & New Year 2012/13

22 Nov – 6 Jan

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FIRST WORDS Welcome to the tenth issue of MCR - the destination magazine for Manchester.

How can 2013 possibly follow that? Well, how about the fourth outing of the highly acclaimed Manchester International Festival in July and international fixtures as part of England and Wales’ hosting of the Rugby League World Cup in October?

We certainly kick-start the year in style, with Disney’s The Lion King in residence at The Palace Theatre (1 December – 31 March 2013).

Between rehearsals, we managed to grab a few minutes with the star of the show, Nicholas Nkuna, on playing Simba and performing in Manchester. Check out the interview on page 62.

We’ve also got some great features for you about the city’s China Town – arguably the most established in the UK – and the history of beer and brewing in the region.

What a year 2012 has been for the UK. The Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 have shown the world just how ‘great’ Great Britain is.

Out of town, we take a closer look at Wigan and get the lowdown on all the best events taking place across Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.

Here in Manchester, we also marked the tenth anniversary of the hugely successful Commonwealth Games of 2002 – something of which the city remains incredibly proud.

As this is our tenth issue, we also asked our long-standing contributor, Percy Dean, to help us document ten eras of Manchester through his regular Snapshot feature. You’ll find his

stunning photographs throughout the magazine, each with a short explanation of its link to the era in question.

Ford Maddox Brown undertook a similar project in 1879 with his Manchester Murals. Those adorn the ceiling of the Great Hall in Manchester Town Hall – itself the focus of one of our Manchester Voice interviews with Helen Freeborough.

And because we all like to explore a little further afield, we’ve also pulled together some great itineraries for you that take in the rest of the North West. There’s a day out in Blackpool, a night out in Liverpool, an overnight in Chester and a weekend in the Lake District. Enjoy!

If you like what you see in MCR10, keep up-to-date with what’s going on across Greater Manchester at: visitmanchester.com.

You can also download the city’s Time Out app and follow us on Twitter: @visit_mcr Andrew Stokes Chief Executive, Marketing Manchester November 2012 marketingmanchester.com | @marketing_mcr

Contributors

John Clarke

Percy Dean

Louise Holcroft

Bonnie Yeung

John Clarke is Chairman of Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, and also edits the local CAMRA magazine Opening Times which can be found in many local pubs. He has a long experience of the local pub and beer scene and also takes a keen interest in the history of breweries both old and new.

Percy Dean is an editorial/commercial photographer and cinematographer. His work has been published and exhibited internationally for over 18 years.

In 2010 he received an MA in Documentary Photography and is currently based between Manchester and London. www.percydean.com

Born and bred in Wigan, Louise Holcroft’s love of history was inspired by her late father, Fred Holcroft, who has written a number of local history books along with a Lancashire dialect book. A lifelong Wigan Athletic fan and proud Mum of young son James, Louise enjoys a wide variety of sports facilities, green spaces, restaurants and attractions in the local area.

Bonnie Yeung is the eldest daughter of the Yeung family and third generation behind the Manchester institution, Yang Sing. She is a dedicated champion of Manchester’s Chinatown, supporting businesses, charities and communities across the city. She is a passionate Sino-Mancunian, proud to have a cross-cultural heritage and is also an enthusiastic advocate of Manchester’s culinary offerings.

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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Contents 4–5

Snapshot: Roman

32 – 33

Snapshot: Civil War

46 – 47

Snapshot: Industrial Revolution

6–7

Manchester International Festival 2013

34 – 35

Manchester Voices: Jeremy Joseph

48 – 49

Manchester Voices: Roger Ward

It’s back! Eighteen extraordinary days of world premieres. Here’s a sneak peak of MIF 2013 and a look at MIFs gone-by.

The boss of Manchester’s ever-popular chop houses (Tom’s and Sam’s) gives us the lowdown on his latest venture in Albert Square.

The man with more celebrities in his phonebook than we care to mention talks about bringing his world renowned G-A-Y brand to the city.

50 – 53

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What’s on: Festivals

10 – 11

Snapshot: Medieval

12 – 17

LS Lowry: A celebration To mark the 125th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain’s most visionary artists, we take a look at eight of LS Lowry’s greatest works and see what has been said about them.

19

What’s on: Exhibitions

22 – 23

Snapshot: Tudors & Stuarts

26 – 29

Tax-free fashion spree If you reside outside the European Union, you’re eligible for a VAT refund on certain products bought during your stay. What better excuse to shop ‘til you drop.

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36 – 38

Playing proud Team GB’s success at London 2012 isn’t the only thing inspiring Mancunians to take up more sport. The city’s LGBT community has been leading the way for years.

Girl about China-town Bonnie Yeung introduces us to the city’s 200-year old, thriving Chinese community and lets us in on a few well-kept secrets.

54 – 55

Ten cuisines of Manchester Dine around the world without leaving the city.

39

What’s on: LGBT

40 – 41

Manchester Voices: Sam Tomkins

56 – 57

Snapshot: World War II

The Wigan Warriors and England fullback on the city’s hosting of Rugby League World Cup fixtures in October 2013.

58 – 61

The cream of Manchester

42

What’s on: Sport

44 – 45

Manchester Voices: Helen Freeborough The Green Badge Guide tells us about the history of her favourite building, Manchester Town Hall.

The Industrial Revolution was thirsty work. Real ale enthusiast, John Clarke, tells all about the history of beer and brewing in the city.

62 – 63

Manchester Voices: Nicholas Nkuna

78 – 79

Snapshot: Present Day

The star of Disney’s The Lion King talks Simba, The Palace Theatre and life in Manchester.

80 – 84

Call in on the neighbours Day trips, nights out, overnight stays and weekend away. Suggested itineraries for Blackpool, Liverpool and Chester and the Lake District.

64 – 65

Snapshot: ‘Madchester’

66 – 68

Manc for it

86 – 87

Snapshot: The Future

A lowdown on the best club nights in the city, and, more importantly – which one is within crawling distance of your hotel.

91

Transport information Everything you need to know about getting around once you have arrived in the city.

69

What’s on: Music & Theatre

70 – 71

Snapshot: The Millennium

92

City centre map

72 – 75

Wigan - more than a town of pie eaters

94 – 95

Manchester Airport

Louise Houlcroft is a woman with a passion for Wigan. We challenge you not to follow suit after reading her postcard.

p53

p74

An insider’s guide to stress free travel at the city’s international gateway.

96

The Poisoned Apple Nick Johnson wraps things up.

76 – 77

What’s on: Greater Manchester

p62 Marketing Manchester Carver’s Warehouse, 77 Dale St, Manchester, M1 2HG T. +44 (0)161 237 1010 F. +44 (0)161 228 2960 marketingmanchester.com | visitmanchester.com Designed & Published: Marketing Manchester, November 2012

The Manchester Murals

By Ford Maddox Brown Commissioned in 1878 for the Great Hall of Manchester Town Hall, Ford Maddox Brown’s ‘Manchester Murals’ are among the Pre-Raphaelites’ most famous work.

They are a monument to the ideals of the leaders of Victorian Manchester and focus on the importance of Christianity, commerce and the textile industry in the history of Manchester.

In tribute to Brown’s Murals - and to celebrate the tenth issue of MCR - we charged Percy Dean to capture ten eras of the city’s history as part of his longrunning Snapshot series.

From Roman and medieval through to present day and ‘the future’, Dean has caught some amazing panoramas of the city. His photographs run throughout the pages of this issue and are accompanied with a short explanation as to the era.

Manchester Town Hall is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The Murals are free to view, although it is advised to check availability of The Great Hall in advance as private events may run during the day.

Tel: +44 (0)161 234 4433

Contributors: In addition to the authors of our features and Manchester Voices, Marketing Manchester would like to thank everyone that has provided editorial for this issue of MCR. Cover Photography: Christmas & New Year cover: Market Scene, Northern Town by LS Lowry. © The Lowry Collection Spring cover: Chinatown market by Jason Hindle Photography: Percy Dean, Paul Jones, David Lake, Jonty Wilde, Jan Chlebik, Ben Page, Craig Easton and VisitBritain Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy in this publication, Marketing Manchester cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising from its use. As changes often occur after publication date, it is advisable to confirm the information given.

The information contained within this guide is copyright and no part of the guide may be reproduced in part or wholly by any means, be it electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publishers.

Marketing Manchester is the agency charged with promoting the city-region on a national and international stage. Visit Manchester is the Tourist Board for Greater Manchester and is a division of Marketing Manchester. They are funded by 360 commercial members and the organisations below.

Much of Ford Maddox Brown’s work is on display at Manchester Art Gallery. For more information, visit: manchestergalleries.org and follow: @mcrartgallery

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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SNAPSHOT Roman Mamucium Fort Mamucium was the name of the Roman fort on the site of modern-day CastleďŹ eld. Founded in AD79, ruins of the Fort’s foundations remain to this day and are surrounded by a partial reconstruction. The remains of the fort are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Manchester International Festival 2013 Eighteen extraordinary days of world premieres coming to Manchester from 4 – 21 July.

My ‘Best Bits’ by festival director Alex Poots

Queen and Country

Monkey: Journey to the West

JS Bach / Zaha Hadid

MIF07

MIF07

MIF09

Queen and Country paid tribute to the British soldiers killed in the war in Iraq. The project took the form of a series of postage stamp sheets featuring a photographic portrait of the individual men and women who had lost their lives in the conflict at the time of production. Each stamp bore the standard profile of Her Majesty The Queen, the sovereign in whose name they went to fight.

The launch event of the very first MIF was a circus opera for the 21st century, based on an ancient Chinese legend. It was reworked as a dazzling spectacle involving more than 40 Chinese circus acrobats, vocalists and performing martial artists and told the epic tale of the Monkey King’s journey to enlightenment which has been an omnipresent part of Chinese culture.

The solo works of Johann Sebastian Bach are beautiful and audacious, striking and sensual.

The same can be said for the remarkable creations of Zaha Hadid, one of the most artistic and forward-thinking architects of her generation. MIF09 saw Zaha Hadid Architects create a near-perfect environment for an audience to experience some of the world’s most beautiful chamber music.

Elbow & The Hallé

Björk

MIF09

MIF11

The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic

From the release of their 2001 debut Asleep in the Back to the 2008 Mercury Prize, Elbow’s journey has been a remarkable one.

For MIF09, Manchester’s favourite sons returned to their cherished home town to collaborate with another of the city’s artistic powerhouses, The Hallé – a multi-awardwinning symphony orchestra and the city’s original cultural icon.

The Icelandic singer-songwriter performed six intimate shows in the striking space of MOSI’s Campfield Market Hall. Entitled Biophilia, it was her most ambitious and exciting work to date and focussed on where it is that music, nature and technology meet. It showed how sound can work in nature, exploring the infinite expanse of the universe, from planetary systems to atomic structure.

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MIF11 The Life and Death of Marina Abramović was a biography of the godmother of performance art, re-imagined by visionary director Robert Wilson.

It featured scenes from Abramović’s life and career, with specially commissioned music and performance by Antony Hegarty and Willem Dafoe. It brought together the worlds of theatre, art and music to thrilling effect and was a once in a generation cultural event.

The festival in numbers

4007 20 participants in education sessions

213 231,598

new commissions

1/3 programme free!

performances

attendees

383 124% increase in international visitors from 2009

volunteers

What the papers said...

“The Manchester International Festival – a triumph of bold commissioning if ever there was one.”

“Manchester has learnt in just two years what it has taken Edinburgh 62 to master.”

Peter Aspden, Financial Times, January, 2009

Pauline McLean, Newsnight, BBC Scotland, July 2009

“Like a love child of Performa, Humana and Coachella, MIF combines art, music, theater and live performance.”

Michael Slenske, W Magazine, July 2011

Support the Festival - become a MIF Member or Pioneer As a supporter of the Manchester International Festival, you will enjoy a range of benefits and special events.

You’ll also play a part in helping us deliver our innovative programme so we can continue to work with exceptional artists to create groundbreaking and original work, as well as supporting our extensive work with schools, young people and residents in Manchester.

“A festival like you’ve never seen before.”

Rupert Christiansen, The Daily Telegraph

“In its third season, the biennial Manchester International Festival is cementing its status as Britain’s most innovative arts festival.”

Dan Cairns, Sunday Times Culture, July 2011

MIF Member

MIF Pioneer

For £50 you’ll benefit from:

All of the Member benefits plus:

ticket booking* · Priority tickets for dress · Exclusive rehearsals brochure sent · MIF13 electronically on food & drink · Discount at Festival Pavilion MIF Member gift · Exclusive during the Festival MIF e-newsletters · Regular · MIF Member updates

Invitations to attend the MIF · Programme Press Launch

* Two tickets for each commission, subject to availability

· · · ·

and Opening Night VIP Party with a guest Tickets for MIF commissions up to a specific value A dedicated Account Manager Tickets for dress rehearsals, previews and exclusive behind-the-scenes Festival events Named acknowledgement in the MIF Brochure, on the MIF website and at Festival Square (if so desired).

There are two levels of donation for 2013: £1,500+ and £5,000+.

Joining our group of Festival Pioneers allows you to experience the 2013 Festival in a unique way, at the same time ensuring the continuation of our work through a meaningful financial donation.

For details on how to become a MIF Member or Pioneer please visit: mif.co.uk/support-us

For more information about the Manchester International Festival, visit: mif.co.uk @visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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What’s On: Festivals

Manchester Histories Festival

Manchester Irish Festival

Eurocultured

Various locations February 2013

Various locations March 2013

Various locations May 2013

The ten-day MHF celebrates the heritage and history of Manchester across numerous city centre venues. The festival offers a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about this great city and is a great event for old and young alike. manchesterhistoriesfestival.org.uk @mcrhistfest

The Manchester Irish Festival brings a real sense of Irish life and culture to the city – through Irish dancing, singing and get togethers. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the festival’s fantastic highlights and - whether you have any Irish in you or not - this is an event not to be missed! manchesteririshfestival.co.uk @mancirishfest

Eurocultured is a number of street festivals and events to celebrate European diversity within Manchester city centre. The 2012 festival featured performances from The Japanese Popstars, Riot Jazz, Death in Vegas and Zun Zun Egui. eurocultured.com | @eurocultured

Dot To Dot ¡Viva! Spanish Language Film Festival

FutureEverything

Cornerhouse March 2013

Various locations 20 - 23 March 2013

Each March, the famous and much-loved film festival brings a fantastic selection of Hispanic film to Manchester before extending to the whole of the UK. Last year’s festival featured Spanish comedies Primos and El Gran Vazguez. cornerhouse.org/viva2012 @CornerhouseMcr

FutureEverything is a collaborative festival which draws all kinds of artists together to present their visions of ‘the future’ to audiences. The festival uses art, digital culture, music and performance together to create something truly unique. futureeverything.org | @futureverything

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Various locations June 2013 Dot To Dot festival has brought acts such as The xx and Mumford and Sons to the forefront of music lovers’ ears, and is renowned for bringing you the best new music first. In 2012, highlights included Jake Bugg, Dog Is Dead and Pulled Apart By Horses. For a small fee you are given access to all day, all night performances across some of Manchester’s best-loved venues dottodotfestival.co.uk | @d2dmanchester

Open daily 10 am - 5 pm Find us on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station.

Liverpool Road Castlefield Manchester, M3 4FP

This magnificent museum celebrates the North West’s most incredible industrial inventions and super scientific achievements.

Be inspired by our many galleries, daily demonstrations, events and exhibitions that’ll blow your mind and startle your senses.

mosi.org.uk

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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SNAPSHOT Medieval Chetham’s Library Chetham's Library was founded in 1653 and is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. The building, however, dates from the first quarter of the fifteenth century when, in 1421, Thomas de la Warre, the Lord of Manchester, obtained a licence from Henry V to re-found a church on the site as a collegiate body.

LS Lowry: A celebration In celebration of the 125th anniversary of his birth, The Lowry at Salford Quays this summer hosted one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions of Lowry’s work for several years.

‘A Lowry Summer’ brought together over two-hundred of the artist’s paintings and drawings ahead of a major – and some might say well overdue – retrospective of his work at Tate Britain next summer.

Manchester-born Laurence Stephen (LS) Lowry (1887 – 1976) is remembered as one of Britain’s most visionary artists. Best known for his industrial landscapes peopled by ‘matchstick men’, Lowry’s paintings on the surface appear simple but closer inspection reveals his works to be wrought with complex emotions: elusive, enigmatic, and deeply marked by the grotesque and the uncanny.

Like his paintings Lowry proclaimed himself a ‘simple man’ but eschewed explanation of his work, often posing more questions than those asked. Perhaps it is for this reason that despite his popularity amongst the general public, Lowry was never fully embraced by museum professionals. It is therefore no surprise that Lowry remained perpetually preoccupied with the life of his work, asking repeatedly of his peers: “will I live”.

On the following pages we look at eight of his works and discover why LS Lowry remains one of Britain’s favourite artists.

Coming Out of School, 1927 In 1967, the General Post Office put his picture Coming Out Of School on their 1s 6d stamp which, Lowry remarked, “was very nice of them.” He described the work not as a depiction of a particular place but of recollections of a school seen in Lancashire. © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2012.

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Coming from the Mill, 1930 Lowry commented, “The buildings were there and I was fascinated by them. I had never seen anything like them before. But I was fascinated by the people who lived and worked in them. A country landscape is fine without people, but an industrial set without people is an empty shell.” © The Lowry Collection.

A Fight, c1935 Shelley Rohde, Lowry’s biographer, commented: “Lowry always said he actually witnessed this scene, but there are strong images here from the early music hall comics. These were the days of Charlie Chaplin and a thriving variety theatre.” © The Lowry Collection.

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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The Pond, 1950 Lowry considered this to be his finest industrial landscape. It is an impressive industrial landscape containing many features typical of Lowry’s work: smoking chimneys, terraced houses and on the right, in the middle distance, the Stockport Viaduct.

Lowry commented, “This is a composite picture built up from a blank canvas. I hadn't the slightest idea of what I was going to put in the canvas when I started the picture but it eventually came out as you see it. This is the way I like working best.” © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2012.

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Market Scene, Northern Town, 1939 LS Lowry commented, “I have been called a painter of the Manchester workpeople. But my figures are not exactly that. They are ghostly figures which tenant these courts and lane-ways which seem to me so beautiful, they are symbols of my mood, they are myself.” © The Lowry Collection.

Portrait of A Man (with red eyes), 1938 Shelley Rohde, Lowry’s biographer, commented: “Lowry often said that he had got up one morning, during his mother’s final illness, looked in his shaving mirror and this was the face he saw staring back at him.”

Lowry commented, “I was simply letting off steam. I started a big selfportrait. Well, it started as a self-portrait. I thought, what’s the use of it?

I don’t want it and nobody else will. All the paintings of that period were done under stress and tension and they were all based on myself. In all those heads of the late thirties I was trying to make them as grim as possible. I reflected myself in those pictures.” © The Lowry Collection.

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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Street Scene, 1935 Lowry told several versions of stories about how he was first inspired to paint his industrial subjects. Shelley Rohde, Lowry’s biographer, commented: “The most popular and most frequently repeated version involves... an afternoon in 1916, when Lowry missed a train to Manchester. Lowry said: “I remember that the guard leaned out of the window and winked at me as the last coach disappeared from the platform. I was very cross about that. I went back up the steps. It would be about four o’clock and perhaps there was some peculiar condition of the atmosphere or something. But as I got to the top of the steps I saw the Acme Mill, a great square red block with the little cottages running in rows right up to it – and suddenly I knew what I had to paint.” © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2012.

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Piccadilly Circus, 1960 One of Lowry’s few paintings of the capital; this was not exhibited in a public gallery for 30 years. The tall buildings at this location, with their vast advertising billboards, seem to have attracted Lowry’s attention in the way that the mills and factories depicted in his earlier works had done. © The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2012.

Alongside a lively programme of special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, photography and design, The Lowry regularly present LS Lowry-related exhibitions and displays of his work. Admission to the Galleries is free. thelowry.com

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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What’s On: Exhibitions

Ancient Worlds Manchester Museum Throughout 2013 The highly anticipated, re-designed galleries will open to the public on 26 October 2012 marking the centenary of the original opening in 1912. Ancient Worlds reveals the people and the stories behind the objects, bringing them to life in this £1.57 million scheme as the new gallery spaces reveal more of the beauty of the original Waterhouse building design as well as making possible a more in depth interpretation of the exhibits on display. museum.manchester.ac.uk | @mcrmuseum

Saving Lives: Frontline Medicine in a Century of Conflict

The Oldham Road Project: Second View

IWM North Until 1 September 2013

People’s History Museum 11 November – 13 January 2013

This major exhibition reveals the life changing decisions made every day by the medics and soldiers currently in Afghanistan, as well as remarkable stories of people caught in harm’s way over the last 100 years of conflict iwm.org.uk/north | @I_W_M

An exciting photographic exhibition by Charlie Meecham, focusing on the areas between Oldham and Manchester which follow the course of the A62. This second view looks at changes that have taken place since Charlie’s first project conducted in the mid 1980s. phm.org.uk | @PHMMcr

Hockney to Hogarth: A Rake’s Progress

Rosa Barba: Subject to Constant Change

Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Until 3 February 2013

Cornerhouse 26 January – 24 March 2013

Hockney to Hogarth: A Rake’s Progress showcases both William Hogarth’s and David Hockney’s print series. The Whitworth was recently presented with the complete Hockney version by the Contemporary Art Society, complementing the Hogarth version given to the Gallery by William Sharp Ogden in 1926. museum.manchester.ac.uk @whitworthart

A unique collaboration with Turner Contemporary, this is the most comprehensive solo presentation by celebrated Italian-German visual artist Rosa Barba, Subject to Constant Change. Both exhibition spaces will, during similar time periods, each present a distinct part of a newly commissioned film work, designed to be exhibited in different cinematic and sculptural formats in each of the two galleries. cornerhouse.org | @CornerhouseMcr

Strike A Pose National Football Museum From 1 February 2013 This new exhibition looks at the links between fashion and football. With the removal of the cap on player’s wages, footballers started to enjoy extravagant lifestyles. From George Best and glamorous 1960’s couples such as Bobby and Tina Moore to the Beckham’s and Rooney’s, fashion and football now go hand in hand.

The links with fashion brands both on and off the pitch and the sub cultures that emerged on the terraces are all explored.

Featuring photographs, adverts and of course the outfits. nationalfootballmuseum.com @footballmuseum

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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IWM NORTH

DISCOVER HOW WAR SHAPES LIVES

The multi-award winning IWM North (part of Imperial War Museums), is a great FREE day out for all ages. Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict, it reveals how war and conflict have shaped people’s lives from 1900 to now.

IWM North is situated at The Quays, two miles from the city centre.

Open daily 10am – 5pm (closed 24, 25, 26 December)

FREE ENTRY

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0161 836 4000 iwm.org.uk The Quays, Manchester M17 1TZ Metrolink stations MediaCityUK or Harbour City or the X50 bus.

Great times at the L U X U RY L E I S U R E , E N T E R TA I N M E N T A N D R E TA I L AT T H E H E A R T O F M A N C H E S T E R

CURTIS & BAINS | C.P. HART | DWELL FEATHER & BLACK | HATTY’S CAFE | MAILBOXES JULIE TWIST PROPERTIES | JONES LANG LASALLE KEY PROPERTIES | SHEPHERD GILMOUR | PURITY SUTTONS CITY LIVING | LOVE EXCLUSIVE PHILIP JAMES PARTNERSHIP | PRINTING.COM THE TANNING LOUNGE | THE HEAD CATERER WESLEY-BARRELL | L’OREAL ACADEMY | EVUNA FIND US AT

Manchester’s Luxury Bowling Destination

235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN. VISIT

www.thegreatnorthern.com

Thu 29 November 2012 – Sat 5 January 2013 White Christmas is returning to The Lowry for five weeks only following a critically acclaimed, record-breaking sell-out run in 2009.

Book your accommodation online at visitmanchester.com

Michael Rose Limited, Chris Moreno & Mayflower Theatre, Southampton present a Theatre Royal Plymouth Production

11 – 23 February 2013 The West End’s favourite musical comedy, Hairspray is the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses around the globe.

To book for these and other shows... visit www.thelowry.com or call 0843 208 6000 The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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SNAPSHOT Tudors & Stuarts Ordsall Hall Ordsall Hall is a historic house and a former stately home in Salford. Legend has evolved that Ordsall Hall was where Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby plotted the overthrow of King James in what was to become the famous Gunpowder Plot. Such is this legend that the street adjacent to the hall has been named 'Guy Fawkes Street'.

Whatever you’ve got in mind, we’ we’ve ve got got inside. inside.

240 STORES 42 EATERIES OVER 60 FASHION RETAILERS 19 HEALTH & BEAUTY BOUTIQUES

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Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Manchester Arena

National Football Museum

NCP CAR P PARK ARK

manchesterarndale.com manche esterarndale.com

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Tax-free fashion spree With an increased interest in tax-free shopping, here we look at some of the finest stores in Manchester and how you can shop ‘til you drop before bagging yourself some cash back.

Manchester is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, yet it retains its own unique character. Attracting visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events, the city has recently become renowned for its shopping, with a dazzling selection of stylish shops encompassing brilliant British designers as well as established worldwide brands.

Walk along Market Street in Manchester city centre on any given weekend and you’d be forgiven for thinking that a major event was about to happen. Crowds of people roam up and down, past the street performers, hands loaded with shopping bags or perhaps a sneaky treat from the real food markets at Piccadilly Gardens.

fashion store has recently undergone an extensive refit making it a must-visit stop off half-way along Market Street.

From here, those with their hearts set on top brands can continue to Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street and Deansgate, or break off for nearby King Street, perhaps by way of established Spanish favourite Mango.

Having recently celebrated a decade of success, and now void of the dominating Manchester Wheel, regenerated Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street still baffle first-time visitors by the very fact that sat amongst the likes of top brands such as Zara, Radley and Swarovski are two of the UK’s best-loved premium department stores: Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

Market Street is the very definition of the modern British high street, and we love it.

Or rather, it loves us, if we’re to take the shop-window ‘I heart MCR’ posters literally.

There’s certainly a deep affection for the street that acts as a starting point for so much of the city’s fabulous shopping.

The image of Harvey Nichols side by side with Selfridges is admittedly an unusual one, and though the two are fiercely competitive, they each offer something distinctly different. And for the serious shopper it’s a dream set up.

When you think designer brands, H&M probably wouldn’t rate near the top of your hit list; yet, following a run of successful collaborations with some of the world’s top fashion houses and designers - including the likes of Marni and Versace - the line between high-street and high-end is becoming increasingly blurred. The proclaimed fast-

On the left we have Selfridges with its distinctive yellow bags, a brand new Beauty & Fashion Jewellery Hall and some of the most-wanted designer brands, including Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo and Dior.

To the right, super chic Harvey Nichols featuring designers such as Prada, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs.

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Both stores offer their own unique take on luxury retail therapy, and it almost seems senseless to visit one without a sneak peak at the other. It’s not all about the clothes either – you’ve not experienced Harvey Nichols until you’ve started a days shopping with brunch at the Second Floor Brasserie or ended a big spree at Aubaine in Selfridges. And that’s before mentioning the not-to-be-missed instore events that both stores do so well.

King Street, once the centre of banking in the North West, can now quite confidently be called Manchester’s most upmarket shopping street. It’s here that you’re likely to spot the city’s celebrity-set picking up a little something for the weekend, and it’s easy to see why.

Try containing your excitement for a street lined with brands such as Gant, Whistles, Diesel, Jack Willis and Jaeger. It’s a heady mix of jaw-dropping window displays and beautiful shop fronts, each enticing helpless shoppers with their own signature style.

Flying the flag for British design are the likes of Karen Millen for instantly recognisable eveningwear; Boodles, the iconic jeweller whose roots are firmly established in the North West; the signature nostalgic floral patterns of Cath Kidson; and spicing things up, Agent Provocateur, co-founded by Joseph

Corré, son of Vivienne Westwood whose own boutique sits proudly at the top of King Street.

But it’s not all about King Street. With brands tripping over themselves to secure a spot on King Street’s 250m catwalk, a number of luxury stockists have branched out to make a name for themselves within the nearby locale. Spanish designer Adolfo Dominquez, known for his urbane and casual fashion marked by loose, natural materials, is one such break away located on nearby John Dalton Street. And Mulberry, the nointroduction-required purveyor of bags and leather goods previously had a store on King Street before moving to the city’s newest luxury shopping quarter, The Avenue - still establishing itself as a destination but on track after attracting the likes of Armani, LK Bennett and Flannels.

Looping back towards Market Street, no luxury shopping trip would be complete without a visit to one of Manchester’s premium and longest running department stores. For over 175 years, House of Fraser (founded as Kendal’s in 1835) has pulled in the fashionistas with the latest collections from across the world. It’s an institution and arguably set the foundations for Manchester as the fashion-forward shopping city it is today.

How to claim a tax refund Many international visitors do not realise that whilst in the UK they pay a sales tax (VAT) of 20% (16.67% of the total purchase price) on most goods they buy.

This tax is included in the sales price and if you are a non-EU resident you are entitled to reclaim this VAT on items purchased here and taken home with you.

Claiming back your VAT has never been easier. When you see the Premier Tax Free logo, request a VAT form for your purchase and use the following tips to save money by getting you VAT back quickly and easily: • Ask for your PTF Shopping Form available at any of the stores listed in the following directory - along with your receipts. The sales assistant will be able to help you complete the form.

• Include your name, full address, passport number and your arrival and departure dates on your form. Make sure you also state how you would like to receive your refund – you can get cash at the airport, have the refund put back on to your card, put into a UK bank account or receive a cheque.

• On arrival at your final point of departure from the EU, locate the VAT refund desk, take your goods, receipts and passport to the desk and get your form stamped.

• After you have your stamped form you can either obtain a cash refund if the facility is available, or you can post your form back to Premier Tax Free in the pre-paid envelope.

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Some of the best places to shop tax free in Manchester...

Adolfo Dominquez

Harvey Nichols

Quiksilver & Roxy

12 John Dalton Street, M2 6JP +44 (0)161 839 9500 adolfodominguezshop.com/uk / @ad_oficial

21 New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD +44 (0)161 828 8888 harveynichols.com / @hn_manchester

Chill Factore, 7 Trafford Way, M4 3TR +44 (0)161 755 3320 quiksilver.co.uk / @QuiksilverUK

Agent Provocateur

House of Fraser

Radley

81 King Street, M2 4AH +44 (0)161 833 3735 agentprovocateur.com / @TheMissAP

9 Century Street, M3 4QL +44 (0)844 800 3744 houseoffraser.co.uk / @houseoffraser

8 New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD +44 (0)161 834 0531 radley.co.uk / @Radley_London

Boodles

Karen Millen

Selfridges

1 King Street, M2 6AW +44 (0)161 833 9000 boodles.com / @Boodles

48 King Street, M2 4LG +44 (0)161 838 0728 karenmillen.com / @KarenMillen

1 Exchange Square, M3 1BD +44 (0)161 838 0598 selfridges.com / @Selfridges

Cath Kidston

Mango

Swarovski

62 King Street, M2 4ND +44 (0)161 834 7936 cathkidson.co.uk / @Cath_Kidston

48-50 Market Street, M1 1PT +44 (0)161 835 9097 mango.com / @Mango

5 Exchange Square, M2 7EE +44 (0)161 819 5445 swarovski.com / @swarovski

Diesel

Marks & Spencer

Watches of Switzerland

74 King Street, M2 4NJ +44 (0)161 839 8868 diesel.com / @diesel_uk

7 Market Street, M1 1WT +44 (0)161 831 7341 marksandspencer.com / @marksandspencer

17 King Street, M2 6AW +44 (0)161 834 2824 watches-of-swizerland.co.uk / @wos_officialuk

H&M

Mulberry

Zara

68-70 Market Street, M1 1PN +44 (0)161 836 2800 hm.com/gb / @hmunitedkingdom

The Avenue, Spinningfields, M3 3FL +44 (0)161 839 3333 mulberry.com / @Mulberry_Editor

New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD +44 (0)161 831 0940 zara.com / @ZaraUK

In order to be eligible for a VAT refund you must reside outside the country in which you are making your purchases.

When shopping in the EU you must reside outside the European Union. You are only eligible for a VAT refund if you spend a minimum amount in one store on the same day. This amount varies from one country to the next.

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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The Trafford Centre

There’s no place like it!

One of the most exciting shopping, dining and leisure destinations in the UK

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre

O Lots

of fabulous designer and high street stores including Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams and M&S and lots of large flagship branches all under one roof.

O Over

60 restaurants, cafés and bars.

O Shopping

till 10pm weekdays.

O Unrivalled

selection of leisure destinations including LEGOLAND®Discovery Centre, 20 Screen ODEON cinema, Aerial Extreme high ropes adventure course, Namco Funscape bowling, games, fun and lots more!

O 11,500

free parking spaces.

O Only

20 minutes from Manchester city centre with the X50 Express bus service.

O Tax-Free O Find

shopping.

out more at www.traffordcentre.co.uk

SNAPSHOT Civil War Manchester Cathedral It was following a battle outside Manchester Cathedral that the Royalists began their retreat from Manchester thanks to a Parliamentarian sniper holed up on the roof of the cathedral.

Manchester Voices

Jeremy Joseph Summer 2011 saw the arrival of world-renowned bar and club chain, G-A-Y, to the city’s Gay Village. Here, we talk to the man behind it all, Jeremy Joseph, learning more about his charity work, involvement with Manchester Pride and why he chose to bring the brand to Manchester.

Tell us about the G-A-Y brand and its history.

G-A-Y turns twenty this year. It started as a gay radio programme on minority station, Spectrum Radio. I was working for a club night called BANG and had the opportunity to take over the Astoria nightclub. I was beginning to make a name for myself - having interviewed the likes of Jason Donovan and Michael Barrymore – and I thought I’d capitalise on the brand’s slowly building presence and rename the venue G-A-Y Club.

One thing that G-A-Y has done - not always on purpose - was get gay clubs onto the front pages of the tabloids and make people much more ‘aware’ of the scene. It was probably appearances by Kylie or Danni [Minogue], but before we knew it, there were great, positive stories on the front pages. It was fantastic.

It has been over a year now since you moved the G-A-Y brand to Manchester.

How have the last twelve months panned out in the North West thus far?

The past year has taught me that you can’t take a successful format in one city and simply replicate it in another – it doesn’t work like that.

With Manchester, it took a few months before I felt I was really getting it right.

Despite the fact the city is just a two hour train ride from London, they are both very different – what’s right for one might not be for the other and vice versa.

What is it do you think that makes the brand work well in Manchester?

There were people in tiny villages – who might have been completely lacking in understanding of gay people – who were reading about G-A-Y in the papers.

I think there are a lot of reasons for why the brand and its ethos have a lot of appeal in the city – such as our drinks prices, the friendly team of staff and our video screens which play all the latest (and most classic) chart tunes.

The exposure led to us being able to find bigger stars to perform – so it was positive in politics and in pop for us – an odd combination. Two more London venues (G-A-Y Bar and G-A-Y Late) and the expansion to Manchester – and here we are today.

With the ‘G-A-Y’ letters at the top of the street and a ‘no stag or hen parties’ policy we were creating a safe gay space. Many other venues seem to be following suit in this way and it’s great to see the Village stand true to its identity.

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Tell us about your involvement with Manchester Pride.

I have always been jealous when friends of mine come back from both Brighton and Manchester Pride – telling me how well organised it is and what fantastic acts they have seen play.

When we brought G-A-Y here, I was delighted to get involved with the event. In 2011, we brought Sugababes and Alexandra Burke to the Main Arena and in 2012 it was STEPS. Not only did those acts put on a great show, but as our first year of being here, it was our way of being community orientated and was an important moment for us. With Manchester Pride, you really don’t understand how good it is until you experience it. In 2011, I didn’t arrive until the early hours of Saturday – but even at 4am there was an absolutely electric atmosphere. Manchester Pride is what pride events should be all about.

You are heavily involved in fundraising for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Tell us a little more about that.

We’ve worked with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) before and I thought it was a fantastic choice. The EJAF is a grant-giving charity, which donates to multiple charities around the world. By having them as our official charity, we are in fact giving to charitable organisations globally. We are proud to be associated with such a great organisation and are thrilled with the public support to raise so much money for it thus far.

What drew you to the venue in Manchester?

I’m always looking for places for G-A-Y to open and the natural places would always be Manchester or Brighton. There was a spot in Brighton I nearly went for, but decided against it in the end.

I had seen Spirit (the venue’s previous name/brand) on a visit to Manchester and had fallen in love with it. I’d thought – “I want that venue”. You just know when a space will suit exactly what your brand is all about – it being at the top of Canal Street is an extremely big bonus. It suits the very ‘in-your-face’ nature of G-A-Y. Time passed and I saw that the bar was available to buy and the rest is history.

What is it about Manchester you like most?

I love the fact I can get away form London!

Manchester has a great community feel – wherever you go. I’ve noticed that my staff here integrate really well together and are all good friends.

One thing I do love though is the moment Manchester sees the sun – the lads are all straight out onto Canal Street – almost in an instant! There is a fantastic atmosphere when the weather is great and everyone comes together to enjoy a few drinks.

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Playing proud Whether you’re a resident or just a visitor ‘passing through’, one of the best ways to meet people in Manchester’s Gay Village involves getting out-of-breath, sweaty and perhaps a little dirty. Let us explain…

So we did it. Despite a long and tedious build-up and plenty of miss directed cynicism, Great Britain delivered an incredible summer of sport in 2012. Inspired by the athletes who performed for us at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, people decided to do something. Switch off the laptop. Get out there. Shift a few pounds.

The timing couldn’t have been better.

With overall participation in sport on the decrease, this renewed vigour and the ongoing public debate about how to capitalise on our success as a nation how to bottle the ‘Mo magic’ so to speak – has led to reports of sports clubs being inundated with new enquiries.

Joe Public got a well-needed motivation boost, but arguably one particular demographic of society didn’t really need it: the LGBT community.

Manchester is packed with LGBT sports groups that have been steadily increasing in popularity. This writer’s most recent count tallies up about 20 sports clubs, but that’s without taking into consideration the grassroots organisations that have yet to attain official club status or those clubs based in the wider Greater Manchester region.

Needless to say, from football to water polo and squash to Scottish ceilidh dancing, the city’s got LGBT sport covered.

Some clubs, especially those who take part in major competitions, naturally look to welcome more seasoned players who are going to prove themselves as assets. For that reason, you’d had better have played rugby before rocking up for a session with the Village Spartans, a rugby union club based in The Village since 1999. To train with the Spartans you may need to be able to make the regular commitment, so if you’re just in Manchester on a fly-in visit perhaps think about approaching a club with an open-door policy.

Luckily a number of clubs in Manchester are more than happy to welcome tourists who have the foresight to pack sportswear in their suitcase. By no means a comprehensive list, some of the most accessible clubs in The Village include: Northern Wave (swimming); Ghap Badminton (badminton); Manchester Frontrunners (running); Northern Aces (tennis); Slam Dunkin’ Divas (basketball); and Northern Jump (volleyball).

A good mix of individual and team sports, the above groups all started out in different ways. From Northern Jump which was established in May 2008 with the support of Pride Sports (the UK organisation for LGBT sports development and equity) to “a small but dedicated band of folk from the LGBT community coming together to play tennis once a week on two long neglected tennis courts underneath the Mancunian Way” as Dave O’Carroll, Chair of Northern Aces Tennis Group recalls.

“We’ve certainly come a long way since those early days” says founding member Nick Web, still a regular at Northern Aces.

O’Carroll agrees and is keen to point out one of the key principals of the group - it’s friendliness. “I still remember the first time I went to a session. Everybody was smiling, someone came up to me to ask if I was new and I was assigned to a member who looked after me on the first day. It just felt so inclusive and I’ve never looked back.”

Daniel Murphy, male co-chair of Manchester Frontrunners, paints a similar picture: “The Manchester club was set up six years ago by a woman called Anna Verges who now runs Open Athletics (an organisation for the promotion and development of LGBT athletics). She was originally living in London and moved to Manchester where she decided to set up a branch which became the second UK Frontrunners club, part of an international federation of clubs that originally started in San Francisco in the 80s.”

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Visibility also comes with the proactive approach that many clubs are taking towards building up membership. “For years we had about 20-30 members and then about four years ago it really took off and now we’re up to about 90” says Murphy of Manchester Frontrunners. “New members are the lifeblood of the club. We like to have lots of fresh faces, particularly on our popular Thursday night run as not only does it make the social side of things more interesting, but when a new person comes along showing a passion for running, it can fire up the group.

Running can have a contagious effect on people.”

And it seems that new female members in particular are something LGBT clubs are keen to attract. “One of our main goals for the rest of 2012 and 2013 is to increase the number of women members” says O’Carroll from Northern Aces. “Despite having three women on the steering committee, women members in 2011 were less than ten. We’d like to double this number.” Murphy agrees: “We have a Female Co-Chair and a good number of regular women runners but we would like to balance the numbers out and have actually organised some events this year specifically aimed at raising our profile with women runners.”

Visiting an LGBT sport club as part of trip to Manchester is undoubtedly a great way to keep up with your sport whilst travelling, and of course offers the chance to see the city from an insider perspective. For solo travellers visiting Manchester for the first time, places like Canal Street, as fun and welcoming as they are, can also be daunting. These clubs provide an invaluable safe space for LGBT travellers to play and meet new people.

Clubs recognise that Manchester is a city where people come to visit, for a weekend or for a month, and will happily welcome you in as a temporary, perhaps even honorary member.

Murphy continues: “In terms of the ethos of the club, we’re open to everyone – long distance running between 5kms and a marathon. Anyone can come and take part so we’ll even have new people come who can do a ‘walk run’ if they want to and we’ll always have members of the committee to run with them.”

Inclusivity and friendliness are the two most frequently quoted values of LGBT clubs and it’s easy to understand why. The old stereotype of being picked last or assumed to be bad at sport is something to which a lot of gay men and women can relate.

Very recently in fact, this writer, walking through a park was faced by the ultimate test of his mettle when a stray football rolled in front of him, striking at a deep-rooted fear that had lay dormant since childhood. The useless volley to return the ball, which missed its target by quite a significant margin, reminded the writer that some sports are not for everyone and that some stereotypes do exist for good reason.

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As Murphy puts it: “Every European major city has a [Frontrunners] club and every major city in the Americas has one too. If anyone is coming to Manchester they can come and join us and they will be welcome.” O’Carroll sums it up nicely too: “The Olympic Games in London has really demonstrated the social and health benefits of sport, and we really do encourage anyone from the LGBT community, whatever their ability, to come down and play.”

But that is to digress. Many LGBT clubs thankfully pitch themselves as being for everyone regardless of age, fitness, ability or, of course, gender and sexuality. And no one need kick a ball if they do not wish to.

Though it’s perhaps a token gesture, many clubs also extend an olive branch to straight members and it’s that sort of care-free and open attitude that might explain why LGBT sports groups are more popular and visible than ever.

So go on, make some space in your luggage for trainers. pridesports.org.uk northernwave.org manchesterfrontrunners.org northernjump.org villagespartans.co.uk openathletics.org northernacestennis.com ghap-badminton.co.uk Facebook: Slam-Dunkin-Divas

What’s On: LGBT

World AIDS Day

Sparkle

1 December 2012

July 2013

Each year, World AIDS Day takes place across the globe on 1 December. The day is a chance for individuals to come together and help fight the stigma attached to the disease and support those who continue to live with HIV and AIDS. worldaidsday.org | @NAT_AIDS_Trust

Following an extremely successful 2012, Sparkle in the Park is back. The festival, which is the largest annual celebration of transgender culture and lifestyle in the UK, has featured previous performances from Elouise, January and transsexual ‘celebrity’ Miss Chelsea Attonley. The event takes place in Sackville Gardens within the Gay Village and all are welcome to attend, take part and support the trans community. sparkle.org.uk | @SparkleWeekend

Pride Games June 2013 The only UK sports development organisation for LGBT people, Pride Sports organise the annual Pride Games. The Games consist of three consecutive games of competitive sports across a range of venues in Manchester. Everyone is welcome to take part, across numerous levels, and it is a great time to meet new friends, catch up with old ones and enjoy a bit of sport with the community. pridegames.org | @LouEnglefield

Manchester Pride 16 - 26 August 2013 Winner of ‘Best UK Pride’ (Pink Paper Awards) for five consecutive years, Manchester Pride is considered one of the best gay festivals in the world. Celebrating LGBT life and culture, Pride Fringe takes place over one week in late August, before the Big Weekend over the August Bank Holiday (Friday - Monday). The Big Weekend includes world-class performers – in the past including the likes of Kelis, Chicane, Gossip and Steps – a Candlelit Vigil to commemorate those lost to HIV/AIDS and the all-important Manchester Pride Parade. This is an event not to be missed! manchesterpride.com | @ManchesterPride

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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Manchester Voices

Sam Tomkins Tickets are now on sale for the Rugby League World Cup 2013, which takes place next October and November at venues across Greater Manchester and the North West. We caught up with Sam Tomkins, superstar fullback for Wigan Warriors and England, to find out his thoughts in advance of the tournament.

What would it mean to play for England at Old Trafford, in the final of the Rugby League World Cup 2013?

As a rugby league player, the greatest honour is to represent your country, so to be able to do that in the biggest match, on the biggest stage in the world would be wonderful.

What would you say to potential Rugby League fans ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2013?

As soon as you try rugby league, you’re hooked on the sport; that seems to happen all the time. We really need to build up that awareness among people who are not necessarily within the traditional heartlands, or close to an established team. All I can say is that any newcomers to the sport should choose a team to follow and go to a match – they certainly won’t be disappointed.

Why is Rugby League so popular in the North West of England?

I think it’s the heartland of rugby league and the North West is steeped in the tradition of the game. This really shows when the RL Challenge Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium, in the number of fans that travel down for the match. It’s quite an expense for a family to make their way down from the North West to London, but we have great attendances every year.

Other than Wigan’s DW Stadium, what is your favourite North West venue to play at?

Old Trafford has got to be the best; it’s where we play the Rugby League Grand Final every year and is an iconic stadium, a great place to play. At the start of the year I was also lucky enough to play at Manchester City FC’s ground as well - the Etihad Stadium - which is really good; the more enclosed design of the stadium gives a fantastic atmosphere.

What are your best Old Trafford memories?

I played there for Wigan Warriors in the Rugby League Grand Final of 2010 that we won. Walking out onto the pitch from the corner tunnel is a pretty impressive feeling!

What do you think about the DW Stadium (the home of Wigan Warriors) being a World Cup venue?

The Wigan fans are as passionate as ever and love their rugby league, so to have World Cup games at the DW Stadium is very special, I think. I remember in 2009 when I played there against Australia, there was an unbelievable atmosphere and the fans really bought into it, so I’m sure they will do the same for the World Cup games.

Do you have any recommendations of things to do in the region, other than rugby league?

Well, the shopping in Manchester is fantastic and I always spend a bit too much there on my days off! There are loads of great restaurants as well, for example Rosso – Rio Ferdinand’s restaurant – is a great place to eat. Basically, you’re never short of anything to do in Manchester!

For more information and tickets: rlwc2013.com Facebook.com/rugbyleagueworldcup @rlwc2013 | #bethere To see more of Sam’s interview: visitmanchester.com

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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What’s On: Sport

English Indoor Rowing Championships National Cycling Centre 27 January 2013 For any indoor rowing fan this is an exciting event coming to Manchester’s very own National Cycling Centre towards the end of January 2013. The English Indoor Rowing Championships are a day-long event taking place in the city nationalcyclingcentre.com @n_cyclingcentre

English National Badminton Championships National Cycling Centre 1 – 3 February 2013 At the beginning of February the English National Badminton Championships come to the city’s National Cycling Centre. After the exciting 2012 event saw stars such as Elizabeth Cann and Rajiv Ousef take titles at the Bolton Arena, the 2013 event is set to be even more heated.

Nationalbadmintonchamps.co.uk @badmintonenglnd

National Squash Championships

Horwich Festival of Racing

National Squash Centre, SportsCity 11 – 17 February 2013

Horwich, Bolton 16 June 2013

The National Squash Championships comes to Manchester in February for what promises to be one week of fast-paced, friendly competition in the city’s arena dedicated to this sport. This is not an event to miss. nationalsquashchamps.net | @sportsite

Since it began in 2002, Horwich Festival of Racing has grown to become one of the most popular sporting events in the North West.

The 2013 event features British standard cycling, running and road walking championships, a young person’s swim and run plus street orienteering. horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk

Bupa Great Manchester Run & Great City Games

Rugby League World Cup

Manchester city centre 26 May 2013 Since its 2003 debut the Bupa Great Manchester run has become the nation’s favourite 10k running event, now celebrated as a ‘festival’ with a detailed program of events which surround it. The event has recently become a favourite with sports stars – and has raised an estimated £22 million for numerous charities since it first began and still has a huge presence in the city. greatrun.org | @great_run

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Various venues October and November, 2013 This year sees the Rugby League World Cup come to Greater Manchester for what is sure to be an action-packed sporting event.

Fixtures include Fiji vs Ireland in Rochdale (October 28 2013), Scotland vs USA at Salford City Stadium (November 7), a quarter final match in Wigan (November 16) and the final at Old Trafford (November 30). rlwc.com/worldcup @rlworldcup2013

Š Andrew Brooks andrewbrooksphotography.com in collaboration with Andy Brydon curatedplace.com

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Manchester Voices

Helen Freeborough Helen Freeborough showcases the city to visitors in her role as an official Green Badge Tour Guide.

Here, she tells us about tour guiding and her favourite building in the city, Manchester Town Hall. a world player’. The council held a competition to design the building and it was won by Liverpudlian (that’s someone from Liverpool) architect Alfred Waterhouse.

One of the reasons Waterhouse won the competition was because of his ‘very practical’ design for a building on an awkward triangular plot, with a clever triple staircase arrangement that allowed the ‘workers’ to move around the building without interfering with the grand functions taking place on the first floor. Yet if you look around the building, it feels – at first look – far from practical. It’s incredibly ornate and decorative, with murals, gilding and sculptures.

What do you think are some of the Town Hall’s most interesting features?

Tell us about the city’s official tour guides and how you came to join the group?

I first found out about the plan to train some new guides in the pub (as you do) over a glass of wine with the man who would eventually become my tutor, Jonathan Schofield – a local writer, author and guide.

I’ve always loved history and learning – and having discussed it with friends and family – I decided to go for it. It was a big commitment. Officially, there were two training sessions a week but it really did take over my life. It was a little bit like doing a history degree in nine months instead of three years!

Manchester Town Hall is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Tell us about its history.

The Town Hall opened in 1877, had taken ten years to build and cost a mere £1m to build, not much by today’s standards! By the 1860s, Manchester had really grown. It was making headlines across the world because of the level of trade taking place here and there was a very physical need for a bigger Town Hall from which to run the city, than the one of the day, which was on King Street.

It provided an opportunity for Manchester to build this amazing civic building that said ‘This is Manchester - we’ve arrived and we’re

To really appreciate the building, you need to start outside in Albert Square. The Albert Memorial – which was here before the Town Hall was – was positioned where it is so that it would line up perfectly with the front door.

The exterior also includes statues of people that have been influential in the city – going right back to Roman times. One of my favourites is above the front door, where there’s the figure of Roman General Agricola who, it is said, Manchester was founded under some 2,000 years ago.

Give us the Clock Tower in figures!

OK, here we go. I’m pretty sure it’s 286ft to the top. There are about 177 steps (it’s hard to keep count). It’s one of the largest clock towers in the country. There is space for 13 bell ringers and there are 23 bells in addition to the hour bell, which is called ‘Great Abel’.

There are very few public buildings with as many bells as this – maybe six in the country.

To compare, we’re talking about places like York Minster – so that puts it into context.

The bell at the top is eight and a half tonnes.

Imagine how hard that was to hoist up!

What has been the most unusual tour you’ve given?

The guy booked a private tour and told his girlfriend it was a birthday treat. He was really nervous and I wasn’t quite sure what to do once we got to the top. I had to make myself scarce so that he could propose in private – but that’s difficult to do at the top of a clock tower without it looking obvious.

There’s a fantastic terrace at the top with 360-degree views of the city. I let them walk ahead and literally hid round the corner.

I left them for about ten minutes and didn’t hear anything. I thought he must have chickened out and just at the point I decided to come out of hiding and see if they were OK, he was literally popping the question.

My timing was appalling. But she did say yes, so that was fantastic.

What’s your favourite view from the outdoor terrace at the top?

Definitely the view south west, towards Salford Quays and MediaCityUK. On a clear day, you should be able to see the coast – which is 30 miles away. It’s stunning.

The Town Hall is often used as a filming location. Tell us about that.

Yes, it’s famously used as a body double for the Houses of Parliament in London.

They don’t allow commercial filming in parliament, so anything that requires those kind of scenes in film or TV tend to come and use the Town Hall. Recently, we had Meryl Streep filming The Iron Lady and a couple of years ago there was the new Sherlock Holmes film.

The Town Hall aside, what are your three favourite buildings in Manchester?

If I couldn’t pick the Town Hall (which IS my favourite building), my top three - in no particular order - would be Chetham’s Library – the medieval building by the Cathedral, which is a total hidden gem of a building. John Rylands Library – which is stunning. It has a real sense of drama and is a place of learning. And right up to date – it has to be the Civil Justice Centre in Spinningfields. I never fail to be amazed by it.

One of the nicest things I’ve been party to on a Clock Tower tour was a marriage proposal.

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SNAPSHOT Industrial Revolution Royal Mills Royal Mills and the buildings that surround it are one of the most complete surviving examples of the early, large-scale factories that brought about the Industrial Revolution. Its name is relatively ‘recent’ and follows a royal visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1942.

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Manchester Voices

Roger Ward Sam’s and Tom’s chop houses - two of Manchester’s most iconic pubs – are about to be joined a third mate, Albert. Here, we catch-up with the man behind the Victorian Chop House brand, Roger Ward, on the history of the chain, its success and plans for the next instalment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and the history of the Victorian Chop House.

What is it about the Memorial Hall that is so special?

I came to Manchester thirty something years ago to study at university and have never left. I had a 15 year career in advertising and was really pleased to help create a worldclass advertising agency with an M postcode.

Until now, I thought that was my greatest achievement – and then I kind of got into this industry by accident.

I’m really excited about this building – it’s one of Manchester’s prettiest and I think most people would list it in their top five or ten favourite spots. I’m sat here and we own a bit of the Town Hall square in Manchester.

The building has been empty for ten years, so this is sort of a regeneration project – and it’s such a great spot.

Twelve years ago I lost my mother-in-law, my dog and my dad in the space of a few weeks and I decided to have a change of life and career. I ended up supporting a pal to re-open Sam’s Chop House – and the Victorian Chop House was born. I’m really lucky I think to have two iconic Manchester institutions (Tom’s and Sam’s) but people don’t remember they were actually failed businesses.

How far has Manchester’s response been a part of the success?

We’re now involved in an extremely exciting, but slightly nervous, project - Albert’s Chop House - trying to install two floors of bar and restaurant, one a function room and two for a hotel.

Did you expect the brand to enjoy so much success in the city?

I think we’re really lucky – the chop house business has a really strong reputation. I understand what good will means because people in Manchester have a good will about us. It’s nice to have a good reputation and I’m glad we trade so strongly. I don’t think you ever go into business with expectations; you just go in trying really hard. I find that if you do a good job then people follow.

I don’t think we’re the best people to talk about our business – I like to read the comment cards to hear about the good times people have had - and to read the constructive criticism. We’re honest, we care for what we do and we employ characters – people with passion – and if they like their jobs as much as the customers do then that’s a recipe for success.

Tell us a bit about your passion for art and how this has influenced the chop houses’ décor.

One of the things we’re known for is art and food. People ask me why we do it; I do it because it’s my hobby. I like art – I like supporting artists – and I think pubs and restaurants make great places to do so.

You have a captive audience and it just makes it more of a personal experience.

For example, we have the statue of Lowry in Sam’s – which is not about marketing – it is because I like it and I think people like it too.

I just love doing business in Manchester; this is a business friendly city and we have had so much support from the city itself. One day, Sir Richard Leese, (the leader of Manchester City Council) came to look at the site. We’ve also had loads of support from the tourist board, Visit Manchester. It’s been great.

People are helping us to create something – it’s a tough business in this economy and we have a commercial city council who tries its best to help people to create jobs. A lot of investment in this site with builders and jobs, but we will be between fifty and seventy jobs.

What are the plans for the next instalment of the brand?

Tell us about your commitment to local food and produce.

We’re opening a new chop house (Albert’s).

I’m very lucky to have Sam’s and Tom’s – inherited in some sense – and now we want to create another iconic place to tie in with the institution and fabric of the city.

As a business it’s part of our philosophy to buy local wherever we can. That’s driven by our commitment to food. All out food is cooked to order with local ingredients from people we know – preferably who are a little bit mad with a passion for what they do. We know all of them personally.

What we are hoping to have with Albert’s is: a restaurant with 70 covers in what used to be a grain store and a warehouse in a loft conversion, an 80 cover brassiere bar with chop house classic food and 50 covers in the square facing the Town Hall. Then the other exciting bit is on the first floor there will be a 20-seat board room and an 80-100 seat venue – the Memorial Hall - for weddings and other events. The final part is a boutique hotel with eight luxury suites.

We all share the same commitments and passion; the connection of that passion is very easy. The reality is that we try and make good honest food from ingredients from around here – and we’re showing off what the North West can do.

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Š Jason Hindle

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Girl about China-town Bonnie Yeung is a member of one of the city’s most influential families - owners of the famous Yang Sing restaurant and a supporter of many business, cultural, education and charitable projects across Greater Manchester. Here, she tells us about life in the city’s thriving Chinatown. individual. My parents, and those of many of my friends, arrived in Britain with the mindset that success came only with hard work. Sacrifice was not a mere quixotic notion, it was de rigeur. This rigid family structure coupled with infamous Chinese thrift, and an indomitable work ethic paved the way for self employment, enterprise and economic accomplishment. From the 1960’s Chinatown saw social and economic growth successive decades brought boom.

Manchester’s Chinatown is a mainstay of the city’s socio-cultural geography; it flies the flag for Manchester, for independence and grassroots enterprise. The area is compact enough to retain a real sense of community and camaraderie but diverse enough to offer a rich and varied experience. It has grown organically, from one or two pioneering laundrettes and eateries in the early 20th century, to a sprawling assortment of South East Asian cultures and businesses.

Chinatown is a neighbourhood for a thriving community; home to some of the city’s top kitchens, and a cornucopia of characters and cultures, of all ages and origins.

Formerly the old Jewish quarter of Manchester, many Chinese took over the property being vacated. The architecture of the old textile warehouses in the area leant themselves well to the handful of small businesses that grew up here. Odd nooks in buildings and atmospheric basement spaces continue to be occupied by tiny retailers and owned by independent family run businesses. The growth of Chinatown can be attributed in part to a generation of traditional Chinese and Confucian thinkers, where family and community preceded the

Our current socio-economic circumstances have bred an entirely different environment.

The dining out experience is so rich and varied that one can eat out every night of the month at a different venue. Wider changes have renewed Chinatown, with a number of new exciting places opening their doors in recent years. A new wave of settlers from the North of China, have replenished the community, they have added to its complexity, our eateries also increasingly reflect the diversity of Chinese cooking. A new generation of British born restaurantowners, are also trying to bridge the gap between West and East in a different way.

They are offering much more authentic food, keen to share that which mirrors their own identities and experiences.

The clinking of porcelain, chopsticks against china, the clatter of teapots against teacups are the score to which life in Chinatown is set; along with a babel of different languages, dialects and accents. There are eateries catering to every niche, palate and budget.

There are cheap and cheerful buffets that are designed to cater to everyman; their dishes range from anglicised ‘Chinese’: much beloved sweet and sour chicken, egg fried rice and chow mein et al to all you can eat ice cream feasts.

New kids on the block: ‘Tops’ epitomises the China of the 21st century; efficient, lavish and executed with meticulousness. As you enter, its palatial reception opens onto a vast

and showy dining room that belies its investment and enthusiasm. Similarly, Tai Wu on Oxford Road has bowed to the buffet gods and converted to a canteen style international buffet. The Portland Street side of Chinatown is quickly becoming an homage to self service. Consumers laud the idea of a bargain and adore the seeming array of dishes on offer.

The likes of the New Emperor, Happy Seasons and Pacific are purveyors of southern Chinese cuisine and serve succulent dim sum, homely casseroles and the famed Hong Kong style roasts that can often be seen hanging like tempting curios in a display window. The family that run the New Hong Kong restaurant does so well with their regulars that some of their customers have been with them since their inceptionsome thirty years ago. The owners are so well liked and respected that some of their longstanding diners even insist on serving themselves! The Kwok Man and Pearl City are of a similar ilk but open late into the night, supplying community night owls, weary off duty waiters and late night revellers with their fix of food from ‘home’.

I have sampled dim sum all over the world; from China to the Americas and it is a rarity that any betters that of my father's. The Yang Sing which has been in my family since its inception in November 1977, specialises in dim sum and authentic Cantonese cookery.

In his youth my father Harry, and his father before him, were renowned in Chinatown for two things: their frightening tempers, but also their impressive dim sum. In his twilight years my father's temper shows some signs of abating but his dedication to his kitchen remains’ unprecedented. As a result I am proud to be able to say the reputation of the Yang Sing's dim sum has spread far and wide. Each dumpling is expertly crafted by deft fingers, nimbly folded and filled with fresh fabulous ingredients.

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of Chinatown attaining almost cult status in the city. The fluffy cloud like brioche buns that sandwich an array of various fillings and toppings, both savoury and sweet, plague my thoughts day and night. It is always necessary to buy several items, not only the buns but the colourful slices of oriental gateux, and then there’s the doughnuts, the cookies and not to mention the drinks! Oh the drinks! It’s not greed that motivates customers like myself to indulge at the Chinatown bakeries; I’d like to think that it stems from a desire to immerse oneself in the oriental philosophy of yin and yang.

Now even with the Yeung family expertise there are some things which even we prefer at other restaurants. The Great Wall restaurant is presided over by the Leung family. ‘YoYo’ as their proprietor and head chef is affectionately known by Chinatownproduces spring onion pancakes and Beijing style dumplings that are unlike anything you will have tasted before. His hand pulled noodles are also a fantastic speciality.

Unusually for Chinese tradition the family and the restaurant is dominated by matriarchs; every evening three generations of women will gather here and eat together whilst the men folk remain at their work stations toiling away. Through hard work, fortuitousness and entrepreneurial spirit the Leung family have flourished, establishing several restaurants, including Dragon City, the New Beijing and the Wong Wong Bakery.

Wong Wong's and Ho’s bakeries are bastions

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Image above: Harry Yeung of the Yang Sing restaurant

The non-Chinese retinue that make up Chinatown are also numerous and alluring: Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese to name but a few. There are old favourites such as Teppanyaki, the place for restaurant theatre and Wasabi for rotator belt sushi- venture upstairs for their delightful dessert room and absolutely try the sweet tofu and durian snow ice. There are also rising stars in Chinatown such as ‘I am Pho’ and ‘Yuzu’.

I have spent numerous mealtimes at both the aforementioned and a great deal of time telling my friends and family about the fantastic food that can be found at both. I am Pho serves wonderful classic Vietnamese comfort food; their summer rolls are my all time favourite and can beat even the offerings of Kingsland Road in London. Yuzu are purveyors of seriously clean and fresh Japanese Kaiseki dishes and small plates and has caught the eye, and indeed the taste buds of some serious Manchester foodies.

The Northern Chinese settlers in Chinatown have brought us great gutsy contenders such as Hunan and Red Chilli; where intestines and lung are commonplace; and where garlic, chilli and pepper is used in abundance. This is food you will recall for a long time afterwards because your body won't let you forget about it. Pungent Hot Pot or BBQ dining are a convivial style of dining.

Dunking or grilling one’s own food; is casual dining at its best. This kind of eating isn’t a meal to be hurried: it’s more an event than a feeding opportunity. In Chinatown proper there is Red Hot and BBQ but on the other side of Canal street there is also Han Dynasty which is self service style. You’ll be provided with an array of condiments and soy sauce to make up your own dipping sauce: spicy chilli paste, barbecue sauce, peanut paste and dried fried garlic, which can become addictive.

Amongst my favourite things about Chinatown are the hairdressers, beauticians and salons in the area. Chinatown is a great place to be pampered; one can administer to ones appetites as well as ones appearance.

At one end of the spectrum one can have a wash and blow dry at a hairdresser from £10, the service is fast and efficient, an appointment is never needed but for those with no time pressures a languorous full spa day experience at hidden gem- the Bali Health Lounge is a must. Amongst the other businesses in Chinatown are the casino and betting shops which are more social clubs

© Simon Gardiner

than dens of iniquity, the independently run craft stores, grocers and supermarkets. Kim’s and Wing Fat are but a couple of the retailers that serve our community. Their role in Chinatown is vital, providing restaurants with many of the specialist ingredients required and at a time when out of town Oriental shopping and food colossus are increasingly appealing - our little supermarkets with the familiar faces, rickety shelves and cramped aisles represent an intimate and authentic experience of the community and its people. Kim’s, which is probably the smallest of the aforementioned is run by an elderly couple known to me only as ‘uncle’ and ‘aunty’ and can often be found behind a screen in one corner perched on makeshift table and chairs cooking up a riot in their compact rice steamer and kettle at mealtimes. It is sights like these that beautify Chinatown; there is nowhere in the city today that one can share something so personal and evocative.

We live in exciting times where change is commonplace, where newness and innovation carry the day, but equally it warms me to know that in Chinatown there are some sights, sounds and flavours that will be cherished and defended. The imperial arch that dominates our skyline, has long presided over Chinatown and though it may currently be entombed in a shroud of ‘health and safety’ netting, the community is working with Manchester City Council to restore it to its former glory. The pavilions that sit either side of the arch, resting places for the foot weary and people watchers have in recent years been beleaguered by miscreants and vagrants who litter and graffiti. Chinatown is by in large a peaceful community and as a result many of the difficulties and frustrations of our forefathers were born with patience and stoicism, however, the rise and rise of the East and being as much straight talking Mancs as Chinese has brought about some key changes. ‘Generation Y’ of Chinatown is far more active, better equipped and prepared to make improvements, respond to detractors and speak out about ever tougher parking rules, immigration policy and community concerns.

I am gratified that I am a part of a community that safeguards the traditions, the conviviality and the quirks that make it unique. Chinatown has nourished, added to and served the city for many years, its identity and continuing preservation is vital to the geography of Manchester. Come and visit, try food that you might not ordinarily, ask questions and enjoy our stories, many of the families and businesses that inhabit the area have been around for longer than I have existed and long may they continue.

© www.flickr.com/photos/dave_kepcove

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Ten cuisines of Manchester

British The Mark Addy Stanley St, Salford, M3 5EJ +44 (0)161 832 4080 markaddy.co.uk / @TheMarkAddy

To celebrate our tenth issue, we’ve chosen ten of our favourite cuisines from around the world and the best place to sample them here in Manchester.

Manchester's original riverside pub serves up a menu of British classics, featuring a selection of popular signature dishes, alongside an exciting array of daily specials created using the finest quality local produce.

French 63 Degrees 20 Church St, M4 1PN +44(0)161 832 5438 63degrees.co.uk / @63DegreesNQ

Alternative: Market Restaurant, 104 High St, M4 1HQ +44 (0)161 834 3743 / market-restaurant.com / @104highst

A taste of Paris brought to you by the Moreau family. The food is an expression of modern French cuisine, using only locally sourced, fresh ingredients and cooked in a way that is designed to delight the senses and convey a whole new world of taste.

Alternative: Le Relais de Venise L’entrecote, 84 King St, M2 4WQ +44 (0)161 850 8600 / relaisdevenise.com / @RelaisDeVenise

Spanish Evuna 277 – 279 Deansgate, M3 4EW +44 (0)161 819 2752 evuna.com / @Evunamanchester A taste of real Spain, with hundreds of different types of Spanish wines from the many regions. Their philosophy is to present only the finest wines from small family run vineyards that use traditional wine making methods.

Alternative: La Vina, 105 - 107 Deansgate, M3 2BQ +44 (0)161 835 3144 / lavina.co.uk / @lavinadeansgate

South American

Italian

Bem Brasil

45 Spring Gardens, M2 2BG +44 (0)161 832 1400 rossorestaurants.com / @RossoRestaurant

58 Lever St, M1 1FJ +44 (0)161 923 6888 bembrasilrestaurants.com / @BemBrasRest Experience the excitement of this exotic and savory country. Enjoy a continuous array of roasted meats grilled in a traditional charcoal BBQ served by passadores (Carvers).

Alternative: Gaucho Grill, 2a St Mary’s St, M3 2LB +44 (0)161 833 4333 / gauchorestaurants.co.uk / @gauchogroup

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Rosso

Sat proudly at the top of King Street, Rio Ferdinand’s Rosso restaurant boasts an a la carte menu with a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, steaks and fish dishes.

Alternative: Stock, The Stock Exchange, 4 Norfolk Street, M2 1DW +44 (0)161 839 6644stockrestaurant.co.uk / @stockrestaurant

Chinese Yang Sing 34 Princess St, M1 4JY +44 (0)161 236 2200 yang-sing.com / @yangsingmcr

Greek

The Yang Sing restaurant has a unique charm and unequalled dedication to the palate of the connoisseur that have earned it a reputation as being amongst the very best Cantonese restaurants in Europe.

Papa G’s The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS +44 (0)161 834 8668 papags.co.uk / @PapaGs_Greek Embracing the traditional Greek and Mediterranean method of cooking.

The grill selection is cooked on real charcoal for maximum flavour and favourites include kleftiko, Mary’s ribs, homemade pizzas and speciality crepes.

Alternative: Ocean Tr235ure, Great Northern, 2 Watson St, M3 4LP +44 (0)161 839 7613 / oceantreasure235.co.uk / @MANCH235TER

Alternative: Dimitri’s, Campfield Arcade, Deansgate, Castlefield, M3 4FN

Japanese Sapporo Teppanyaki 91 Liverpool Road, M3 4JN +44 (0)161 831 9888 sapporo.co.uk / @sapporo_uk

Indian Zouk Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Chester St, M1 5QS +44 (0)161 233 1090 zoukteabar.co.uk / @ZoukTeaBar Renowned for the outstanding quality of its food, Zouk offers an authentic taste of Lahore-style street cuisine with a theatre-style kitchen to allow diners to see the chefs at work.

Alternative: Zaika, 2 Watson St, M3 4EE +44 (0)871 230 3916 / zaikamanchester.com / @ZaikaManchester

Thai Chaophraya 19 Chapel Walks, Off Cross St, M2 1HN +44 (0)161 832 8342 chaophraya.co.uk / @ChaophrayaThai Offering the ultimate Thai fine dining experience. Diners are taken on a journey; tasting fresh ingredients, flavours and cooking methods typical of each of its unique regions.

An experience you’ll never forget.

Exciting Japanese food, including beef fillet in chilli and garlic, King Prawns, warm smoked chicken salad, soup noodles and every type of tempting fresh sushi and sashimi.

Alternative: Sakura, Arch 2, Deansgate Locks, Whitworth St West, M1 5LH +44 (0)161 832 0234 / sakuramanchester.com / @SakuraMchester

Alternative: Vermilion Cinnabar, Hulme Hall Lane, Lord North St, M40 8AD +44 (0)161 202 0055 / vermilioncinnabar.com / @VermilionUK

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SNAPSHOT World War II The Manchester Ship Canal The Manchester Ship Canal is a 36-mile long seaway from the River Mersey to the heart of Greater Manchester. Its Traord Park terminus was an important industrial area and suered from extensive bombing in World War II, particularly during the Manchester Blitz of December 1940.

The cream of Manchester

by John Clarke John Clarke is the chairman of the Stockport and South Manchester branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale - an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights. Here, the real ale enthusiast tells us about the history of beer and brewing in Manchester.

Manchester was famously the world’s first industrial city, growing dramatically in the 19th century on the back of the wealth generated by ‘King Cotton’. A whole range of industries grew up in tandem as Manchester and the surrounding towns were transformed into one of the UK’s industrial heartlands. From the heavy engineering of Gorton and the hat makers of Stockport to the world’s first industrial estate at Trafford Park, the mills of Oldham and the pits of the East Lancashire coalfield at Wigan and Leigh thousands of workers toiled to create the region’s wealth.

Of course, manual work is thirsty work and the streets of terraced houses that defined the urban landscape really did almost have a pub on every corner. Despite the emergence of the temperance movement, which has its origins in the North West, those pubs sold huge amounts of beer, and that beer was supplied by something like 250 breweries.

Many of these concerns were short lived affairs, and some were tiny, home brew houses.

However, a few grew and prospered and four survive to this day – Robinsons in Stockport, Hydes (now) in Salford, John Willie Lees out at Middleton Junction and Joseph Holt at Cheetham Hill, just out of the city centre. These have been joined by (currently) no fewer that 27 new micro brewers.

The four long-term survivors are all medium sized companies, still run by the descendants of their founders.

However, Manchester and Salford were also home to some very sizeable and iconic brewers, all of whom eventually succumbed to takeover and closure in the late 20th century. They continue a ghostlike existence in old pub signs and engraved windows.

The last to go, and perhaps the most iconic, was Boddingtons whose Strangeways Brewery, dating from 1778, finally closed in 2004. They sold up to long-term major shareholder Whitbread who in turn sold their brewing interests to multi-national brewer AB-InBev. After closure the

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famous cask Boddingtons Bitter was contracted out to Hydes but production stopped this year.

You will still see keg and canned versions (and something called Boddingtons Pub Ale is exported to North America) but these are brewed far away from the brand’s Manchester roots and bear little resemblance to the beer that made its brewery famous. The region’s other major breweries disappeared rather earlier but traces of their existence can still be found. Out at Ardwick, Chesters Brewery was famous for its “fighting mild” which was available throughout a substantial tied estate. They merged with local rivals Threlfalls of Salford and the brewery was subsequently closed and demolished.

Threlfalls were based in both Salford and Liverpool with substantial breweries in each city. Following the merger with Chesters the combined operation became Threlfalls Chesters and this company was taken over by Whitbread and finally closed in 1999. The impressive Grade II listed brewery tower still stands on Chapel Street in Salford and had been converted to office use as the Deva Centre.

The other big local name was Wilsons Brewery at Newton Heath. Their famous chequerboard trademark can still be seen on local pubs. They were taken over by London brewers Watneys and the brewery closed in 1987. Happily, that’s not the end of the story for the Wilsons site – part of the premises is now occupied by the new Boggart Brewery.

You can try Boggart beers at their unique Micro Bar in the Arndale Market.

Other famous names that succumbed to takeover and closure include Manchester’s Cornbrook Brewery, and Hardy’s Crown Brewery (whose Happy Man Bitter was named after the owner’s favourite racehorse), Salford’s Groves & Whitnall (surely the inspiration for Newton & Ridley!) and Oldham Brewery. These and others, though, are really spectres at the feast. Today, Greater Manchester has a growing and thriving brewing industry. Let’s take a look.

Image above: Barrel making at Robinson’s brewery, Stockport. Below: vintage beer bottles for Robinson’s Beer © Robinson’s

Of the four surviving family brewers, the largest is Robinsons of Stockport with some 380 pubs stretching from the Lake District to North Wales and South Cheshire, with local concentrations in Stockport and Tameside.

Founded in 1832 by Frederic Robinson and currently run by the sixth generation of the Robinson family, the brewery had recently benefited from a £5 million investment. The excellently restored Castle on Oldham Street is a good place to try Robinsons beers in the city centre.

While the Stockport skyline is dominated by Robinsons’ brewery tower, the town is also home to two brand new brewers. Jay Krause brews at his Quantum Brewery in a unit just off the town’s historic Hillgate while the Ringway Brewery in north Reddish was about to produce its first beers as this was being written.

Another local brewery run by the sixth generation of the founding family is JW Lees at Middleton Junction near Rochdale. Their estate comprised some 180 pubs mainly to the north and west of the city but also stretching down to Cheshire and out into North Wales. Rain Bar on Great Bridgewater Street is a convenient city centre outlet for Lees beers. Like Robinsons, Lees also have a micro on the doorstep in the form of Kathryn Harrison and Amanda Seddon’s new Wilson Potter Brewery.

The third local family brewer is Joseph Holt at Cheetham Hill. It is currently run by the great great grandson of the founder and supplies an estate of about 130 pubs. The brewery traditionally kept its operations very local to Manchester and Salford but in recent years has expanded into the surrounding towns. Holt’s pubs are scattered throughout the city centre – the Ape & Apple on John Dalton Street is a notably good outlet, but all are worth a look.

The smallest of the family brewers is Hydes dating from 1863. This year they have just moved from premises in Moss Side to a new unit in Salford where the company will concentrate on brewing for its estate on 63 pubs. They are found throughout Greater Manchester with a concentration to the south of the city. Hydes beers can be found in the Grey Horse on Portland Street but for a true taste of old Manchester seek out the Jolly Angler on Great Ducie Street.

Salford is also home to the tiny Star Brewery based in an outbuilding at the Star pub on Back Hope Street.

In addition to their core range of beers, all of the family brewers produce regular seasonal and special beers, and also offer guest beers in some or all of their pubs. This is due in part to the emergence of a wave of new micro brewers who have made a significant impact on the local beer scene.

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Top 10 Pubs Marble Arch 73 Rochdale Road, M4 4HY Spectacular tiled interior, Marble Brewery beers and excellent food. Try the cheeseboard.

Port Street Beer House 39-41 Port Street, M1 2EQ portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk Huge range of craft beers from the UK and overseas. Frequent ‘Meet the Brewer’ nights. Closed Mondays.

Circus Tavern 86 Portland Street, M1 4GX The smallest pub in town – an incredible 19th century survival and listed Grade II. A must visit local institution.

Castle Hotel 66 Oldham Street, M4 1LE thecastlehotel.info The only Robinsons house in the city centre – superb restoration completed in 2010.

Knott Bar 374 Deansgate, M3 4LY Converted railway arch near Deansgate station – superb range of beers and great food.

New Oxford 11 Bexley Square, Salford, M3 6DB thenewoxford.com Superb multi-beer free house with up to 18 handpumps and huge range of Belgian beers.

Trackside Bolton Street Station, Bury, BL9 0EY eastlancsrailway.org.uk/food-drink/the-trackside Railway buffet on Platform 3 of Bolton Street Station. Changing range of guest beers and house beer from local Outstanding Brewery.

Stalybridge Station Refreshment Rooms Rassbottom Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1RF buffetbar.org Possibly the most famous railway buffet in the country. Changing guest beers and traditional food. Try the black peas.

Arden Arms 23 Millgate, Stockport, SK1 2LX arden-arms.co.uk Historic award-winning pub with superb unspoilt interior – check the snug hidden behind the bar. Robinsons beers and great food.

Oddest 414-416 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, M21 0SD oddbar.co.uk/oddest Part of a small locally owned chain. Quirky decor, a constantly changing range of guest beers and food served every day.

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Closest to the city centre are the Marble Brewery and the Blackjack Brewery who brew about 100 meters from each other in railway arches just off Rochdale Road.

Marble started brewing at the back of the Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road in 1997 and have made their name with a wide range of beer styles although the modern “pale and hoppy” idiom is often favoured.

Blackjack only started brewing this year but has already won an award for its Aces High IPA and the Stout has also received very good reports. Bar Fringe on Swan Street is a likely outlet for Blackjack beers – you may even encounter brewer Rob Hamilton working behind the bar.

The Rochdale and Oldham areas have a concentration of new brewers. In Heywood, the Phoenix Brewery brewed its last in 1937 but today the premises are occupied by a new brewery of the same name. Originally based in Ellesmere Port, Phoenix Brewery moved to Heywood in 1991 and now supplies its beers to 500 outlets across a wide area.

Clean, hoppy beers are the company’s trademark. Nearby the Pictish Brewery in Rochdale is also noted for a range of very hoppy and pale beers, often made using single hop varieties. In the same town, the Green Mill Brewery produces its beers at the back of the Cask & Feather pub. Oldham also has a brewpub out in Saddleworth where the Church Inn is home to the Saddleworth Brewery.

In Bury the Outstanding Brewery is the brainchild of Dave Porter and is run alongside Dave’s brewery installation business. Beers are made in a wide variety of styles and appear in selected free trade outlets around Greater Manchester. The town is also home to the newer Brightside Brewery, initially based in a back room of the owners’ bakery business. Tourists taking a ride on the East Lancs Railway, based at Bury Bolton Street Station, may wish to alight at Ramsbottom where the Irwell Works Brewery can be visited on Irwell Street.

Top 10 Beers Robinsons Old Tom robinsonsbrewery.com This multi-award winner needs to be treated with respect. Widely available in bottle but try to find it on draught for a real treat. 8.5 per cent ABV.

Marble Manchester Bitter marblebeers.co.uk Inspired by the famous Boddingtons Bitter, this is superbly crisp and drinkable.

4.2 per cent ABV.

Phoenix Arizona phoenixbrewery.co.uk A clean tasting, refreshing beer with citrus notes and a good bitter aftertaste.

4.1 per cent ABV.

Outstanding Stout outstandingbeers.co.uk Pitch black dry stout with liquorice notes and long lasting finish. Very moreish but strong!

5.5 per cent ABV.

Bank Top Dark Mild banktopbrewery.com Arguably the best dark mild in the country. Smooth rich and roasty with a balancing hoppiness. 4 per cent ABV.

Quantum IPA quantumbrewingcompany.co.uk Each brew features a different hop variety, all are hugely enjoyable and extremely drinkable.

5.5 per cent ABV.

Dunham Massey Chocolate Cherry Mild Neighbouring Bolton is home to the Bank Top Brewery based in an old tennis pavilion.

Beers are available in both draught and naturally conditioned bottled form. One pub is owned – the appropriately named Bank Top Brewery Tap opened in 2010 on the town’s Belmont Road. On Blackburn Road is the Brewhouse brewpub which also has connections with the town’s Dunscar Bridge Brewery.

Further out in Horwich the Blackedge Brewery produces increasingly impressive ales.

To the west of the region, the town of Standish is home to Patsy Slevin’s Prospect Brewery.

Originally based in her mother-in-law’s garage the brewery has since moved to larger premises and this year is due to open its first pub, the Silver Tally in Shevington Moor.

Nearby in Wigan Allgates Brewery supplies beers to its own estate of seven pubs (try the Anvil in Wigan town centre) as well as many free trade outlets. Allgates beers often appear as guest beers in Hydes’ houses. Wigan is also home to the Mayflower Brewery at Orrell and the Jones Brewery at Haigh.

Image top: The Marble Arch on Rochdale Road.

Image left page: The former Threlfall’s Chester brewery on Chapel Street, Salford

Many new breweries occupy industrial units or railway arches but some have rather less prosaic premises. So it is with Dunham Massey Brewery which is based in an old barn on the National Trust-owned Dunham estate while in Chorlton the Bootleg Brewery brews its beer in an old brewhouse at the Horse & Jockey pub. Over in Denton, to the east of the city in Tameside, Hornbeam Brewery is based in an old hat factory.

Further out in Mossley Millstone Brewery harks back to the reign of King Cotton by brewing up in an 18th century textile mill while the Greenfield Brewery echoes this and has set up home in an old spinning mill.

An article such as this can only scratch the surface of the growing and vibrant brewing scene in and around Manchester. Of course the fun is in tracking down and trying the many beers our local brewers produce.

dunhammasseybrewing.co.uk Chocolate malt and a hint of cherry fruit combine in this mutil-award winning beer.

Best “speciality beer” at this year’s Great British Beer Festival. 3.8 per cent ABV.

Allgates California allgatesbrewery.com A clean drinking golden ale with zesty citrus notes from the generous use of American hops. 3.8 per cent ABV

Pictish Alchemists Ale pictish-brewing.co.uk Straw coloured and very refreshing with crisp malt flavours and pronounced hop character throughout. 4.3 per cent ABV

Hornbeam Top Hop hornbeambrewery.com Excellent traditional best bitter with appealing malt body balanced by good hop bitterness. 4.2 pert cent ABV

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Manchester Voices

Nicholas Nkuna Disney’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical The Lion King is one of the most successful productions in theatre history. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, it tells the story of Simba and his epic journey to reclaim his kingdom. Here, we catch-up with actor Nicholas Nkuna on playing the lead role at the city’s Palace Theatre.

The Lion King has played in 15 countries on five continents and been translated into six languages. How does it feel to be a part of an industry phenomenon?

I consider myself blessed: many have auditioned all over the world and I’m just thrilled to be part of such a spectacular production This production of The Lion King is your UK debut. What expectations do you have of British audiences?

I am hoping that all the Brits come out and enjoy this magnificent production as it is the biggest show to ever tour the UK The Palace Theatre opened in 1891 and played host to legends of the Music Hall era such as Marie Lloyd, Harry Lauder, Little Tich, Lillie Langtry, Vesta Tilley and Charlie Chaplin. How have you found it as a ‘place to work’?

To work in a theatre that has hosted legends is a honour to me. To be part of its history is an opportunity that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

What was your perception of Manchester?

Did you know much about the city and its history?

I have heard a lot of beautiful things about the city and I can’t wait to start exploring Manchester as I love experiencing new places and cultures.

The schedule for a touring theatre production is notoriously hard work. How do you plan to relax on your days off?

I’ll be visiting restaurants, working out and using my free time learning about the city and its history.

The Lion King will run at The Palace Theatre from 1 December 2012 to 31 March 2013.

For more information: thelionking.co.uk

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SNAPSHOT Madchester FACTORY251 Housed in a building inextricably linked to the Madchester music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, FACTORY251 is the new nightclub project by Joy Division and New Order bass player, Peter Hook. @FAC251

Manc for it A guide through the many realms of the city’s clubbing circuit.

Whatever your musical poison of choice, Manchester is a haven of nightlife, littered with dance floors across the city to knock out your after-work blues.

Diversity is something that is always championed in Manchester, and the club circuit follows suit spectacularly. Whether you want to do The Dougie to Diddy, jump up for Justice, move to Madonna – or something entirely different – Manchester’s got what you need. And it will give it to you in droves.

Handbags and Glad Rags, The Printworks Manchester’s Printworks – home to some of the city’s busiest and most popular venues – has a thriving nightlife seven days a week.

Popular with student crowds in particular include Tiger Tiger with events such as Monday night’s Plus One and Koosday (Tuesday nights) featuring some of the Manchester’s best DJs playing dance and commercial music.

Alternatively is Entourage, another one of Manchester’s hottest venues, offers a collection of house and mash-up music, ‘flashback’ retro anthems and the best in R&B and hip hop. Recently pictured as the party spot for urban artists such as Drake, Lady Leshurr and Nicki Minaj – it is often a place to spot the stars. Norwegian Blue also

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offers non-stop partying throughout the week with no entry fee. For something a little different The Birdcage, which faces The Printworks, is a cabaret, Vegas show styled club with drag artists, show girls and male dancers – with shows every half hour to keep the crowds jumping.

Loud and Proud, The Gay Village Built around the infamous Canal Street, Manchester’s gay village is where many would argue the party never stops. Located just off of Canal Street on Princess Street is [straight] venue Alter Ego, which hosts ‘Manchester’s biggest gay alternative night’ Poptastic every Tuesday and Saturday night, with a straight-friendly atmosphere playing everything from Pendulum, to Jay Z or a bit of Spice Girls. In addition to Poptastic is Cruz 101, a favourite on Thursday nights (‘Back 2 Back’), where all your favourite tunes get the dance remix treatment, and also open Wednesday – Monday.

London export G-A-Y, located at the top of Canal Street is another huge favourite in ‘the village’. With cheap drinks offers, video jockey screens, three floors and a smoking terrace – it brings in the crowds each and every day of the week – and is open late night, seven days a week. See also: Crunch, Queer, New York New York, Thompsons, for other late night ‘bar clubs’.

Taste the Glamour, Deansgate and The Locks If Ted and Tommy sounds more like your wardrobe than your friendship circle or if the only bags you’d ever caught out with are under your arm – glam Deansgate is the location for you. Avici White is one of the area’s chicest and sleekest new venues, with VIP rates for groups of up to twelve – making it the perfect spot for those after a little allure. Alongside this is Sugar Buddha, open until the early hours throughout the week, also with first-class food, shisha and resident DJs for the ultimate clubbing experience.

Avici and Buddha Bar are joined by Sakura, a favourite amongst the more sophisticated student crowd, with popular nights such as Eivissa (Thursday) and Sekushi (Saturday).

The venue also often offers private hire – particularly outside of term time – ideal for a glamorous corporate or private event.

Soul in a Bowl, The Northern Quarter Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a sanctuary of suave for Manchester’s best independent venues and some of the city’s best live music nights and DJ sets. Mint Lounge is one of these venues, playing host to some of the city’s most ‘up for it’ crowds each weekend. Friday night brings Pop Til You Drop (PTYD), an infusion of music across decades of charts: non-genre specific, whilst Saturdays sees the Mint Lounge crowd go funkin’ crazy for soul-shaking, discodancing night Funkademia.

Northern Quarter favourite Black Dog Ballroom is open until the early hours throughout the week, enjoyed by a cool, unpretentious (often ‘after work’) crowd. A second Black Dog Ballroom can be found on New Wakefield Street – in what has now become known as the ‘Southern Quarter’.

For something a little different, Hula Tiki Lounge stocks over 170 types of rum and is a tropical hideaway in the heart of the city.

Weekends see local DJ favourites Gareth Brooks, Beau Ormond and Murkage Dave playing the best in hip-hop, R&B, soul, calypso and reggae.

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Student Central, Oxford Road

Rave Caves, Various Locations

With its offbeat and laidback vibe and central position on and around Oxford Road – home to two of the city’s universities and nearby to many student accommodation buildings – the ‘Southern Quarter is the clubbing district student-types naturally gravitate towards.

For your inner raver, Manchester is a onestop-shop dance mecca. ‘Superclub’ Sankeys, often referred to as “best club in the world”, frequently hosts internationally known and acclaimed DJs in its fantastic space.

The Deaf Institute hosts different genres in its different rooms, across its various club nights throughout the week. This includes grime/urban/indie/motown offering Gold Teeth (Tuesdays), its Reggae Thursdays and electro, nu-school disco night Clique – one of Manchester’s most popular – which has now taken residency at The Deaf Institute.

Ex cotton-spinning mill Islington Mill is based just outside of the city centre in Salford, offering studios, galleries and a recording studio – as well as fantastic club space for some of Manchester’s most exciting club nights and events. Manchester favourite The Warehouse Project takes residency in the city at various points throughout the year, hosting huge DJ and vocal set nights in the city internationally recognized dance acts, often selling out events extremely quickly.

Around the corner from Oxford Road is FAC251, the former home of the infamous Factory Records, home nights such as dubstep and drum and bass favourite HIT&RUN (Mondays), old school R&B and hip-hop night Kong (Wednesdays) and mixed genre night Bullet Proof (Fridays). Joshua Brooks, across the road from FAC251, brings you no frills hip-hop and old school R&B each Wednesday at Juicy, as well an eclectic collection of nights throughout the week covering the grounds of funk and house, grime, commercial and indie.

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Outro And there you have it – in a nutshell.

Whether you’re a disco diva, house makes you happy or if mad for motown – Manchester is a city of music that has it all on a plate – and now you won’t have to look too hard to find what tickles your appetite.

What’s on: Music & Theatre

Warehouse Project

The Lion King

One Man, Two Guvnors

Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Until 1 January 2013

The Palace Theatre 1 December 2012 – 31 March 2013

The Lowry 8 - 19 January 2013

The Lion King has been seen by 65 million people around the world and tells the story of the young lion, Simba and the trials and tribulations he faces growing up. The show features fantastic costume and staging techniques and is suitable for an audience of all ages. This is a perfect event for friends and family. men-arena.com | @manchesterarena

The National Theatre’s huge hit ‘One Man Two Guvnors’ returns to The Lowry after a successful 2011 stint for January 2013.

Comedian and presenter Rufus Hound plays Francis Henshall in a show that combined slapstick, songs and satire. Also starring Jodie Prenger, star of BBC1’s ‘I’d Do Anything’. thelowry.com | @the_lowry

The Warehouse Project is back – and the lineup is bigger and better than ever. Headlining shows from Fat Boy Slim, Soulwax and Chemical Brothers are just some of the later highlights from Manchester’s biggest dance event that brings visitors from all over the UK and beyond. thewarehouseproject.com | @whp_mcr

The Accrington Pals The Royal Exchange 17 January - 16 February 2013 Peter Whelan’s funny and yet moving story ‘The Accrington Pals’ comes to The Royal Exchange with new director James Dacre – who has previously directed Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ at The Globe. The play looks at the young men of Accrington as they arrive in France for the First World War and then women who they leave behind. royalexchange.co.uk | @rxtheatre

Alfie Boe MEN Arena 23 March 2013 Alfie Boe has performed to a 20,000 strong audience at Buckingham Palace, has appeared on Gary Barlow’s ‘Sing’ album and has recently released an autobiography. In March 2013, ‘The Nation’s Tenor’ will be coming to the Manchester Arena for a show that cannot be missed. men-arena.com | @manchesterarena

Parklife June 2013 Manchester’s two-day musical extravaganza will be back for 2013 after a successful run at Platt Fields Park. The non-camping festival brings some of the UK’s best dance acts to the stage year on year ceases to disappoint.

Past acts include Dizzee Rascal, The Flaming Lips, Kelis, DJ Annie Mac, Mark Ronson and Nero. parklife.uk.com | @parklifefest

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SNAPSHOT The Millennium The ‘Velodrome’ The National Cycling Centre was Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track and was one of the flagship venues of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. It is home to the ‘Team GB’ track cycling team and is used regularly by Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton MBE. @N_CyclingCentre

Wigan canal

Wigan – more than a town of pie eaters

By Louise Holcroft

Welcome to Wigan a town born from the industrial revolution...

Ok, that’s not strictly true, Wigan was a small village long before the industrial revolution but the revolution made it the place it is today.

A diverse English town, Wigan has a strong and proud heritage. In the 1830’s it was one of Britain’s first towns to be served by a major railway and now has two! Just two hours from London and three from Edinburgh on direct trains out of the Wigan North Western and services from Manchester and Liverpool into Wigan Wallgate station, it’s an ideal location in Greater Manchester to stay and is a town steeped in history, that is fascinating to explore.

Historically, Wigan was a Lancashire town before becoming part of Greater Manchester in the 1970’s. It was the Industrial Revolution that brought a boom to the area and it soon became a major mill town and coal mining district. So much so a local councillor was once quoted as saying: "a coal mine in the backyard was not uncommon in Wigan…"

While this industry may well dead and buried, we certainly are not.

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Wigan today, is a metropolitan area with a vast array of cultures, and as we say in these parts we’re all ‘reet’ (Wigan speak for we are alright). And ‘reet’ it is…we have a town rich with beautiful buildings old and new, a varied economy and proud heritage that has always kept us ‘Wiganers’ smiling and bursting with pride for this great area that has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

modern day shopping, fabulous eateries, a race course and two breweries.

Wigan, the birth place of George Formby, one of Britain’s most loved comedy actors and singer songwriters, Richards Ashcroft, front man of 1990’s rock band The Verve, Stuart Maconie, esteemed DJ, presenter, writer and journalist, Dave Whelan, aka Mr Wigan the founder of JJB sports and owner of Wigan Athletic, and Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, the peppermint sweet extraordinaire, to name but a few!

So as you can see Wigan is a modest town full of modest people who are intensely proud to call Wigan home, not least for our World Pie eating championships and the fact we have hosted the International Jazz Festival since 1986! Wigan has been well known for its music scene since the introduction of George Formby, one of Britain’s most loved comedy actors and singer songwriters in the 1930’s and 40’s, and more recently has been the birthplace of Richards Ashcroft, front man of rock band, The Verve. One of the most influential and iconic British bands of the 1990’s who played an unforgettable homecoming concert at the height of their success in the beautiful grounds of Haigh Hall and County Park.

It is also a proud town, and rightly so, with a Premier League football club, and Super League rugby team, famous food factories, a pier, beautiful park land and open spaces, museums, a canal, treasured history,

Haigh Hall is a 1850’s listed building just outside of the town’s centre and former home of the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres.

Alongside the halls’ musical links with the annual ‘Haigh Fest’, the building and

The Courteeners performing at Haigh Hall Live.

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grounds are an ideal spot for a bird’s-eye view of Wigan ideal to enjoy during the day or night. The Stables bar and restaurant is also a perfect place to stop and enjoy fine food in a building with incredible architecture a golf course, mini stream train and family craft centre.

The town has proud sporting roots and is home to Wigan Athletic F.C and Wigan Warriors Rugby club. In 1999 the DW Stadium was built and is the place to get your kicks in Wigan! The stadium is home to both teams who play their respective home matches at the ground. The football club is part of the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, and offers the best value tickets in league with supporters of the great game able to pick up a ticket from just £20! Aside from the sports, the DW Stadium is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat with Italian restaurant Rigalettos and more recently Sharpy’s Fish and Chip serving up tasty treats. Nearby, Leigh Sports Village is home to Leigh Centurions Rugby League Club.

Just a short walk from the DW Stadium and you will be on the ‘Road to Wigan Pier’…. in 1937, George Orwell penned arguably his most infamous novel, (the Road to Wigan Pier). For me, the book has enabled us make the Pier (important to point out here it’s not a traditional pier) a landmark in the town.

Today, the Pier is at the bottom of the Leeds Liverpool canal (where I sit penning this)

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Now full steam ahead from The Orwell to Trencherfield Mill… The Mill Steam Engine is one of the last functioning steam engines.

Today, thanks to lottery funding, it has been restored to its working glory. Over a century old, the powerhouse is a feat of industrial engineering and is situated in the heart of Wigan Pier Quarter. The mill is open five days a week, for the public to enjoy, and free every Sunday where a full run down of the working and role of the engine is explained by the experienced engineers. Due to current works on the mill Monday to Thursday visits need to be pre-booked.

Images top: Haigh Hall, below: Wigan Warriors supporters.

Opposite page performers at the Wigan Jazz Festival.

and is no longer in use as a place for loading coal onto the awaiting barges. Instead the canal is regular thoroughfare for the holidaymaker on a narrow boat and an ideal place to moor up, jump off and visit The Orwell Pub. Originally built in 1877, the converted Victorian cotton warehouse is an ideal venue for a drink or two before visiting The Canal Bar to enjoy fabulous food in a picturesque location.

Back to more recent times, the town centre, home to the usual hub of high street names and, in certain parts, the distinctive smell of Uncle Joes Peppermint, is the setting for the Museum of Wigan Life. Recently restored, the building on Library Street has been renovated to a paradise for learning and discovery, still located in the Wigan Pier Quarter the Museum is another main heritage site for the town and open is an ideal place to find out all you need to know about Wigan – old and new.

All this leaning and discover is thirsty work, fancy a drink? Prospect Brewery is one of Wigan’s newest breweries but with a visit from James May and Oz Clarke, during the filming of Oz and James Drink to Britain, already under its belt it’s not doing half bad.

Prospect Beers are stocked in over 150

venues but the best place to experience true beer is at the headquarters in Standish. Open to the public Thursday, 4pm to 7pm and Friday 4pm to 7.30pm it’s a hidden gem in Wigan worth of exploration. Tours of the brewery are on a Thursday but need to be pre-booked to avoid disappointment.

All Gate Brewery have six watering holes scattered across the borough and operate from a restored 19th Century Grade 2 Listed, tower brewery. Tours of the brewery can be pre-booked but the perfect pie and pea supper can be ordered in the nearby pub, The Anvil. The public house is now regarded as one of the most popular establishments for those lovers of ‘real ale’.

Formerly the All Saints Tavern, The Anvil is a stone’s throw from Wigan Parish Church; the Church is set in idyllic surroundings at the heart of Wigan. The building dates back to 1100 and is by far the oldest church in Wigan.

Talking of all things old, whilst constructing the very modern Grand Arcade in the town centre, which opened in 2007, an exciting discovery was unearthed. Numerous artefacts were found that revealed the existence of a hypocaust and Roman bath house on the Grand Arcade site. The discovery was incredibly significant for Wiganers as the towns status as a former Roman settlement was confirmed.

Today the Grand Arcade is a hive for shoppers and home to many high street names but the nods to the town’s history still remains with a reconstruction of the hypocaust using the discovered remains being constructed in Concert Square, a community area within Grand Arcade.

Whilst I believe it was a surprise to uncover that the shopping centre was built on a once important Roman settlement, the site was formerly the famous Wigan Casino, a soul club from 1973 to 1981. The club was the must visit venue for northern soul music and in 1978, American music magazine, Billboard, voted Wigan Casino ‘The Best Disco in the World’... perhaps the discovery of old vinyl would have been more appropriate!

Nowadays the Casino Café is all that remains of northern soul on the site, but it’s a great eatery themed on the illustrious nightclub.

King Street is now the road to make the most of Wigan’s nightlife in 2012. The street is packed with nightclubs and bars which has led to the town still being regarded as having one of the best night life’s in the North West.

If rest and relaxation is more your thing we have plenty to offer in that department.

Besides the beautiful Haigh Hall Plantations that lead across the Leeds Liverpool Canal and down to the River Douglas there is the Mesnes Park (pronounced mains).

Open all year, Mesnes Park is an outstanding example of a Victorian urban park that is currently in the middle of a multi-million pound restoration scheme. Aside from the stunning manicured lawns, picturesque lake, abundance of blooming flower beds and typical English rose gardens, the park also offers a café, mini golf, playground and sports facilities.

Legend also has it that visitors to the park who rub the shoes of the Sir Francis Sharp Powell Statue (the bronze statue erected in 1910) will be blessed with the best of Wigan luck!

And it is the best of Wigan luck you will need if you travel slightly out of town to the Haydock Park Racecourse. Set in over 120 acres of woodland with tree lined avenues it is one of the most used race course in the country with over 30 races a year including the Grand National Trials in February.

Ok so our whirlwind tour of wonderful Wigan has come to an end and whilst you may think I am slightly biased about my hometown, don’t just take my word for it, and pay us a visit. One final thing I can guarantee is the proud people of Wigan are as nice as pie and will welcome you with open arms!

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What’s On: Greater Manchester

Hot Heads Hat Works Stockport, SE3 0EU Until 6 January 2013 Hat Works’ The Hot Heads exhibition features ten acclaimed and exciting British milliners at the cutting edge of their industry including: Philip Treacy, Stephen Jones and Zara Gorman. The exhibition will appeal not only to fashion lovers but also those interested of British historical culture. For couture fashion enthusiasts the exhibition is a must. stockport.gov.uk/hatworks @stockportmbc

Walks & Water - Salford heritage walks and canal cruises

Matthew Houlding: More Places To Get Away From It All

Trafford Centre circular, Worsley 18 & 25 November; 2 & 23 December 2012

Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale 15 December – 9 March 2013 (Tues – Sat, 10am-5pm)

Take to the water and discover Salford’s rich heritage from the comfort of a boat as you cruise through the city. These Autumn / Winter cruises sail from historic Worsley village to the Trafford Centre for Christmas shopping and dining, or to Boothstown Marina taking in the Christmas lights. It's the perfect way to watch the world go by and discover more about Salford's most famous waterway. visitsalford.info/walksandwater @VisitSalford

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Matthew Houlding's sculptures draw us into a fantastic, retro-futuristic world, inspired by architectural forms and models, modernism and a childhood spent in East Africa. This exhibition features two significant bodies of work, Sons of Pioneers (2009) and The Chemosphere (2010). Houlding is represented

by Ceri Hand Gallery, London. He has recently been longlisted for the Northern Art Prize and lives and works in Todmorden. visitrochdale.com | @touchstones

Jack and the Beanstalk

Global Village Market

Tameside 1 – 27 December 2012

Victoria Square, Bolton 21 – 24 March 2013

Don’t miss this spectacular family pantomime, where tickets will be: £11, children £8, groups £6. For more information please ring: 0161 342 4144. tameside.gov.uk/theatre @tamesidecouncil

Bolton will be hosting two international food, gifts and crafts markets as the Global Village Market comes to Bolton town centre for the third year running. The market will bring traders from as far afield as China, Thailand, India, Mexico and South Africa to join sellers from across Europe including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece. visitbolton.com | @BoltonMarkets

What’s On: Greater Manchester

Wigan Food and Drink Festival

Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival

Venues across Wigan 7 - 17 March 2013

Bridge Street, Ramsbottom Town Centre 23 – 24 March 2013, 10.30am – 4pm

Now in its sixth year, the Wigan Food and Drink Festival has evolved into one of the region's premier foodie feasts. Celebrating taste and tradition, the festival includes the CAMRA Wigan Beer Fest, Kitchen Theatre and over 20 food and drink events in local restaurants including celebrity chef events. wlct.org./foodanddrink | @wigancouncil

Now in its fifth successful year Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival is the most talked about event in the North West. Alongside the twoday chocolate market showcasing high quality cocoa from award winning chocolatiers, expect interactive workshops and activities for adults/children, alfresco dining, chocolate rail ale tour, music, competitions, Giant Easter Egg display, our loveable mascot Charlie Chick and much more. ramsbottomchocolatefestival.com @chocfestival

Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way 28 April 2013, 9am The second Greater Manchester Marathon has a new race village at Manchester United Football Club where the course also finishes.

The improved course, entirely on main roads, is even flatter with only 55m of elevation gain. This is a great race for a first marathon, or if you’re looking to set a new personal best time. greatermanchestermarathon.com @marathon_mcr

Saddleworth and District Whit Friday Brass Band Contest Oldham 24 May 2013 Often described as 'the greatest free show on Earth', the Saddleworth & District Whit Friday Brass Band Contests take place every year on the afternoon and evening of Whit Friday - 24th May in 2013. Last year well over a hundred brass bands participated in some twenty different contests at venues scattered around the moorland villages and towns on the western edge of the Pennines. All of the contests are open-air, many in delightful surroundings. The area has a very strong tradition of brass band music. In the weeks before Whit Friday, the sounds of rehearsals echo across the hillsides from the various band rooms and village halls. There are thriving bands in some of the tiniest villages.

And the best bands are world class. whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org @gooldham

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SNAPSHOT Present Day MediaCityUK Home to the city’s thriving creative, new media and digital sector, MediaCityUK is one of Manchester’s biggest ever development projects.

Tenants include six BBC departments, ITV and its flagship serial drama, Coronation Street as well as the University of Salford. @MediaCityUK

Call in on the neighbours The beautiful counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside are within easy reach of a Manchester base. Here we look at how to spend a day out in Blackpool, a night out in Liverpool, overnight in Chester, or a weekend in the Lake District.

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Day out in Blackpool Britain’s best-loved holiday resort has something for everyone – from thrills, excitement and family entertainment to historic gems, beautiful gardens and stunning beaches.

The last few years have seen a massive multimillion pound regeneration of this beloved family seaside resort and visitors are encouraged to take a fresh look at Blackpool, famous for its Tower and Promenade, seven miles of award-winning, golden beaches, the magic of the Illuminations and its warm, friendly welcome.

The newest additions bringing an extra dimension to Blackpool's first class attractions are the Comedy Carpet and the new Tower Festival Headland. There is also the beautifully renovated St John's with its modern art sculpture, dancing fountains and café vibe. Fantastic world-class events create a whole new buzz - whether you prefer the spectacle of gigantic fireworks displays and the annual air show, the pomp and ceremony of National Armed Forces Week or tripping the light fantastic at the world-famous Illuminations. Alongside family favourite attractions including the iconic Blackpool Tower and trams, Sandcastle indoor Waterpark, Zoo and Pleasure Beach Resort – there’s truly something for everyone, come rain or shine, at the nation’s most popular beach resort.

Taking the train from Manchester to Blackpool?

Why not hop off at Preston and explore one of the city’s fabulous museums or galleries? A 15 minute stroll through the city and you’ll find yourself at the new Museum of Lancashire (MOL). It’s the perfect introduction to the county; a snapshot of 2000 years of Lancashire history, extraordinary Lancastrians and their influence on the world, with lots of hands on exhibits for curious kids (and grown-ups), as well as a great little café and shop – entry is free.

For more ideas of things to see and do throughout Lancashire visitlancashire.com

For more information: visitblackpool.com

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Night out in Liverpool Liverpool’s nightlife is legendary, it’s official. Travellers using the website TripAdvisor have named Liverpool as Britain’s Best Nightlife Destination – so come along and try it for yourself!

The accolade not only covers the city’s bars and nightclubs, but also the wider night-time offer including restaurants, live music venues, comedy clubs and theatres.

A family meal. Cocktails with friends.

Sampling locally brewed real ale. Live music.

Whatever the occasion for your visit, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Liverpool.

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One venue which needs no introduction, is the world famous Cavern Club, in Mathew Street, where The Beatles performed almost 300 times in just 18 months. There’s now live music daily and it’s a must for any music fan.

This year, Liverpool Celebrates 50 Years of The Beatles – a packed programme of events to mark special landmarks in the band’s history.

Hidden gems include Leaf Tea Shop & Bar, a real hub of activity for creatives; Bar Four at Hard Days Night Hotel for cocktails; real ale at The Lion Tavern; and Alma de Cuba for Brazilian dancing and a carnival atmosphere.

For live entertainment, a packed events calendar at Echo Arena Liverpool certainly proves popular. The venue opened in 2008 and has since attracted big name artistes including Elton John, Pink and, of course, Sir Paul McCartney.

For something a little different, the city now has a dry bar, ideal for families. The Brink, located near Parr Street Studios, focuses more on its food offer and lively events programme. The team even created a very special alcohol-free smoothie for Royal visitor, the Duchess of Cambridge, during a recent visit.

When choosing Liverpool for your night out, good times are guaranteed.

For more information: visitliverpool.com

Overnight in Chester Its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make the city one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break.

Founded by the Romans in AD79, the city has a long and fascinating history and plenty to see and do. Take a stroll around the most complete City Walls in Britain, exploring the towers, Eastgate Clock, River Dee, largest Roman Amphitheatre and oldest racecourse in Britain; visit the city’s cathedral; relax in Grosvenor Park or enjoy a guided tour and

don’t forget to visit the Chester Cross and enjoy the Town Crier’s midday proclamation.

Just outside the city centre is Chester Zoo where you can see over 8,000 animals, perfect for all ages!

As well as discovering the city’s history make time for some retail therapy, Chester’s exciting mix of designer brands, high street favourites and independent gems make shopping in the city a must. Be sure to explore the Rows, Medieval two-tiered galleries where you’ll find some of the city’s most exciting shops.

Chester is a foodie’s heaven with the Cheshire and surrounding countryside providing delicious local produce used by many of the restaurants in the city. Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine at one of the

celebrity chef eateries, afternoon tea at one of the many fabulous coffee shops or rest your tired feet in one of the many fantastic bars or pubs.

Whether you want to stay in five star luxury or budget accommodation during your stay, Chester has something to suit all tastes.

For more information: visitchester.com Events to watch out for in Cheshire this winter include: Christmas in Chester: 22nd November – 24th December 2012; Arley Christmas Floral Extravaganza: 3rd – 11th December; Christmas at Tatton: 3rd – 18th December 2012; Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival: 30th March – 1st April 2013.

For more information visit: visitchester.com

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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A weekend in the Lake District The Lake District, Cumbria, is a region of incredible beauty famous for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural heritage. The area is made up of ancient woodlands and forest, river valleys, lakes, mountains and simply stunning coastlines, found in North West of England.

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The Lake District has the highest concentration of outdoor activity centres in the UK. It is the birthplace of mountaineering and there is a tradition of unrestricted access to the fells together with an extensive network of public rights of way. There are so many activities you will never be at a loss for how to spend a weekend. Wild swimming, hawk walking, horse riding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, cruising and sailing, fishing, kayaking are all on offer.

After your adventure savour the peace and tranquillity of the fells, valleys and lakes that give the region a sense of space and freedom.

The mix of lakes, farmland, fell, woodland and settlement gives each valley a visual and cultural distinctiveness of its own. There is an opportunity for spiritual refreshment: a release from the pressures of modern-day life.

The Lake District is also renowned for the warmth of its hospitality and the quality of its food and drink – essential for a weekend break. Food in particular is a major part of what makes Cumbria unique; our unique landscape supports a huge variety of fresh produce with our local cafes, traditional inns, hotels and Michelin starred restaurants offering the freshest possible ingredients.

Upcoming events to watch out for in Cumbria include: The Worlds Original Marmalade Festival: February 2013; Keswick Mountain Festival: May 2013; Great North Swim: June 2013; Taste Cumbria Food Festival: September 2013.

For more information visit: golakes.co.uk

SNAPSHOT ‘The Future’ National Graphene Institute Graphene is the world’s thinnest material known to man. The method of isolating single atomic layers of the ‘miracle substance’ was discovered in Manchester by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov. A £50m National Graphene Institute to explore its commercialisation is being built on this site.

Manchester VISIT

WITH BRITANNIA HOTELS

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Britannia Hotels

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Value for Money

Manchester is bursting with events for everyone. From live music and sports through to art and theatre, you'll find it all here.

Britannia has 8 Hotels in the Greater Manchester area with over 1500 Bedrooms on offer at value for money...

The Britannia Manchester Hotel

The Britannia Stockport Hotel

Offers good value accommodation in a fantastic city centre location.

All 363 bedrooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished with modern facilities. Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3LA. Tel: 0871 222 0017 Email: res704@britanniahotels.com

The hotel situated in a quiet residential district close to Stockport's bustling town centre with its wide range of shops and entertainment.

Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 6AG. Tel: 0871 222 0014 Email: res702@britanniahotels.com

The Britannia Sachas Hotel

The Britannia Ashley Hotel

A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits at Sachas Hotel, Manchester.

Its superb city centre location makes it the perfect base for exploring Manchester. Tib Street , Piccadilly, Manchester, M4 1SH. Tel: 0871 222 0018 Email: res705@britanniahotels.com

The Britannia Ashley Hotel is located in the peaceful village of Hale, Cheshire overlooking the local Bowling Green. Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 9SF. Tel: 0871 222 0013 Email: res701@britanniahotels.com

The Britannia Country House Hotel

The Britannia Bolton Hotel

The Hotel is located in the Didsbury area of South Manchester, next to a superb 18 hole golf course. Palatine Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2WG Tel: 0871 222 0016 Email: res703@britanniahotels.com

The Hotel is situated close to the M61 motorway, yet far enough away to ensure a peaceful nights' sleep. This Bolton Hotel offers fantastic countryside views over the Rivington Pike.

Beaumont Road, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL3 4TA. Tel: 0871 222 0024 Email: res731@britanniahotels.com

The Britannia Airport Hotel This modern hotel has easy access to the motorway systems North, South, East and West. Manchester Airport is only 3 miles away and a shuttle bus operates 24 hours a day. Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester, M22 4FH. Tel: 0871 222 0019 Email: res720@britanniahotels.com Calls to our 0871 numbers cost 10p per minute from BT landlines, other carriers and mobile networks may vary.

The Britannia Wigan Hotel The attractive Britannia Wigan is a modern hotel surrounded by lush greenery, located just off the M6 between Liverpool and Manchester.

Almond Brook Road, Standish, Wigan,Greater Manchester, WN6 0SR. Tel: 0871 222 0026 Email: res723@britanniahotels.com

Visit our website for fantastic value for money offers throughout the year at: www.britanniahotels.com

The leading 5 star hotel in the north west The Lowry Hotel offers 165 bedrooms, six suites and the Charles Forte Presidential Suite. The hotel is contemporary, luxurious and comfortable.

The River Restaurant offers a Modern British menu whilst the River Bar and Library offer a modern, light menu throughout the day.

The luxurious Lowry Spa, offers a range of treatments from Carita and Elemis, a gym, sauna and relaxation lounges.

Room rates from ÂŁ169 including breakfast.

Special menus from ÂŁ19.50 per person for 3 courses from our daily menu.

To make a booking, call us on 0161 827 4000

The Lowry Hotel

50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Salford, Manchester, M3 5LH Telephone +44 (0) 161 827 4000 Fax +44 (0) 161 827 4001 enquiries.lowry@roccofortehotels.com www.roccofortehotels.com

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A venue with everything Unique and Flexible... Size... Location...

De Vere Venues Whites is fully integrated into the Reebok Stadium 125 bedrooms onsite and access to 360 bedrooms within 3 miles 57 meeting rooms that can accomodate 2-3000 delegates Free car parking with over 2700 spaces Free WI-FI available throughout the venue Excellent transport links; 500 yards from the train station & M61 J6 and 10 miles away from Manchester city centre

Day Delegate Rates from only ÂŁ25 (Rate is pp and ex VAT. Full terms and conditions apply.

Offer is subject to availability. Direct bookings only.)

De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester BL6 6SF 0844 980 2363 whites@deverevenues.co.uk www.devere.co.uk/our-locations/whites

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SPECIAL OFFERS FROM: Residential 24-hour rate: ÂŁ139.00 Day delegate rate: ÂŁ39.00 Afternoon Tea: ÂŁ9.95 Pre-Theatre Dinner Package: ÂŁ12.95 T: +44 (0)161 288 1111

www.principal-hayley.com/thepalacehotel

Transport information Manchester is one of the most accessible cities in the UK thanks to its location and level of connectivity with national transport infrastructure. Once you have arrived in the city, getting around couldn’t be easier thanks to a fleet of buses, trains and trams...

Trains There are four main stations in the city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and Deansgate. Piccadilly welcomes the majority of visitors and is the main arrival point for those flying into Manchester Airport or travelling up from London. The city has direct rail services south to Birmingham, Bournemouth, Reading, Bristol and Plymouth as well as north to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Operators include: CrossCountry Trains (crosscountrytrains.co.uk / @crosscountryuk) First Great Western (firstgreatwestern.co.uk / @FGW), Northern Rail (northernrail.org / @northernrailorg) and TransPennineExpress (tpexpress.co.uk / @TPExpressTrains).

Bus & Coach Within the city centre, Metroshuttle provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service that links all of the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas. It runs every ten minutes from 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 6pm on Sundays. Across Greater Manchester, Arriva (arrivabus.co.uk), First (firstgroup.com / @FirstManchester) and Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com) operate a comprehensive network to get you out and about.

Further afield, National Express provides services from all over the country into Chorlton Street Coach Station in the heart of the city (nationalexpress.co.uk / @nationalexpress)

Road Manchester is well connected to the rest of the UK via excellent motorway links. The M60 ring road connects the city to motorways north, south, east and west.

In the city, NCP has over 13,000 car parking spaces across 43 sites, including a number of exclusive parent and child bays and green bays for vehicles with low emissions. Parking with NCP in the city centre starts from just £1.60 an hour. ncp.co.uk / @ncpcarparks

Trams The city’s Metrolink network is one of the most successful light rail systems in the UK, carrying nearly 20 million passengers every year. With services roughly every five to ten minutes, it is great mode of transport for those not on a strict timetable. Don’t forget to purchase your ticket on the platform before you board. metrolink.co.uk / @OfficialTfGM

Journey Planning Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the official public transport body for the city.

Its website has a wealth of information to help you plan your journey, including details of Park & Ride services, accessible transport, bus service maps and a journey planner. For service information, call: +44 (0)871 200 22 33 (10p per minute from landlines). tfgm.com / @OfficialTfGM

System One Want to travel on any bus? Or a combination of bus and train, or even bus, train and tram? Why not purchase a System One Travelcard. It covers a wide-reaching area from Bolton and Bury in the north to Stockport and Altrincham in the south, Oldham and Rochdale in the east to Standish and Wigan in the west. It can make your travel planning much simpler and save you money too. systemonetravelcards.co.uk / @OneManchester

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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City centre map approx. 20 & 10 minutes by Metrolink from Victoria

Manchester City Centre Welcome! Manchester’s compact city centre contains lots to do in a small space. To help, we’ve colour coded the city. Explore and enjoy!

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Central Retail District Featuring the biggest names in fashion, including high street favourites.

Chinatown Made up of oriental businesses including Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Korean restaurants.

Piccadilly The main gateway into Manchester, with Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens.

The Gay Village Unique atmosphere with restaurants, bars and clubs around vibrant Canal Street.

Petersfield Manchester Central Convention Complex, The Bridgewater Hall and Great Northern.

Northern Quarter Manchester’s creative, urban heart with independent fashion stores, record shops and cafés.

Castlefield The place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with waterside pubs and bars.

Spinningfields A newly developed quarter combining retail, leisure, business and public spaces.

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

Oxford Road Home to the city’s two universities and a host of cultural attractions.

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The x50 Stagecoach service takes you to some of the major Manchester attractions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great value and runs every 15 minutes calling at stops for:

Manchester City Centre, Old Trafford, The Quays, IWM North, MediaCityUK & The Trafford Centre.

www.stagecoachbus.com/x50

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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Manchester Airport Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside London and has received numerous “Best Airport” awards.

With three terminals handling over 19 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the global gateway to the North of England. Sixty five airlines ensure Manchester is directly connected to over 190 destinations and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world.

With over 19,000 members of staff, the airport has also achieved prestigious industry recognition for customer service.

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Manchester Airport offers a host of facilities and services to help ensure hassle-free travel:

Airport Shopping and dining Join the vast number of savvy shoppers already taking advantage of exclusive tax and duty free savings at the airport. Then, make the most of the wide selection of food and drink options available across all three terminals.

a tranquil environment. Here you can also enjoy a host of complimentary refreshments and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.

For the kids If you need to keep the kids entertained or use up some of their excess energy before a long flight, there are now two free soft play areas. These are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Disabled access A pioneering new access guide has been designed, which provides disabled customers with all the information they need to plan their journey from door to door.

Free Wi-Fi Stay connected to the outside world, with free Wi-Fi for up to 30 minutes, across all three terminals.

The Manchester Airport App Escape Lounges For those looking to start their holiday in style, or simply some peace and quiet to complete last minute business, the Escape lounges in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer

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For the perfect travel companion download the Manchester Airport app, it’s your onestop guide for flight and airport information.

Even better it’s completely free to download on your smartphone.

Airport Parking There is a parking option to suit every need, from great value Long Stay parking to the ultimate convenience of Meet & Greet parking.

For the latest information visit manchesterairport.co.uk or follow @manairport on Twitter.

Fly direct to Manchester from...

Aberdeen (ABZ) Abu Dhabi (AUH) Agadir (AGA) Alicante (ALC) Almeria (LEI) Amsterdam (AMS) Antalya (AYT) Antwerp (ANR) Aruba (AUA) Athens (ATH) Atlanta (ATL) Barcelona (BCN) Basel (BSL) Bastia (BIA) Beauvais (BVA) Belfast City Airport (BHD) Belfast International Airport (BFS) Bergamo (BGY) Bergen (BGO) Berlin (SXF) Beziers (BZR) Biarritz (BIQ) Bilbao (BIO) Billund (BLL) Boa Vista (BVC) Bodrum (BJV) Bourgas (BOJ) Bremen (BRE) Bridgetown, Barbados

(BGI) Brussels National (BRU) Budapest (BUD) Cagliari (CAG) Calgary (YYC) Cancun (CUN) Catania (CTA) Chania (CHQ) Charleroi (CRL) Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Chicago (ORD) Cologne (CGN) Copenhagen (CPH) Corfu (CFU) Cork (ORK) Dalaman (DLM) Djerba (DJE) Doha (DOH) Dubai (DXB) Dublin (DUB) Dubrovnik (DBV) Dusseldorf (DUS) Edinburgh (EDI) Enfidha (NBE) Exeter (EXT) Faro (FAO) Frankfurt (FRA) Friedrichshafen (FDH) Fuerteventura (FUE) Funchal (FNC)

Gdansk (GDN) Geneva (GVA) Gibraltar (GIB) Girona (GRO) Glasgow (GLA) Gothenburg (GOT) Gran Canaria (LPA) Grenoble (GNB) Guernsey (GCI) Hahn (HHN) Hamburg (HAM) Hanover (HAJ) Helsinki (HEL) Heraklion (HER) Holguin (HOG) Hurghada (HRG) Ibiza (IBZ) Innsbruck (INN) Inverness (INV) Islamabad (ISB) Isle of Man (IOM) Istanbul (IST) Izmir (ADB) Jersey (JER) Kalamata (KLX) Katowice (KTW) Kavala (KVA) Kefalonia (EFL) Knock (NOC) Kos (KGS) La Palma (SPC)

La Rochelle (LRH) Lahore (LHE) Lanzarote (ACE) Larnaca (LCA) Las Vegas (LAS) Lisbon (LIS) Ljubljana (LJU) London Gatwick (LGW) London Heathrow (LHR) Lourdes (LDE) Luxor (LXR) Lyon (LYS) Madrid (MAD) Mahon, Menorca (MAH) Malaga (AGP) Male (MLE) Malta (MLA) Marrakech (RAK) Memmingen (FMM) Milan Malpensa (MXP) Minsk (MSQ) Mombassa (MBA) Montego Bay (MBJ) Montpellier (MPL) Munich (MUC) Murcia (MJV) Mykonos (JMK) Mytilene (MJT) Nantes (NTE)

Naples (NAP) New York JFK (JFK) New York Newark (EWR) Newquay (NQY) Nice (NCE) Norwich (NWI) Olbia (OLB) Orlando International (MCO) Oslo (OSL) Oslo Rygge (RYG) Palma, Majorca (PMI) Paphos (PFO) Philadelphia (PHL) Pisa (PSA) Prague (PRG) Preveza (PVK) Puerto Plata (POP) Pula (PUY) Punta Cana (PUJ) Rennes (RNS) Reus (REU) Reykjavik (KEF) Rhodes (RHO) Riga (RIX) Rome (FCO) Rzeszow (RZE) Sal (SID) Salzburg (SZG) Samos (SMI)

Santa Clara Airport (SNU) Santorini (JTR) Shannon (SNN) Sharm el Sheikh (SSH) Sicily (CTA) Singapore (SIN) Skiathos (JSI) Sofia (SOF) Southampton (SOU) Split (SPU) Stockholm (ARN) Stuttgart (STR) Tallinn (TLL) Tel Aviv (TLV) Tenerife (TFS) Thessalonika (SKG) Toronto (YYZ) Toulouse (TLS) Tunis (TUN) Valencia (VLC) Vancouver (YVR) Varadero (VRA) Varna (VAR) Venice (VCE) Verona (VRN) Warsaw Modlin (WMI) Washington (IAD) Waterford (WAT) Zakynthos (ZTH) Zurich (ZRH)

While we make every effort to ensure that this information is as accurate as possible, it is provided to us by third parties. We are therefore not able to verify its accuracy or completeness and shall have no liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of relying on this information.

Escape Lounge

@visit_mcr | visitmanchester.com

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The Poisoned Apple The launch of the iPhone 5 in this, the final quarter of 2012 is expected to boost America’s GDP by half of one percent, so large and influential this company, founded on the union of technology and creativity has become. Promising to make the “oceans look bluer” and “kids look happier”, Apple has clearly bestowed it with mythical, even fairytale properties.

The moneymen are, however, already beginning to get the jitters. The International Data Corporation, who are clearly macho number men are worried that “Apple is now a lot more focused on profits and management rather than product”, they’re hoping that “it won’t bring Apple back to where it was in the past..” reliving the time Apple nearly went bust following the departure of Steve Jobs in the mid-80s and the introduction of accountants and bean counters who could add up to their heart’s content, but couldn’t put a value on creativity to save their lives. In the end, happily, creativity did save their lives.

So what has Apple got to do with Manchester? The threads that tie us back to them were drawn together for me at a lecture given by the eminent historian Professor Christopher Andrew at the reimagined MOSI which is setting itself up to play a reinvigorated role at the heart of our city. Professor Andrew’s lecture was part of 2012 – the Alan Turing Year, celebrating 100 years on from the birth of the brilliant mind of the mathematician that cracked codes that thwarted Hitler’s invasion of Britain.

Alan Turing’s early work was on the very early ‘computers’ at the University of Manchester. ‘Baby’ or ‘Manchester Mark I’ was the machine that enables this city to stake the claim that it is the rightful birthplace of the modern computer.

Turing was very ‘Manchester’ even though he was born in Paddington, London. One of a coterie of gay intellectuals, artists and thinkers, including the renowned economist JM Keynes, that lived freely under the protectorate of Kings College, Cambridge that went on to form and shape the modern world.

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Turing was elected a Fellow at Kings at the age of 22, so strong was his dissertation (the solution to a mathematical conundrum that had in fact been proved a decade earlier) and he embodied a period when creativity, brilliance and general non-conformity stood above our finely-crafted, wholly compliant and carefully-honed CV age.

Tony Wilson was prone to weave these links back to his home city. Himself a graduate of Cambridge, son to a gay dad, he named the bard in the Haçienda after Turing’s buddies and celebrated spies: the Gay Traitor; the Kim Philby Bar; and Hicks. He would take his many visitors to his native city on a tour of historic Manchester hotspots, where Rutherford split the atom, where Rolls met Royce, Marx met Engels and where Turing and others made a Baby, in a rather unorthodox way.

Alan Turing was persecuted by the authorities for being gay in the days when it was a criminal act and suffered the ultimate ignominy of ‘chemical castration’ to avoid jail – an act of pure barbarism.

Turing’s end to his life wasn’t exactly fairytale. Taking a bite from a poisoned apple – his symbolic reference to Snow White’s fate at the hands of the Wicked Witch – once he realised that ‘he knew too much’.

When Stephen Fry put it to Steve Jobs that Apple’s bitten logo – surely now the world’s most recognised and most coveted – was a clever reference to Turing, the grandfather of computer science and progenitor of Manchester’s ‘Baby’ his response was “it isn’t true, but God we wish it were”.

Nick Johnson Chairman of Marketing Manchester

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting Manchester, why not come by train? Each day we run over 175 trains linking the North of England and Scotland to Manchester and the Airport so getting there couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier.

tpexpress.co.uk

*Subject to availability. First TransPennine Express Advance Purchase tickets only. Please buy in advance to avoid disappointment. For full terms and conditions please visit www.tpexpress.co.uk

Performances begin 1st December 2012 To book call 0844 871 3004 or visit www.thelionking.co.uk

palace theatre, manchester Wallace Smith and Kissy Simmons. Photo by Lois Greenfield. ŠDisney