MCR1 Magazine by Marketing Manchester

MCR

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Manchester Magazine 2008

First words from Andrew... Welcome to the first edition of MCR1, the new magazine designed to allow you, as future visitors to Manchester, to gain an insight into the essence of a city whose character is as unique as it is inspiring. An apt title we thought for the first edition... as a city that can rightfully claim to be a city of firsts. The birthplace of the industrial revolution, the railway, the computer, the public lending library, the labour movement, the trade union movement, the cooperative movements and England's professional football league, Manchester is the original modern city. We've launched with a series of features - and interviews with some of our favourite Manchester personalities.

Contents Features 8V13

Culturecity Alex Poots, Manchester International Festival

30V33

Messing About on the Canal Nick Johnson, Urban Splash

35V37

Feeding the Five Hundred Andrew Stokes, Marketing Manchester

42V49

Manchester Palaces Joe Shaw, CUBE

52V55

The Gay Village Richard HectorVJones, Manchester Evening News

56V58

Rags to Bitches Flic Everett, boutique owner

106V111

Back up North David Atkinson, Travel Writer

We hope you will be inspired by what you read to create your own personal experience of Manchester. Andrew Stokes, CEO, Marketing Manchester

Manchester Voices 6V7

John Friend Newman Senior Location Manager, Coronation St

14V15

Sue Jenkins Actress

22V23

Tony Hill Acting Director, MOSI

28V29

John Knight General Manager, Manchester Evening News Arena

38V39

Eyck Zimmer Executive Head Chef, The Lowry Hotel

50V51

Peter Saville Creative Director, Manchester City Council

70V71 Marketing Manchester, Carverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warehouse, 77 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HG T. +44 (0)161 237 1010 F. +44 (0)161 228 2960 www.visitmanchester.com Designed & Published: Marketing Manchester, January 2008 Contributors: In addition to the authors of our feature articles and all our Manchester Voices, Marketing Manchester would like to thank everyone that has provided editorial for this issue of MCR1.

Sven-GĂśran Eriksson Manager, Manchester City Football Club

74V75

James Hickman Former World Champion Swimmer

76V77

Sacha Lord-Marchionne, Kirsty Smith & Sam Kandel The Warehouse Project

78V80

Warren Bramley CoVFounder & Creative Director, four23

Cover Photography: Neil Roland Photographic Art. www.neilroland.co.uk Photography: Ian Howarth, Photolink, Jonty Wilde, Jan Chlebik, David Millington, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Paul Jones. 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 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.

Regulars 4V5

News & Future Developments

Fave Raves

72V73

What's On

81V99

Accommodation

16V26

What to see and do

100V118

Travel & Transport

56V67

Shopping

105V113

Beyond Manchester

News & Future Developments 2008 150th Anniversary of the Hallé Britain's longest established professional symphony orchestra celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2008 with a series of Hallé Firsts and a Thursday Series concert to mark 'Mr Charles Hallé's Grand Orchestral Concerts' and the legacy of its founder Charles Hallé. The fantastic programme also includes music by Mozart, Debussy, Rossini, Weber, Verdi and Tchaikovsky.

Vermilion & Cinnabar A new £5m Thai restaurant and bar complex, Vermillion & Cinnabar, opened in November 2007 on East Manchester's Hulme Hall Lane, close to the City of Manchester Stadium. The 200 seat restaurant is set to be one of the region's most glamorous venues with every aspect of the restaurant and bar designed to the highest standard. The threeVstorey building consists of Vermilion, a Thai restaurant on the first floor serving classic and contemporary Thai cuisine, and bar Cinnabar on the second floor, complete with luxurious 'cocoons' for the utmost comfort and seclusion. Full capacity of the venue is 450.

First Asian Art Triennial in Manchester The UK's first Asian Art Triennial will be launched in Manchester in April 2008. The cityVbased programme celebrates Manchester's diverse communities by featuring contemporary visual culture from Asia. Six of Manchester's highVprofile galleries will showcase their own, especially developed for ATM08, venueVbased exhibitions. The siteVspecific new commissions by artists from across Asia including China, India, Korea, Pakistan will challenge visitor's minds by exploring cultural and political issues of the 21st century.

Band on the Wall returns! Manchester's most famous live music venue, Band On The Wall, has been awarded £3.2 million in combined awards by Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of a £4 million project to transform the venue into a 21st Century centre for music. The venue has hosted bands such as Joy Division, Simply Red and The Buzzcocks over the years. The funding will facilitate the development of local talent with stateVofVtheVart technology. New developments will annexe an adjacent building and provide new facilities for performances, education, recording and an audio and audioVvisual music archive.

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News & Future Developments 2008

Chill Factore

Ordsall Hall

Manchester V the place to visit for thrill seekers.

Salford City Council has submitted an inspirational

Recently furnished with a dazzling new sporting and

bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to ensure Ordsall

social venue Chill Factore, the UK's first complete

Hall's future. £900,000 now needs to be raised by

Alpine ski village experience complete with real

the hall in order to release the £5.1m that has been

snow, restaurants, bars and cafés overlooking

set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Ordsall Hall

sparkling snow slopes, and great active lifestyle

carries a 660Vyear history, dating back to 1348; the

shopping. Groups of all levels can enjoy yearVround

Hall retains architectural elements from medieval,

perfect snowsports conditions and worldVclass ski

Tudor, Stuart and Victorian periods, with 13 rooms

instruction. Already Snowsport GB V the body that

of national significance. Plans for the grade 1 listed

represents all competition racing and snowboarding

building include full restoration and a beautiful

at international level V is establishing its UK national

landscaped garden.

training centre at Chill Factore, while the British Disabled Ski Team will also use the venue for training ahead of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Hotel Developments Work on the new £100m five star hotel The Manchester is due to start in 2008, with completion scheduled for 2010. The building is designed by Make Architects, who created London's iconic 'Gherkin' building and will be located within the city's Spinningfields development.

Museum of Science & Industry The Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI) hosts Gunther von Hagens' "BODY WORLDS 4. The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies" from 22 February V 29 June 2008. Seen by over 24 million people worldwide, the exhibition features a collection of 200 authentic specimens, including whole body specimens that have undergone Plastination. A £60 million expansion of MoSI will create a dynamic 'Museum Quarter' stretching nearly a kilometre, with phase one of the project beginning in 2009. The environmentally sustainable quarter would cover part of the Castlefield area of the city.

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Manchester Voices John Friend Newman His office overlooks the world's most famous cobbled street and since joining Coronation Street in 1981, John Friend Newman, the programme's senior location manager, has worked on some of its most dramatic storylines. We caught up with John between filming to find out about life at the world's longest running TV soap opera and learn the truth about his part in the death of one of Coronation Street's most infamous characters... Coronation Street is such an iconic part of Manchester. How did you come to work there? I've been with Granada for 28 years. I started off in the theatre, working at the Royal Exchange in Manchester and then went on to work on the world premier of Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre in London's West End. I came to Manchester in 1980 - supposedly just for two weeks - to work on the TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited - and I never went back! I trained to become a floor manager and joined Coronation Street a year later. At the time, we were doing two episodes a week - now, we do five. Some of the programme's most dramatic storylines take place away from the street. It must be difficult to find exactly the right location. How much time do you have to prepare? Realistically, you can find most locations. The hard part is usually the constraints of the storyline. Normally, I get the script about two weeks before we need to film the scene. But because we're a serial drama, there's a very short timescale. I often joke

that we're like an oil tanker, you can't just stop and spin it around. It's a meticulously planned operation. What would you say has been the most exciting storyline you've worked on over the years? It's got to be the climax of the Richard Hillman storyline in 2003. It all started with a question from the producer. He asked me "What can you make a Ford Galaxy do?" and I said "Give me enough money and I'll make it fly". He came straight back with "But can you make it swim?" And the rest, as they say, is history. We filmed at the Ashton-Under-Lyne Boat Museum in Tameside - one of the districts of Greater Manchester - and it took three months to plan. We had to find somewhere that was dangerous-enough looking for the cameras, but also safe enough for the cast and crew to work. And you wouldn't believe the number of people it takes to make even the smallest of things happen. In that particular scene, the car had to drive across land owned by nine different people - all of which needed to give legal permissions for us to be able to go ahead and film. It wasn't easy, but the end result was spectacular! It was one of my proudest moments.

And the rumour we've heard is that you played a part in the death of Alan Bradley - one of Coronation Street's most notorious characters. Is that true? Yes, it is. We were filming in Blackpool, Barbara Knox's character, Rita Sullivan, was running away from her violent on-screen partner Alan Bradley. Alan had to die at the wheels of a Blackpool Tram but the driver was having real trouble not hitting the emergency brakes as we came close to the stuntman playing Alan. In the end, I had to lie on the floor of the tram and hold his leg back from the brake pedal so the tram could hit the character. He deserved it though…he was a nasty man that Alan! And finally, if you could name just one, which Coronation Street character have you most enjoyed working with over the years? I've worked with some amazing people over the years and have made some great friends. I always used to enjoy Friday afternoons because, in the early days, that was when we always used to film scenes with Thelma Barlow and Barbara Knox. (The Kabins Rita and Mavis).It was always a great end to the week. And Elizabeth Dawn and Bill Tarmey (Jack and Vera Duckworth) have been great mates over the years. But really, I couldn't single any one person out. Everyone is so nice, it's a really great team. It's a dream job. M

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culturecity Alex Poots is the picture of calm as he sits in his inconspicuous office on Portland Street shortly after the end of the inaugural Manchester International Festival (MIF). But then again, the soft-spoken Scot did not look stressed before or during what was the world’s most adventurous (and most high-risk) festival – an exciting showcase of original new work by some of the world’s greatest artists. “I was nervous before the festival because you are so in the thick of getting the detail right that you wonder whether people are going to like it,” he admits. “I remember a few days before the opening I had a little moment of doubt. I know I said that people should be prepared for some of the commissions not working out that well, that’s the nature of world premières. But what surprised me was that I didn’t see a show that was absolutely terrible.” The inaugural festival has been hailed as a huge success for the city, attracting over 300,000 visitors from far and wide and raising Manchester’s profile as a world-class cultural destination. But it would not have been what it was had it not been for one man who came up with two words to point to the future of Manchester. Poots never tires of telling the story: “When I was asked to apply for the festival director job I initially said ‘no’ because I had just started a job in London. But my curiosity was triggered and I decided to go and talk to Peter Saville, who I had worked with since 1998 and who I knew was from Manchester. I went to see him, not knowing that he was already the creative director of Manchester, because Peter is someone who has a very smart way of thinking through ideas and problems and coming up with interesting creative solutions.

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“Peter said, ‘you know, of course, that Manchester was the first industrial city and then every other city copied it’. When Peter said ‘first’ that gave me the idea of a festival of world firsts. I thought, rather than coming up with a second or third-rate Edinburgh Festival or an urban Glastonbury, which would be copying, we should do something that grows out of something true to Manchester. “And then I realised that there wasn’t any other festival entirely of new work in the world, so we had a world first as well.” Original modern has become Manchester’s manifesto pledge; a clear vision for the future and a template against which every aspect of the city’s evolution is judged. A festival aiming to signal the city’s cultural renaissance had to be an original modern festival and the world’s first festival of original new work certainly fitted the bill. But that did not make it any easier to deliver. Could Poots have pulled it off anywhere else?

Original modern has become Manchester’s manifesto pledge; a clear vision for the future and a template against which every aspect of the city’s evolution is judged. “I don’t think so,” he unhesitatingly replies. “Because there is no other city that I know of that has such an effective and evolved public-private partnership. The way the city council works with major businesses from this city and the region is extraordinary – and it’s why I ended my contract in London early and moved to Manchester to work here. “I’d been in London for 18 years – I’d worked at the Barbican, Tate, English National Opera, all of the big players there – but I moved here because this city quickly proved to me that they were serious about what they wanted to achieve, that they knew they could help the festival achieve it and that they would support it through thick and thin. “I’d never seen anything like this city’s determination to succeed. And I’d never known any other city to acknowledge so firmly that culture is an asset, not a drain.” Poots and his team were given free rein by Manchester City Council to stage a festival that would push boundaries and be talked about in all corners of the world. But the leader and chief executive of the council were always there to throw their weight behind controversial decisions, as Poots explains:

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MIF For all the Wrong Reasons

From left to right: Dead Wedding, Monkey: Journey to the West, Interiors (Johnny Vegas), The Pianist, Carlos Acosta, Il Tempo del Postino. Images by Joel Fildes

“When it came to the Il Tempo del Postino, for example, at six different times people tried to cancel it because there was a lot of misinformation about bulls copulating on stage so animal rights people thought we were the Antichrist, Live Nation were worried about their licence and the police were worried about protests. “But the council were absolutely firm. Richard [Leese] and Howard [Bernstein] asked me ‘in your heart of hearts is there anything weird going on here?’ And I said ‘no, we’ve risk assessed it, there’s no danger and the animals are going to be safe’. So they phoned up the various distressed parties and said ‘it’s going to be fine, we believe in our festival’. That show would not have happened without that support.” Manchester City Council supported the inaugural Manchester International Festival to the tune of £2 million. But the festival team also raised millions of pounds in private sector sponsorship, with some major companies putting their hands in their pockets, including Bruntwood, Virgin Trains and City Inn. How did they react to some of the most controversial commissions? “There was never a word of, ‘this is a bit extreme, can’t your culture be nice landscape paintings?’ They were absolutely supportive. They almost revelled in the fact that we were pushing the boundaries because they knew that was good for the city.” This year’s Manchester International Festival was ground-breaking, but it was not the first time Manchester marched to its own tune. The city has a number of firsts to take pride in and Poots finds one especially moving. “When I first heard that Manchester was the first city in the world to make its library free to the public it brought a lump to my throat. In a way you’re talking about the information revolution. Everyone was allowed access to knowledge and to enhancing their minds and it wasn’t about who could afford it any more. And the library then was the Internet – it was where you found out information. Maybe economically it didn’t make a huge impact, but it shows the state of mind of the fathers of Manchester that they would bother getting round to doing that remarkable thing.” Manchester International Festival signals Manchester’s re-emergence as a cultural hotbed and Poots says there are other encouraging signs. “Manchester is famous for its brains in new media and I think that’s an area of real expansion. In the next ten years we’re going to have one of the world’s greatest universities, so we should see more and more creative minds developing here.

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“In the past the city lost a lot of talent to London and abroad but I think with a serious investment of energy from Manchester City Council we should be able to keep people here because Manchester is developing into a really exciting, innovative city to live in. And of course the BBC moving to Greater Manchester is a plus because they’re going to need new media experts, providing job opportunities for graduates.” Peter Saville has often said building a future as the original modern city is down to Manchester’s innovative, creative, entrepreneurial people. Who are some of the key players in the city’s creative class, who can push Manchester forward? “Maria Balshaw at the Whitworth Art Gallery is a really good appointment. I also admire the work of John McGrath at Contact Theatre – he and his team are doing stuff that the whole UK is aware of, that punches through, not because they’re working with celebrities but because they’re doing great work with young kids. “And of course Manchester is fortunate to have great supporters of the arts. People like the city council’s Richard Leese and Howard Bernstein; Philip Green of United Utilities; Mike and Chris Oglesby of Bruntwood; Bryan Gray at NWDA; Michael Eakin from the Arts Council England; Geoff Muirhead from the Manchester Airports Group; and Nick Johnson and Tom Bloxham from Urban Splash.” With so many great thinkers and creative forces, past and present, in Manchester, surely it must be very difficult to choose one individual for the title of ‘ultimate Mancunian cultural icon’… or is it? “It’s a really obvious one, actually. If what you mean is someone who has done something that was felt around the world and who did it off their own back, it’s Tony Wilson. Manchester was the coolest city in the world partly because of Factory Records and the bands that Tony represented and because of The Haçienda.” Tony Wilson died a few days after this interview and although he will sadly not be around to see Manchester complete its transformation from Cottonopolis to capital of culture, Poots and Manchester’s other creative minds are forging ahead. M

This article was first published in the October 2007 edition of our partner publication ‘All About Manchester’ V Greater Manchester’s only free monthly guide. www.allaboutmanchester.com

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Manchester Voices Sue Jenkins Sue Jenkins is one of Britain's most respected actresses - recognisable to millions from her roles in some of the country's biggest TV programmes - including Manchester's very own Coronation Street. We managed to catch up with her to find out about life in Manchester's TV and theatre world. Coronation Street is such an iconic Manchester programme, being a former cast member kind of makes you Mancunian TV royalty. What was it like to work on the city's most famous street? Mancunian Royalty! Wow, I've never been called that before! Yes, it was so special being offered the part of Gloria Todd. I actually went in for two episodes but the lovely Betty Driver (the actress who plays Betty Williams - creator of the Rovers Return's world-famous hotpot!) hurt her back and they had to keep me on for another six episodes to cover her absence, which meant I was given more to do. The powers that be decided they liked me and offered me a long term contract. I had a brilliant time there and stayed for nearly four years. Of all the work I'd done before and since, nothing gave my mum and dad more of a thrill than my being in Coronation Street. It has a magic all of its own and still has a certain nostalgic look at life, even with the modern storylines. It's an institution and I hope it runs forever. Who knows, Gloria might return! You've trodden the boards at some of Manchester's finest theatres. Do you have a favourite? And of all your stage performances, which has been the most memorable for you? I love theatre, it's always been my first love because it's living everything for the moment and feeling and hearing the audience reacting.

My husband, David Fleeshman and I were working at Contact Theatre, doing an Alan Bleasdale play called 'Pimples' when we got married. We didn't have a honeymoon until a year later as we were doing a long season of plays there. David and I have both worked at the Royal Exchange Theatre over the years, which has a versatile studio space for new plays. Last year, we worked together again at the wonderful Library Theatre in an Arthur Miller play, 'The Price'. It was great to work with David again. Another really special time for me was when I produced and directed 'Night of Stars' at the Palace Theatre in aid of the Tsunami Appeal and then a year later, Night of Stars 2, in aid of Children's Charities. I then went on to produce my son, Richard's first concert at the Tameside theatre which was amazing. We have some of the best thriving theatres in the country here in Manchester. And it's not just your husband that's no stranger to the TV screen, your son, Richard, followed in your footsteps and joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2002. Sounds like you're a theatrical family to be reckoned with? You must be really proud. Like every mum, I'm proud of my family, Emily is almost 21 and in her third year at university studying Theatre Studies (what else?). Richard is 18, now signed with Universal Records and has released his first single, followed by his debut album, 'Neon'.

And my youngest daughter, Rosie is almost 15 and wants to do it all, music, acting, the lot! A lot of people think you need to move to London to survive in your profession. You were born and have lived in the Northwest nearly all your life and have still become one of the country's best-known and much-loved performers. So I guess you've proved them wrong... Well, that's a lovely thought. I've always felt a great affinity with the North, having been born here and it will always be my home and where I want to be. I have, and still do have to sometimes stay in London to work, but I'm always ready to head back here. I'm not alone in that thought though, so many of my actor friends choose to live up here and now it's easy to nip up and down to London, it's only an hour to fly there! So what's next for Sue Jenkins? Will we be seeing you again soon in Manchester? Yes, I'm directing 'Aladdin' at the Tameside Hippodrome Theatre. I was in 'Cinderella' there last year, playing the 'Wicked Stepmother'. I'm really looking forward to directing there, it will bring back fond memories of a certain Mr 'Richard Fleeshman in Concert'! I'm not stopping acting though, I recently finished work on Midsomer Murders (and thankfully got out alive!) Hopefully, I'll be back on stage in Manchester myself next year. M

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The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS T. +44 (0)161 907 9000 W. www.bridgewaterVhall.co.uk

Manchester's architecturally stunning international concert hall seats over 2000 and is the principal performance base for the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata. The hall also hosts international performers and orchestras, jazz, world, blues, rock and pop music. Backstage tours can be preVbooked.

Royal Exchange Theatre St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH T. +44 (0)161 833 9833 (Box Office) W. www.royalexchange.co.uk

Visit the Royal Exchange building in the heart of Manchester and capture the atmosphere of the city's history, take a tour and see the changing exhibitions. Visit The Round, our restaurant, Exchange Bar or the Craft Shop, open all day. Take in the inVtheVround Theatre or Studio show for £8.50 V £28.00. Visit the website or pick up a brochure around town for more information. Come to the Victorian Cotton Exchange building on a Friday from 5.30pm V 7pm for FREE entertainment and cheap drinks.

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The Palace Theatre & Opera House Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT

Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP

T. +44 (0)161 245 6600

T. +44 (0)161 828 1700

Tickets: +44(0)844 847 2328*

W. www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk*

*Subject to booking/transaction fee

The Palace Theatre and Opera House are host to the very best in theatrical entertainment and, in 2008, blockbuster shows direct from Broadway and Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End. Both built in the late 1880s these two traditional style theatres have very special ambience that make it the perfect setting for any occasion, from childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parties to a champagne reception for two, private suites can be set for your personal requirements. If there are ten or more of you then why not call the Groups Sales department on Freephone +44(0)800 587 5007 for great savings on theatre tickets, plus no booking fee! Try and incorporate a Theatre Tour whilst you are in Manchester. A tour around the venue will give you a behind the scenes look, the history of the venue and even a few stories about a resident ghost! An experience that will give you an insight into life at the theatre.

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Manchester Comedy Festival The Manchester Comedy Festival is one of the highlights of Manchester's annual events calendar. It all kick-started with the opening of the Comedy Store in Manchester and the commitment of owner Don Ward to create something that reflects the city's abundance in humour. It was set up to showcase the growing comedy talent and circuit in Manchester as well as attracting larger, established acts to the event. Since then the festival has seen a steady growth with 28 different venues showing over 100 various events last year. It's now one of the city's pillar events which shows how much the city has embraced the festival. It brings the best of comedy to town, be it one-man stand-up shows, cabaret nights, films or plays. Visitors of the festival will find themselves in various venues across the city centre and beyond, from traditional pubs to swanky bars and opulent theatres. It's an opportunity for local comics to showcase their talent on a much larger scale sitting alongside household names such as Jimmy Carr, Johnny Vegas, Ricky Gervais, Dave Spikey and Justin Moorhouse. For more information visit www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

¡Viva! Spanish and Latin American Film Festival Manchester is the capital of Spanish and Latin American cinema, at least for the period of ¡Viva! Organised by Cornerhouse, ¡Viva! is the largest Spanish language film festival in the UK and has been running for 13 years now. The festival presents a fantastic mix of small and independent films, big Spanish blockbuster comedies and documentaries. It guarantees a superb line-up of classic and new films as well as an excellent educational programme. As every year the event welcomes high-profile guests who come to introduce their films, answer audience questions during informal talks and most importantly enjoy the popular ¡Viva! parties. The festival makes for a lively and vibrant atmosphere throughout Cornerhouse, with themed food and drink available in its café and bar. For cineaste unable to make it to Manchester there's the opportunity to enjoy the festival's highlights on its tour around the UK and Dublin. For more information please visit www.vivafilmfestival.com

Cornerhouse 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH T. +44 (0)161 200 1500 W. www.cornerhouse.org

Housed in an iconic building with 3 floors of galleries, 3 cinema screens, 2 bookshops and a popular café bar, Cornerhouse is the destination for lovers of good art, films, food and drink in Manchester. The combination of a vibrant meeting place for business or leisure during the day and night and the best place to catch films and exhibitions from around the world makes Cornerhouse an essential destination for visitors to the city.

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HOURS FRIDAY Afternoon

Manchester offers a wealth of activities in a compact city centre. You can create your very own Manchester just by taking a walk round - but if you need a little help getting started, read on...

A short break needs the right accommodation and thankfully, there's a superb variety in Manchester. Jurys Inn or Premier Inn offer reliable quality at great value. If you're looking for something extra special, check out places like the Lowry Hotel or Stayingcool.com. Wherever you choose, check in and prepare to explore! The Northern Quarter is a great place to start and a treasure trove of independent galleries, boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars. It's the place for creative and artistic minds and unique places like Affleck's Palace and Manchester Craft & Design Centre.

Night If you're feeling hungry, try modern British cuisine at the homely Market Restaurant. The Northern Quarter also offers good food and drink with a bohemian feel in its many cafĂŠs and bars. It's also a hub for musicians and live music with venues like Night & Day and Roadhouse. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Matt & Phred's offers live jazz music until the early hours.

SATURDAY Morning Jump on a Metrolink to The Quays, Manchester's unique waterfront destination. It's home to the most famous

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football stadium in the world, Old Trafford. Visit this holy ground of football and re-live Manchester United's triumphs at the museum and peep behind the scenes on the stadium tour. If football's your thing, Manchester City welcome visitors to their museum and spectacular City of Manchester Stadium tour on the other side of town. Also part of The Quays and a short walk from Old Trafford, the fascinating Imperial War Museum North explores how lives are affected by conflict. Just over the footbridge, The Lowry brings together art, music and theatre with an extensive collection by renowned artist LS Lowry and an award-winning theatre and arts programme. Across the plaza, The Lowry Outlet Mall stocks designer outlet bargains from the likes of Marks & Spencer, Nike, Molton Brown and Karen Millen. Back on the tram to the city centre, stop off at G-Mex for historic Castlefield. This is where the Museum of Science & Industry (MoSI) tells Manchester's story from its Roman fort origins (literally across the road) to international pioneer as the world's first industrial city. For lunch, why not try authentic Japanese food at Sapporo Teppanyaki or fish 'n' chips at The Fish Hut. Either way, it's hard to miss Manchester's most noticeable building, the tall, sleek and slender Beetham Tower.

Afternoon A walk north along Deansgate brings you to the magnificent John Rylands Library. Rylands is one of Manchester's finest gothic buildings and now part of the new Spinningfields district. You're also just round the corner from King Street and some of Manchester's most exclusive shops. Vivienne Westwood, DKNY, Armani Collezioni/Emporio Armani and several other designer labels await to welcome you through their doors. For high street brands like Marks & Spencer, Next, Topshop and H&M stroll over to Market Street and Manchester Arndale. Or try an alternative shopping experience and find fresh, local produce or continental deli treats at Manchester's many permanent and temporary speciality markets. Manchester's compact city centre means it's easy to make the most of what's on offer. Old and new architecture sit side by side. For example, Manchester Cathedral is just round the corner from A-list celebrities Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Iconic Urbis tells the story of modern urban life and sits next door to the former corn exchange, now the chic shopping centre, Triangle. If you need some cinematic relaxation after all this retail therapy, Cornerhouse is the place for independent film and world

cinema - it's also the perfect place to watch bustling Oxford Street go by. And just a few minutes away, Manchester Art Gallery boasts a world-class collection alongside prestigious international touring exhibitions.

Night Eating out is a special occasion in itself and the food and drink scene in Manchester is constantly evolving. It has produced firstclass dining experiences at places like Little Yang Sing, Panacea and the Northern Quarter Restaurant. Alongside these popular restaurants, you can also get superb value for money at Manchester favourites like Chinatown and the Curry Mile in Rusholme. Ballet, opera, drama, classical performances and musicals are all on offer throughout the city in some of Manchester's grandest buildings. To name just a few, check what's on at the Royal Exchange, the Library Theatre, The Bridgewater Hall, the Palace and the Opera House. Ready for Manchester's legendary nightlife? Bars, cafĂŠ bars, traditional pubs and unforgettable clubs - Manchester provides something for everyone. The Printworks is a 24 hour entertainment complex, Deansgate Locks offers some of Manchester's most stylish socialising and gay or straight, Manchester's Gay Village is

one of the best nights out in the UK. The unique atmosphere and friendly crowd make a party atmosphere every night of the week.

SUNDAY Morning Manchester's superb transport links make it perfect to explore the region. Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, is less than an hour away with Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool and the unmissable Beatles Story. The walled Roman city of Chester draws visitors from around the world with its splendid Cathedral and trademark half timbered black and white buildings. Manchester is also close to some of the UK's favourite stately homes and country parks - Chatsworth House, Tatton Hall and Lyme Park are all around an hour away.

Afternoon The Lake District is famous for its stunning scenery and beautiful countryside - all of which provided inspiration for William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Discover quaint villages, antique shops and tea rooms or maybe try abseiling, windsurfing, fell walking or rock climbing. This breathtaking national park is less than two hours from Manchester and is not to be missed. M

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Manchester Voices Tony Hill An innovative, eco-friendly building inspired by Manchester's historic links with the cotton industry is at the heart of a new ÂŁ54m redevelopment plan for the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI). We caught up with Tony Hill, the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acting director, to hear all about their exciting plans.

With over 400,000 visitors in 2006, the Museum Of Science & Industry (MoSI) is already one of Manchester's most popular tourist attractions. Why have you decided to expand at this particular time?

Manchester was the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and the home of many major scientific and technological developments, and MoSI's collections reflect these world-changing events.

We're very successful in the Northwest region, but we want to create a world class cultural attraction in Manchester, which will pull in visitors from throughout Britain and overseas.

MoSI will tell these stories in an innovative and exciting way, and link them in to working businesses and organisations in the Northwest. The whole site will showcase environmentally sustainable technologies for energy efficiency, recycling and carbon reduction.

Redeveloping MoSI would transform the Castlefield area to create a vibrant Museum Quarter for the city, with a striking new building for the 21st Century, which will embody the past, present and future innovation of Manchester and will act as a hub for the whole site.

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When will visitors to Manchester be able to experience the MoSI expansion for themselves? Funding permitting, we will begin work in 2009, and look to finish by 2012. The museum will remain open to the public the whole time.

MoSI is located in the heart of Castlefield - Manchester's urban heritage park - and is housed within a number of original buildings. How will the new-look expansion sit within the historic surroundings? The new building will fit in the 2785 square metre space currently used as a car park between two of the museum's Grade II listed buildings. These nineteenth century warehouses are used as the museum's Main Building and Power Hall respectively and are part of six historic buildings on the 2.5 hectare site. The site itself is the former Liverpool Road Railway station, the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the world (1830). The proposed innovative designs, by architect David Dernie, include a building made from the light-weight, low impact

ETFE material used in the Eden Project in Cornwall. The idea is that it will be like a 21st Century warehouse: a beautiful, modern building, which enhances its historic surroundings and brings the whole MoSI site together. It will feature a transparent vaulted roof, which cantilevers from a central supporting spine, so that it appears to float over the historic warehouses on either side, without compromising them. Translucent light-weight columns will incorporate reference to the cotton on which Manchester built its industry. Photovoltaic cells on the roof will help supply the museum's electricity, while its lily-shaped funnels will collect and recycle Manchester's infamous rainfall for grey water use around site. The building will minimise energy use, by adapting as the seasons change and the whole site would

showcase environmentally sustainable practices, for energy efficiency, recycling and carbon reduction. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the computer and railway (to name just a few) it's very appropriate that Manchester is home to a museum dedicated to the developments in science and industry. But what are the new developments taking place across the city that you consider to be their modern-day equivalents? One of the things that we recognise here at our museum is that Manchester has always been an incredible cauldron of innovation; our collections certainly testify to this, and the fact that we are still collecting shows we don't think Manchester's contribution to science and technology has ended. Innovation didn't stop in 1800, 1900 or 2000, it has continued to this day.

From cancer fighting drugs like Tamoxifen to Louise Brown - the first test tube baby the Northwest has an incredible reputation for innovation in the emerging pharmacological and biotechnology fields. I am sure that some of the work being done in the labs of the universities and research companies and in the minds of innovators will keep the region on the forefront of the technology wave for years to come. This year's Science Festival really brought some of the amazing things being done in science, technology and engineering to the fore; Manchester's future as a centre of innovation is looking very bright. M

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Museum of Science & Industry Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP T. +44 (0)161 832 2244 W. www.mosi.org.uk

There is so much to see and do when you visit MoSI V so we recommend at least a full morning or afternoon, as you'll be surprised at how quickly the time goes once you immerse yourself in Manchester's fascinating history. From the world's first industrial city to 24Vhour party capital, MoSI takes you on a journey through Manchester's heritage, with sights, sounds and even smells! Experience firstVhand the sound of working cotton machinery and steam engines, and learn about the amazing discoveries of world famous scientists, who lived and worked in Manchester. Get handsVon with science in the interactive gallery, Xperiment and find out about the amazing history of flight in the museum's Air and Space Hall. Plus, you can go back in time to the living conditions of nineteenth century Manchester, including walking through an authentic, replica Victorian sewer. The museum buildings themselves are a significant part of history too. MoSI is based on the site of the former Liverpool Road Railway Station, the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the world, which opened in 1830, and was part of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. At weekends and holidays you can even take a ride on a replica of the Planet steam train, which ran on the original railway.

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Imperial War Museum North The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1TZ T. +44 (0)161 836 4000 W. www.iwm.org.uk

One of the most celebrated museums in Britain today, Imperial War Museum North is about people and their stories, about how lives have been and still are shaped by war and conflict. The awardVwinning building by international architect Daniel Libeskind is a symbol of our world torn apart by conflict and is situated at The Quays, a waterfront destination 2 miles from Manchester city centre.

Imperial War Museum North uses thoughtVprovoking and innovative display techniques such as the Big Picture, which puts you right in the centre of the experience using a dramatic display of projected images and sound. The Main Exhibition Space also houses thousands of objects from a T34 Russian tank and Harrier jumpVjet to clothing, diaries and works of art, as well as a series of family interactive Action Stations. Enjoy your refreshments overlooking The Quays in the WaterShard Café or choose from a fascinating range of specialist merchandise in the Museum shop. “Moving and incredibly thought provoking, it's a must see that remains with you long after your visit” VISITOR. A fascinating day out for all, the Museum is open 7 days a week and admission is FREE. Opening Times: 10am V 6pm (March V October) 10am V 5pm (NovemberVFebruary)

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Urbis Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG T. +44 (0)161 605 8200 W. www.urbis.org.uk

Located at the heart of the city, Urbis is an exhibition centre focusing on city life. Urbis' exhibition programme explores the culture and dynamism of cities around the world, covering photography, design, architecture, music, contemporary art and much more. Urbis runs thoughtVprovoking events, which include tours, talks, workshops and family activities. The building is also home to a shop packed with original gift ideas and The Social, Urbis' stylish cafĂŠ bar and the newly opened Modern Bar and Restaurant. Visit the website for up to date listings of the dynamic programme of changing exhibitions. Open daily 10am V 6pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

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Fave Raves We've got some homegrown and adopted Mancunians to tell us their favourite thing about Manchester and what they think a visitor should do... read on and find out what makes the city special to them…

Alex Poots

Alison Seagrave

Bobby Langley

Occupation: Manchester International Festival Director

Occupation: Executive Chef, Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie

Occupation: Creative Consultant, founder of BENCH

Favourite thing... The dry sense of humour.

Favourite thing... It's like a mini London, you can do everything in Manchester you can in London without the expense and it’s a much smaller city so it is easier to get around...

Favourite thing... When it’s three o’clock in Manchester, it’s still 1966 in London.

Recommends... Visit the John Rylands Library

Recommends... Walk along the Ship Canal.

Recommends... Go on the big wheel day and night.

Sven Göran Eriksson

Damon Gough

Occupation: Manager of Manchester City Football Club

Occupation: Musician

Occupation: City tour guide

Favourite thing... My personal favourite thing about Manchester is its unparalleled musical heritage, and the fact that it's a relatively small city, but with all the vibe and attitude of any major city in the world.

Favourite thing... I love walking round the Northern Quarter to spot the quirky new independent shop, bar and restaurant outlets which have opened V this area of the city centre gets more interesting by the week!

Favourite thing... Manchester is a very cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of things to do and places to visit. The city is full of friendly people who have made me feel extremely welcome. Recommends... City of Manchester Stadium V without doubt the best place to watch football in Manchester! Some of the towns and villages around Cheshire and Greater Manchester are lovely. Hale and Bowdon are popular places for our players to live and are both very nice.

AKA Badly Drawn Boy

Recommends... When in Manchester, check out the many art galleries (Whitworth Gallery, Urbis, Central Gallery etc) or independent restaurants in town and in suburbs like Chorlton and Didsbury. Everyone should also have at least one curry on the 'curry mile' in Rusholme.

Kate Dibble

Recommends... I recommend travelling around Manchester City Centre by Metroshuttle bus because the three routes link all the main attractions, run every few minutes and are free!

If you'd like to tell us your favourite thing about Manchester and provide an insider’s tip on what to do contact us on: mm@marketingmanchester.com. The best one's will feature on www.visitmanchester.com

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Manchester Voices John Knight It's the largest indoor arena in Europe and in the last five years has sold more concert tickets than any other venue in the world. We are, of course, talking about the Manchester Evening News Arena. But what is it like to manage one of the biggest jewels in Manchester's crown? We caught up with general manager, John Knight. So, John, sounds like you've got more than enough to keep you busy! You must be really proud of the MEN Arena's role in Manchester... Yes, we are. The arena has been one of the major factors in the resurgence of Manchester. We opened in 1995, before a lot of the other regeneration began, and I'd like to think we've played a part in making Manchester what it is today. In the early 90's, if you had said that the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Madonna or any of the A-list would be performing in Manchester on an almost weekly basis, people would have laughed at you. But now, it's expected! So what do you think makes the MEN Arena so successful? That's easy - the people. You can have the best arena in the world, but unless the fans turn out and create a great atmosphere for the people on the stage, the people on the stage won't come. We've got a great location - central to the rest of Britain - and Manchester's got so much to offer these days, people can combine an arena event with a weekend break. For fans and performers, the arrival of the 5-star Lowry Hotel, just two minutes from our back gate, in particular, has been a godsend. Sometimes, the stars don't go

back to their dressing room after the final act. They come off the stage, into their limo and they're in their hotel suite having a shower while the fans are still applauding for another encore! And of course, it's economically viable for the artists to perform here. We're a big place - we can sell a lot of tickets. Over 1.2 million people are coming to the MEN Arena every year. Next year, as part of Manchester World Sport 08, you're hosting the World Swimming Championships. That's a bit of a different one for your team, isn't it? Yes, it's a bit of a crazy one. Building two pools in the arena has really captured the public imagination. It's also quite a symbolic one for us because the arena was originally built out of Manchester's bid for the 2000 Olympics. Without sounding too romantic, in a way, we're fulfilling our destiny whenever we host world championship sport. You work with some of the biggest names in the industry. I bet you've have your fair share of 'diva' demands in your time… Well, we joke that we're still trying to get a couple of doves out of the ceiling that Beyonce left behind, but to be honest, I always disappoint people when they ask me this question because a lot of it is newspaper talk.

The artists have people within their own entourage to look after their needs. Although it's rock and roll, at the end of the day, this is their office. We provide the professional environment, and they go to work on stage. That's why they call it show BUSINESS ! You've worked here for seven years, what would you say is the most memorable event you have been involved with… and is there anyone you would like to see come here that hasn't? Personally, I'd have to say U2's shows in 2001 were the most memorable. They were sell out shows with over 19,000 people each night. But everyone has their own favourites. We've ticked so many boxes over the years…we've had everybody who's anybody. I suppose the one legend I'd like to book is someone like Stevie Wonder. He hasn't toured for years, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. The great thing about the MEN Arena is that, through a lot of hard work and the great Manchester people, we've earned a very good reputation. So good that, if any major artist is touring outside of America the odds are, they're going to come here! And you can't ask for more than that! M

For more information about the MEN Arena, check out: www.men-arena.com

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messing about on the... canal Nick Johnson, deputy CEO, Urban Splash comes clean about ginger water and how his fascination with canals led him to take residence on his own boat in Castlefield.

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There are two things that I rarely admit to people and it's time I came out, at least with one of them. The first, which needs to remain firmly locked in the closet, is that I am a chartered surveyor. The second, which I am more willing to be 'outed', is that I have a rather unnatural passion for Britain's inland waterways. Canals have long played in my consciousness. I grew up in Worsley, the posh part of Salford which has the rather curious claim to be the only few stretches of inland waterway to be bright orange, the northern end of Harecastle tunnel at Kidsgrove is another. History rather than design turned Worsley's foggy canal water a bit ginger, thanks to the industrial revolution. In fact, the industrial revolution is the reason for it being there in the first place. Colloquially known as the Dukes Cut, the Bridgewater Canal was visionary act, built by the Duke of Bridgewater to supply coal from the underground mines to feed the fires, that made the wheels turn, that made the cotton spin, that made the world go round. The ochre, is a reminder of our industrial past, a stain of heritage, a hallmark of profound endeavour. It's a result of deposits of iron ore in the seams of underground mines that run from Worsley to Bolton to Boothstown and back and through which the water that tops up the Bridgewater passes - it's rust.

The local burghers decided that colour was clearly too much for the Queen to take and tried to dye the canal a 'normal' colour for a state visit to the village in 1967 when she came to open the new park next to the canal. The quest for eradicating history is a cause that has been resurrected in the last two years only this time using European funding and filtration beds, rather than dye. Those facts, such as they are 'fact', were not the sole reason for development of my watery deviance, I like boats - proper boats that is, as distinct from modern, 'noddy' boats - heroic, robust, beautiful boats. I like the look of them, I like the smell of them, I like the way they sound, I like the speed they move, I like the folksy way they're painted, I like the tales they have to tell. It's therefore slightly weird that canals have touched nearly all my working life. When I was 20, I rode into Manchester on my bike with some mates, in through Salford Docks, later to become an altogether more cosmopolitan Salford Quays and discovered Castlefield which seduced me into a lifelong love affair which I've never really given up. At the end of the '80's when my jumper was new-romantically tucked into my pleated pants, Castlefield was a derelict wasteland but boy, it had soul. Dukes '92 was a car body repair shop, Eastgate was called Gail House, John S. Bass were next door manufacturing packing cases and Merchants Warehouse was a half burnt out derelict shell.

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Two years later when I'd left college and started working for an outfit in St Ann's Square I wrote a letter to Jim Ramsbottom who fell for my flowery prose and that started my career in what has subsequently become known as the industry called 'regeneration'. I lived on my own boat, Jacob, in Castlefield during the summer that Rob Gretton died, that United won the treble, that Quay Bar opened its doors as the Haรงienda closed its. I still miss the aural quality of the city, being able to tell what time it is by what's going on outside, the peace that comes with the pub closing, the scraping, popping and squealing of the night time freight trains at 4am, the bird chatter being drowned out by the early traffic at 6am and the full blown corpulent roar of the streets at 9am when you knew you should be at work.

My mates used to enquire, when they could catch me on the phone, whether I was "having it Barge?" That you could cast off from Castlefield on a Friday night - caroused to a Quay Bar chorus of "Rosie and Jim, Rosie and Jim" and move your whole house and home to Dunham embankment in two hours gentle chugging, swapping views of lager louts for open countryside and red deer is one of the beautiful contradictions of the waterways, steeped in gritty industrial heritage one minute and rolling romantic landscapes the next. My mates used to enquire, when they could catch me on the phone, whether I was "having it Barge?". It seems only fitting and honourable that my working life and my private life should come together, the closet chartered surveyor and the closet bargee. Urban Splash has been the vehicle for the release of that unlikely union. Working at the cutting edge of regeneration means that you're never far from a canal, or water of some sort. In fact if we're not, we have a tendency to build it. Britannia Mills, Box Works and Timber Wharf all sit on the bank of the Bridgewater, Budenberg Haus Projekte our scheme with Foster and Partners is on the same canal seven miles and, at four miles an hour, two hours out-of-town in Altrincham.

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You can therefore understand my delight when I was asked by the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum a couple of years ago to go and speak to their members on the work of Urban Splash. Taking members of the boat museum, some, sporting home spun owl motif sweaters (because as we know knitwear never goes out of fashion on the 'cut') through Will Alsops CHIPS building, was the true union of my repressed self. The pinnacle of this love affair for me has to be New Islington where Urban Splash using money from English Partnerships, has built two new canals that link (although strictly that's not true) the Rochdale and the Ashton Canal. New Islington will be a special place in Manchester for a number of reasons, not least of which is that it will have at it's heart a canal and that will make it a very special place, a very proper place. A couple of years ago I was having my boat repainted and struggled with my conscience about what should be sign written on the back cabin. People have family names, but mine evokes images of dry cleaners, people have company names, but I didn't have a company. In the end I decided to bring my work home with me and be the first boat with 'New Islington' sign written on the back cabin, complete with 'Manchester scrolls'. So, maybe, after all, I am openly willing to acknowledge that I am a chartered surveyor. Maybe I should be out, and proud. M

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Manchester’s Countryside

Manchester's Countryside offers more than 500 square miles of peaceful scenery, historic towns and idyllic lakes and canals. The area’s rich and proud past is best told by its museums, memorials, walks and trails but whether a traditional English pub or contemporary European restaurant, there’s superb food and drink waiting to be discovered too. A series of walking and cycling trails are now available. These trails provide an opportunity for you to explore Manchester’s Countryside + its hills, dells, vales, valleys, bridle paths and tow paths. To receive free copies of the trails contact

01942 825677 www.manchesterscountryside.com Supported by

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Feeding the five hundred You have to be pretty confident in your city to invite journalists to come and sample what you have to offer. But to invite five hundred American travel critics and play host to their annual convention - letting them sample everything from your restaurants to your taxi drivers - some might say you'd be crazy. Well, crazy or not, that's just what Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, decided to do in October 2007. Andrew now tells us how the city hosted the most important travel writers convention in the world... Four years ago, when we - the Northwest Development Agency, England's North Country and Marketing Manchester - first decided to bid for the convention, it seemed like such a great idea... and being so far in the future, anything was achievable. The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) is the largest association of its kind in the world, and as such, cities from across the globe clamour for the opportunity to play host to their annual convention.

And it was essential that each and every delegate went home with a good impression of both the city and the Northwest region. We wanted to showcase not only the city, but demonstrate how Manchester was an ideal and easy gateway to the rest of the Northwest and beyond. The organisation of the convention fell very much in-line with the requirements of the Association - the rest of what they saw and did was very much up to us... and we wanted to impress. The first item on the agenda was food. Manchester has such an array of culinary excellence that we needed to find a way to demonstrate it's talent to the full. The SATW were very clear about what they wanted...

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Left: Heather Small performing at the SATW Gala Dinner at Manchester Central. Below: Bill Bryson as Keynote Speaker at the SATW Opening Ceremony.

Seat all five hundred American Travel Writers in a wide variety of restaurants in Manchester city centre and surrounding areas, they said... no problem. Seat them on a Saturday night in the middle of Manchester's Food & Drink Festival, they said... no problem. Make sure that each journalist and possible food critic gets their cuisine of choice, at a time to suit their busy itinerary, they said... no problem. Oh and can you do the same again for the Monday night as well! We were given the full list of cuisines the journalists required and set to work securing bookings at some of Manchester's finest eateries. Italian, French, Modern British, Indian, Spanish, Chinese, Traditional British, you name it, they requested it. The Manchester restaurants were absolutely incredible and worked with us to deliver a fantastic array of menus and wines to suit everyone's tastes.

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In addition to that, we needed to get them out of the conference hall and into the city itself... And, of course, the best way to explore any city, to find its essence, its real character, is to take a tour with one who lives and breathes it everyday. In Manchester, we are very fortunate to have a team of very passionate, very talented and of course hugely knowledgeable guides. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architecture or music, industrial heritage or sport, reality to the folklore - they know it all. And the delegates didn't fail to push them to the limits with requests for all kinds of theme tours - Jewish history, gay heritage, early morning ghost walks, canals and waterways, were but a few of the many questions posed. And of course, no trip to Manchester would be complete without sending the delegates to some of the lesser known, but truly marvellous, historically rich villages and towns of Greater Manchester. The delegates explored the history of hatmaking in Stockport, visited the stately

homes of Arley and Tatton, took the East Lancashire Steam Railway, cycled in a country park, peeked inside Concorde and cruised along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal on the Pennine Moonraker. Indeed, as we waved the SATW delegates off from Manchester, many of them took advantage of the city's location and set off to explore the rest of Great Britain - Wales, Scotland and the Isle Of Man being amongst the most popular. Since returning home, a great number of the SATW delegates have written to say how much they enjoyed their time in Manchester. Sometimes, even those of us who work in the tourism industry can take for granted just what our city has to offer. We get used to having the countryside on our doorstep, the biggest exhibitions visiting our galleries and enough attractions to give you something different to do every weekend of the year. But an event like the SATW convention reminds you just how fortunate we are. M

Where to send 500 American Travel Writers on a busy Saturday night in the middle of the Food & Drink Festival...

Obsidian

Taurus

Arora Hotel, Princess St An exciting restaurant concept in Manchester city centre and its food influence in equal parts from the Northwest and Modern European cooking.

1 Canal St Taurus provides a relaxed atmosphere and a place to converse with excellent food & drink.

Albert's Shed

40 Peter St Opus serves innovative modern British food that blends the best of local produce, presented in a modern, contemporary way.

20 Castle St Albert's Shed is a stylish city centre restaurant with the advantage of a location at the centre of the Castlefield canal basin.

Choice Bar and Restaurant Castle Quay, Castlefield Working closely with local specialist food suppliers Choice has redeveloped Castlefield into a dining destination.

Evuna 277V279 Deansgate Evuna aims to offer the finest in Spanish food and drink with food ranging from tapas to a la carte, originating from the central regions in Spain.

Grill on the Alley 5 Ridgefield This restaurant epitomises old and new Manchester, coming together to form a perfect partnership where you may hide away in a haven of great food & drink.

Harvey Nichols, Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie Exchange Square The city's ultimate dining destination, choose from a Modern European menu or try the Brasserie's more casual European Asian offering.

Juniper (outside city centre) 21 The Downs, Altrincham One of the UK's top twenty finest restaurants and critically lauded by all the leading guides as one of the country's most exciting fine dining venues.

Manchester 235 Restaurants (Linen and Numero) Watson St Linen's contemporary menu focuses on fresh, modern meat and fish dishes, offering superb quality cuisine in a warm, inviting and beautifully designed environment. Whether it's rustic pizzas, pastas, fish or meat, at Numero you'll enjoy hearty, homeVrecipe Italian cooking at its best.

Mr. Thomas' Chop House 52 Cross St Serves great beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of traditional pub food, including fish and chips and steak and kidney pudding.

The French at The Midland Opus One at the Radisson Edwardian

Panacea Bar and Restaurant 14 John Dalton St Their international menu has something for everyone, encapsulating the finest and most distinctive flavours from around the world.

Relish 10 V12 The Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate Relish Restaurant provides a fantastic array of mouthwatering dishes including steak and fish grills, intriguing vegetarian dishes and really tasty salads.

Peter St The French invite you to relax and enjoy the highest standards of modern French and British cuisine.

The Lime Tree (outside city centre) 8 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury Providing awardVwinning food, which started out French and over the years has evolved into cuttingVedge Modern British.

The Living Room 80 Deansgate The Living Room on Deansgate in Manchester has now been open for over 7 years, and remains the restaurant & bar of choice for Manchester's discerning population.

The Lowry River Room Room 81 King St Room Manchester is perfect for business lunch, a shoppers retreat or just to drop in for a coffee.

50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf The River Bar and Restaurant is a spectacular riverside restaurant located in the heart of the city combining contemporary and classic design.

Sam's Chop House

The Market Restaurant

Back Pool Fold, off Cross St When you think chophouse this is probably what you want. This place is serious about British food and is highly recommended.

104 High St A small friendly restaurant providing top quality seasonal food in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Olive Press Sangam (outside city centre) 13V21 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme At Sangam specially selected herbs and spices are blended together by experienced top chefs to create unique dishes that today have become extremely popular.

4 Lloyd St, off Deansgate Enjoy the authentic taste of Italy in the Olive Press Pizzeria Bar & Grill. Sample the warmth of the rustic, cosy surroundings that make for an experience everyone will enjoy.

The Little Yang Sing Simply Heathcotes Jackson's Row Experience Laurence Tottingham's British cooking and the warm welcome of the team, ideally located in the modern city centre of Manchester.

17 George St A big welcome awaits you at the Little Yang Sing, the perfect place for a meal with friends or for entertaining business guests in style.

Yang Sing Shimla Pinks Dolefield, Crown Square High quality, traditional Indian food can be found here. Only natural ingredients incorporating fresh herbs and spices will be used in the preparation of their dishes.

Stock

34 Princess St The highly acclaimed Yang Sing sets the standard both within Manchester and beyond as a Cantonese restaurant of the highest quality.

All the restaurants can be found on www.visitmanchester.com

4 Norfolk St The menu at Stock is complemented by an abundance of market fresh specials and vegetarian delights, ensuring that all tastes are well catered for.

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Manchester Voices Eyck Zimmer Eyck Zimmer was appointed executive head chef of The Lowry Hotel in July 2005. Since then, he's gone on to be crowned National Chef of the Year - a title previously held by Gordon Ramsey and Mark Sargent and the hotel's River Restaurant has been named the city's best at the coveted Manchester Tourism Awards. We caught up with Eyck about life in Manchester, and why fish and chips are fine by him. So, first things first, what do you think of the Manchester's restaurant scene? It's very good - definitely hip and happening. There are a lot of good places out there serving a really wide variety of food. And the Michael Caines restaurant will be opening soon at the new ABode hotel near Piccadilly - so that will be interesting. Other than The River Restaurant (naturally!) what's your favourite place to eat in the city? Oh, I couldn't pick just one. I like Luso, which is just down the road from the hotel. They do some great Portuguese food simple, but with a twist. And just outside the city centre, in Altrincham, you can get some weird and wonderful stuff at Juniper. But to be honest, as a chef, you like your food to be quite simple. You're more likely to find me in somewhere like the Gaucho Grill (an Argentinean steakhouse) or at Armstrong's on a Friday night - they do amazing fish and chips! So you see, there's nothing wrong with simple food as long as it is executed well. Sometimes I go to the bar in Harvey Nichols for a couple of drinks. But as a chef, you don't go out too much. You're either working - or too tired - or in my case working out at the gym.

The Lowry Hotel uses a lot of local produce in its menu. Having moved up here from London, did you find your creative juices affected in anyway? Well, it's something that I had to learn. I worked in London for 15 years and it doesn't really have a local identity as such. When I first came up to Manchester, I wanted to use produce from around the world. I was buying pigeons from France and the crab was coming from Australia. But now, I've become more familiarised with the local offering. I've been out to a couple of farms and now, for example, I don't use any international cheeses at all. Every 5-star hotel serves Stilton and Roquefort. I want to give our guests a cheese from the local area. Because, I believe, if you come to Manchester, you want something that you're not going to be able to get in just any 5-star hotel. And we're doing it more and more. The produce is all good stuff and it supports the local farmers as well. It gives the whole eating experience a different feel. It's really nice for the customer when they know where their food has come from. You've been executive head chef at The River Restaurant since July 2005 how have you found living in Manchester?

I was pleasantly surprised. I came up to Manchester and found this buzzing city with lots of building work going on. It's growing bigger and bigger all the time and, compared to London, it's very reasonable to live here. It's a really nice place and it's got everything you could need. The infrastructure's there without it needing to be a massive city. And you can walk everywhere - which is great. And finally, you've worked at some of London's top hotels - The Dorchester, The Berkeley, The Lanesborough and Claridge's - and you're last post was at The Ritzâ&#x20AC;ŚHow are you finding life at The Lowry? The Lowry's great. It was Manchester's first 5-star hotel and it's still a leading force in the city. It has a very good reputation particularly with celebrities. They seem to like us very much! When you think of 5star hotels outside London - we're in there with the likes of Gleneagles and Balmoral in Scotland or the Grove in Hertfordshire. And it's not just in the UK. The Lowry is internationally recognised as a top 5-star hotel. We're definitely in there with the big boys. M For more information: www.roccofortecollection.com

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Manchester Food & Drink Festival The Manchester Food and Drink Festival celebrated ten years of gastronopolis in 2007, becoming the largest event of its kind in Europe, with all ten districts of Greater Manchester taking part including Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

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MFDF has gone from strength to strength over ten years, beginning as a small event with big ideas, the Festival set out to prove to the nation that there is more to the region than pie, chips and ale. Proud as we still are of pie, chips and ale, ten years on the city has established itself as a cosmopolitan and infinitely diverse destination for food and drink. Over the years the Festival has been visited by guests as diverse as Jamie Oliver and Bill Wyman, and was hailed 'Britain's best urban celebration of food' by the Guardian Guide. Regional producers also play a starring role in the festival. As well as showcasing themselves at a vast producers market in the heart of the city centre, they are often incorporated into events at restaurants and other MFDF venues. Meet the Producers at Harvey Nichols' Foodmarket has been a popular yearly event.

A food festival with a unique, urban style much like Manchester, MFDF is different in that there is no one single location - rather, each autumn Greater Manchester is your oyster for eleven whole days of gastronomic appreciation and foody fun. The region's best restaurants, bars, cafĂŠs, galleries, museums, shops as well as specially built outdoor venues and markets come together to shout out loud about all food great and Mancunian, offering events ranging from wine tastings, celebrity chef visits, ale competitions and tutored tastings. You really can't get away from the food and drink festival during its annual eleven days, but who would want to? M Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2008 3 V13 October*, Citywide For more information www.foodanddrinkfestival.com *information correct at time of print.

Blue Badge Tourist Guides Manchester's award winning Blue Badge Tourist Guides are the people to show you the sights. Established as a Guild for over 25 years, the Guides delight in, and have great experience of, showing off the city and region. With expertise and enthusiasm they can add real value and assist with any event you are planning. Working with inbound tour operators, travel agents and hotels they offer fascinating walking and coach tours for business, social, sports and conference organisations, for just a couple of hours, up to a day, a few days or longer.

Tours are undertaken throughout England's North Country including the Lake District, Liverpool, Chester and York, and complete tour management services are offered elsewhere in the country.

Meet and greet services are also provided as well as event management - whatever the occasion! Tours can be delivered in a variety of languages, and there are a range of themes to suit you popular tours include Chinatown, music, modern Manchester, sport, ghosts, industrial heritage, treasure trails - whatever you want!

Guides are registered professional 'Blue Badge' tourist guides affiliated to the Institute of Tour Guiding.

John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH T. +44 (0)161 306 0555 W. www.manchester.ac.uk/library

Contacts Guides Booking Agency: +44 (0)161 440 0277 Guild Email: manchesterguild@yahoo.co.uk www.toursofmanchester.co.uk www.manchestertourguides.com www.vervets.co.uk www.discovermanchestertours.com

Manchester Craft & Design Centre 17 Oak Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 5JD T. +44 (0)161 832 4274 W. www.craftanddesign.com

WorldVfamous collections in stunning gothic splendour. Now reVopened after a £16.8 million transformation, including improved access and visitor facilities. Experience the gothic splendour of one of Manchester's most beautiful buildings and discover the library's world famous collections through themed displays and handsVon activities. Enjoy a programme of exhibitions, talks, and family events throughout the year and relax in the café and giftshop.

Located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a unique organisation comprising of 18 retail/studio spaces, Café Aromat, and a rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Formerly the Smithfield fish market and crowned with a huge glass roof, the centre now houses two floors of shops selling jewellery, ceramics, textiles and furniture. It is one of the few places in the UK open to the public where work is individually produced and sold on the premises.

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manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

palaces The industrial revolution gave Manchester a unique architectural legacy. Believe it or not, many of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest buildings were originally warehouses. They still form the fabric of the city and some are of such grandeur and quality that they would equal a monument of royal standard. If these are part of the finest vernacular, then what spectacles shape Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cityscape today?

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Throughout the industrial revolution, Manchester was a powerhouse of manufacturing and trade. Aside from cotton, Manchester developed much modern social thought with ideas ranging from women’s rights and trade unions to vegetarianism and free trade. It is also the birthplace of world famous brands from sports clubs to soap opera. At times, Manchester was one of the world’s richest cities and it attracted architecture to match. Buildings range from blatant displays of wealth to hidden gems of urban undergrowth. Reassuringly, the city’s 19th century architecture is being complemented by a list of contemporary architects of international renown. Manchester’s history has so much to answer for it would only be proper to begin at the beginning. Manchester started life as the Roman fort, Mamacium. It remained remarkably small until the unprecedented boom of the industrial age so it is unsurprising that buildings more than 400 years old are rare. However, through wisdom or good fortune, older examples have survived wars, recessions, booms and even relocations. At the northern tip of Deansgate, Manchester Cathedral (AD 1421) is the city’s most striking example of pre-industrial architecture. The exterior boasts crafted Gothic features but venture indoors for some hidden treasures. A visit inside (free admission Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 8-5 and Sun 8.30-7.30) offers a charming insight into medieval comedy. Intricate timber choir stalls portray absurd little carved scenes: rabbits cook their hunters and husbands show their dissatisfaction with their wives’ cooking. The cathedral is within a few paces of traditional pubs, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar and the Old Wellington Inn. These timber framed buildings sit side by side - but all is not quite as original as it seems! The devastating IRA bomb in 1996 led to extensive redevelopment of Manchester city centre. This included the relocation of Sinclair’s and the Old Wellington to a new home some 90 metres away. Manchester’s two oldest pubs were lovingly moved, oak beam by oak beam, pint pot by pint pot to their current location.

Any walk through the city will take in fine stone and brick warehouses, sublime arches and ornate detailing. As the world’s first industrial city, Manchester gained the wealth required to build exquisite architecture of international value. Any walk through the city will take in fine stone and brick warehouses, sublime arches and ornate detailing. Some, such as The Britannia Hotel (formerly Watt’s Warehouse), deserve a closer look. This awe-inspiring example is 30 metres tall with four majestic towers and styles from Elizabethan to Italian Renaissance for each storey. Manchester’s cotton boom brought fame and wealth for some but exploitation and poverty for others. These conditions, as described by Karl Marx’s friend Frederick Engels, inspired the social phenomenon of philanthropy. This, like most of Manchester’s history, filtered into the architecture. Often neo-classical in style, new cultural landmarks appeared in Manchester. The Portico library is one example and anyone who encounters the stone temple design could be forgiven for asking if the ancient Greeks ever invaded Manchester! This theme is continued with Manchester Art Gallery – a grand building that has housed equally grand artworks by artists such as Valette and Michelangelo. ‘Albert Square, Manchester’ 1910 by Pierre Adolphe Vallette oil on jute. Albert Square resulted from many preparatory studies and was Valette's most ambitious Manchester painting. The view is from the southVwest side of the square showing, from left to right: the Albert Memorial, the statues of Oliver Heywood and William Gladstone and part of the sootVblackened Town Hall. Tram lines dissect hazy outlines of Victorian spires and horseVdrawn cabs mingle sideVbyVside with a new form of transport V the motor car. The figure of the cellarman pushing his barrow is silhouetted against a pale, pearly background in a bold and caricatureVlike way which prefigures the work of L.S. Lowry.

Not far away, the Free Trade Hall stands as a testament to the political upheaval of the era. This magnificent façade with exemplar Renaissance arches has many tales to tell. Not only does the building mark the site of the Peterloo Massacre (an event in 1819 when a peaceful demonstration was brought to a bloody end by local authorities) but it was also the place where Bob Dylan ‘went electric’ and was heckled as a ‘Judas!’ by one folk purist. Manchester’s meteoric rise to fame and fortune demanded a mighty building for its civic administration. After a prestigious competition, Alfred Waterhouse won a challenging brief to design a new town hall. He delivered a masterpiece in the French Gothic style and an architectural statement about Manchester’s position on the world stage. Features to look out for include supreme sandstone carving, innovative spiral staircases, the Great Hall and the mosaic bumble bees on the floor – a tribute to the workers and industry that transformed Manchester from an obscure English town into a centre of world trade. One final major building from this Victorian period is perhaps the city’s finest example of Gothic architecture – The John Rylands Library (1899). Commissioned by Rylands’ widow Enriqueta to commemorate her husband (a textile manufacturer), the pink sandstone building is complemented by a superbly crafted interior and a jaw-dropping nave. Thanks to a multi-million pound refurbishment, John Rylands Library now offers a superb visitor experience.

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Before moving into the modern era, one fact should be remembered – Manchester is more than just a list of large and powerful buildings. There are many historical gems around the city. One example is the Peveril of the Peak public house (circa 1830). Gloriously clad in detailed green and yellow ceramics it only has to be passed-by to be appreciated. However, the Guinness and hospitality inside are appreciated as well! Manchester finished the 19th century with mighty buildings like the Refuge Assurance building (now the Palace Hotel) but it embraced the 20th century with majestic commercial buildings like St James’ Buildings and Lutyens’ perfectly proportioned Midland Bank. Other notables include The Opera House, The Royal Exchange, Sunlight House and the Central Library. However, not all of Manchester’s modern architecture has been similarly revered. Manchester Arndale used to be accused of being ugly but this important shopping centre was badly damaged by the IRA bomb in 1996. Since then, like much of the city, Manchester Arndale has emerged bigger and better than before into a new era of architectural celebration. After the bomb, Exchange Square was the city’s first new urban space. Taking in Manchester’s medieval heritage, it included a bold new building for Marks & Spencer and Selfridges and is completed by Urbis, a visitor attraction dedicated to the stories of city life. This stacked-glass triangular landmark soars above the square and offers the visitor a spectacular view across the city.

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Away from Exchange Square, urban renewal is having an equally stunning effect in The Quays. This unique waterfont area adds two more ‘galactico’ architects to Manchester’s list of greats. Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Musem North is a superb display of deconstructivist architecture that explores the impact of war through the shattered pieces of a fragmented globe. Opposite this, The Lowry by Michael Wilford delivers a different message but with equal eloquence. Whatever the weather, these buildings are always worth a visit. The architect responsible for Urbis (Ian Simpson) is also responsible for Manchester’s latest high-profile building – The Beetham Tower. Despite the debate any 48 storey building would cause in Britain, this skyscraper declares that Manchester is still a city of international importance. This post-modern take on the skyscraper, complete with animated glass façade and telling red lights (not to mention the view across the city from its bar, Cloud 23) is a priceless addition to Manchester’s skyline. Manchester’s most recent architectural achievement is the new Civic Justice Centre by Denton Corker Marshall. It is a supremely beautiful and awe-inspiring building. It owes much of this to its over-hanging cantilevered courtrooms and revolutionary mechanics. It marks a radical new era for Manchester and puts it into the Champions League of architecture. M

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Manchester Voices Peter Saville Peter Saville was born in Manchester and studied graphic design from 1975 to 1978 at Manchester Polytechnic (now MMU). Famed for his album designs for artists such as Joy Division and New Order, he also produced the legendary imagery for the HaĂ§ienda nightclub and has since been depicted on silver screen in the 2002 film '24 Hour Party People'. His famed artwork led him to be appointed as Creative Director for Manchester City Council in 2004. Branding a city is a very tall order. Manchester's history and characteristics are so dynamic that it must have been difficult to agree upon a particular approach. Where did you begin with such a demanding task? My 'Original Modern' concept is more of a target; it's setting a path for the future. It could be described as the re-articulation of 'the first industrial city'. I looked at Manchester's ambitions and its aspirations in an international context. 'Original modern' looks at what the city has to realise, it is a challenge to Manchester to raise its expectations and perhaps even re-discover some forgotten ambitions. Are there any particular clichĂŠs or faux-pas associated with Manchester that you try to steer people clear of? Like any English city, there are preconceptions of Manchester that aren't justified anymore. The international image of the city today is perhaps over-balanced by football. There's a general and misleading outlook that former industrial cities are remnants of the general industrial decline and now have no clear purpose. Manchester needed a contemporary sense of purpose which is hopefully what 'original modern' supplies. Cities do have to be questioned and Manchester has a job to broker a new perception. If perceptions aren't justified, then you have to change them.

Did it feel like a natural progression to move from designing the image and style of an iconic record label to eventually becoming Creative Director for Manchester? I suppose it was logical but it's still very surprising to me that it actually happened. When I conceived the image and identity of Factory records and the HaĂ§ienda, I sat down and thought to myself, 'What could pop culture become?' Three years ago, I did the same thing but this time I was looking at Manchester; 'what could Manchester become?' That question drove my thinking. It's about having a vision and realising a dream. It's an idealistic way of looking at things but you have to ask yourself, 'why not?' There's much talk of a making a permanent tribute in Manchester to your former colleague Tony Wilson. How would you like him to be remembered? I'm currently working with Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, to secure funding for what will be an annual seminar and workshop. The principal is that a talented young person lets say an 18 year old in 2010, can have the same kind of opportunity that Tony offered to one in 1980. We're looking at making this a one or two week programme to be held during the summer each year. It will give young people access to a range of talented individuals such as Paul Morley,

Ben Kelly, Kevin Cummings and Alex Poots. This will ensure that Tony gets the acknowledgement that he deserves and keep his spirit truly alive because he's known to the people of Manchester as a great ambassador for the city and its young people. We intend to make this an on-going scheme that will really give something back to the community. Graphics and imagery now have a pivotal role in modern culture. How do you keep ahead of the game and rise to the challenge of new technologies? You have to keep moving with the changes by consistently re-evaluating and re-inventing yourself. It's all about looking at context and circumstances and not forgetting how you got here in the first place. How would you like to see Manchester develop over the next ten years? My answer to this goes back to the 'original modern' concept. Manchester must continue along the pathway and remain committed to it. Its characteristics have and should continue to manifest through the many aspects of urban living from architecture to transport, music, culture and redevelopment. As long as the city remains progressive across the spectrum of urban culture, I think we have a very bright future. M

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A beacon of celebration and tolerance in the heart of the city, the gay village is a must visit part of Manchester, especially if you yourself are gay or lesbian.

village

Located just south of Chinatown, along the Canal Street area, it's both party central for the city's thriving 'out and proud' gay and lesbian community and a living, breathing piece of social history - proof that Manchester is one of the world's leading gay-friendly cities. One of the only urban areas where gay culture has flourished into a village-like community, its combination of bars, clubs and green spaces mark it out as unique - blending the modern city's needs with its proud industrial heritage. But what really sets the gay village apart is a unique sense of culture and history that has always favoured equal rights often in the face of much adversity - a very Mancunian trait!

No visit to Manchester is complete without joining one of the monthly Out in the Past heritage trails. These historic walks point out the city's gay and lesbian 'historic haunts' and events. First introduced to the city as part of the annual Manchester Pride festival, the heritage trail has become a roaring success over the past four years. The reason? Its bold but humorous stance brings to life the illicit gay culture of old - of private bars and secret meetings on towpaths. One story tells of how Manchester's fashion conscious straights of the 1950's would often venture into the 'secret' world of Canal Street just to find out what Manchester's most stylish set - the queers - were wearing that season! Even then the gay scene was known for being one step ahead of the crowd. Want to hear more stories like that? You'll have to come along and join a walking tour.

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But now, whilst the cutting-edge fashion has remained, the illegality of Manchester's gay scene has thankfully gone, leaving a run of pubs and clubs that turned a dirty old canal towpath into a thriving pink economy that simply bristles at night. Manto Bar is the grand daddy of Canal Street, the bar that single-handedly brought the café culture started by Oldham Street's Dry Bar to the village. Its sleek designs of brick and steel, influenced no doubt by Tony Wilson's world famous Haçienda club, have been for a long while the height of urban sophistication.

hours. Watch out for the club's fabulous, fashion-leading, door divas whose job it is to make sure the venue remains forever gay-friendly! Starting off at Essential on a Friday evening it’s possible to party right through the weekend, non-stop until early Monday. But only if you have the stamina.

Essential, the club owned by musical impresario Nigel Martin Smith, is one of the village's greatest achievements - a gay superclub that attracts men from all over the country to party into the wee small

Essential's spiritual little sister is without doubt the wonderful Vanilla, the city's legendary lesbian bar owned by larger than life character Steph Kay, a leading light of the local community. Vanilla makes sure

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Essential's own bar, the defiantly named Queer, is located in the heart of the village and is another must see for any tour. As is Cruz 101, the non-stop gay club that helped play its part kick starting modern gay nightlife.

that the girls get good representation in the hustle and bustle of the city with a selection of fun bar nights and one off bank holiday events.

meeting point for many of the village's minority groups who come together to meet, discuss and support each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

One of the most warmly regarded bars in the whole of the gay village is Taurus Bar. Seen by many as the real community heart of Canal Street - Manchester's own gay version of Cheers if you like - Taurus is an oasis of calm in amongst all the music and lights. What sets it apart from almost anywhere else in the village and more in tune with Cornerhouse is its informal drinking and dining atmosphere coupled with its appreciation of the arts. A visit to Taurus might mean you get to see a new play, the work of a young gay artist or even hear an exclusive book reading. The intimate space downstairs has become a

More traditional visitors might want to experience the village's many pubs. The Rembrandt (with its beautiful floral arrangements) and Churchills hold many secrets of life before the burgeoning gay scene of today. Speaking to the older locals in any of these fine establishments can be like having your own personal history lesson. It makes the younger generation of gay and lesbian party-goers appreciate that bit more what previous generations had to go through to reach the level of acceptance existing today. M

Dates for your diary Great British Bear Bash 1-5 May 2008 Four days of furry, friendly fun held every May. This friendly and attitudeVfree event features club nights, parties, themed videos and the Great Bear Sauna. www.cms.manbears.co.uk

Queer Up North 9-26 May 2008 Europe's leading queer arts festival returns in style with over sixty events encompassing comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, music, clubbing, literature, exhibitions and debate. www.queerupnorth.com

Manchester Pride 15-25 August 2008 Manchester's flamboyant celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life offers ten days of music, arts, entertainment, film, debate, sport and partying. As part of The Big Weekend, the unmissable Pride Parade takes over the city's streets and the weekend draws to a close with the HIV Candlelit Vigil. www.manchesterpride.com

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Flic Everett is a journalist, broadcaster, author, and since opening vintage clothes shop, Rags to Bitches, with her husband, Simon, has added shopkeeper to her ever-growing list of occupations. Here, Flic tells us about a project that has been their joy and passion but also drives them to distraction… The thing about Manchester is, it’ll always surprise you. Just as you think you’ve got its measure - big, glitzy shops, great nightlife, lots of football - an unexpected little gem will pop up. Like the Northern Quarter. This Victorian chunk of the city, right behind Piccadilly, used to be given over to tumbledown garment warehouses, tiny curry shacks, and old men nursing Guinness in ancient pubs. It still is - but over the past few years, they’ve been joined by oneoff independent shops, restaurants and funky bars, alongside old stalwarts like Afflecks Palace, an indoor arcade of fascinating little quirky shops -and the collision has made the NQ the funkiest and most unique part of Manchester. Which is why, when we miraculously got the chance to open the vintage boutique of our dreams, we settled instantly on Tib Street- or more accurately, Tib Street settled on us. This long, meandering street that was built over a river about 200 years ago used to be famous for its pet shops, and now offers a strange but rewarding soup of bars and shops like menswear maestro Oi Polloi, Northern Flower (which brightens the street up significantly with its little burst of greenery), Simple Bar, and Beatin’ Rhythm records.

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I used to go there often, to visit a mate who owned a mattress shop- a lovely space with a basement that my husband and I secretly coveted - because though neither Simon nor I had ever run a shop, knew nothing about business, did no market research and had no money, we did have a little dream. For years, we’d been a freelance journalist (me) and photographer (him) - but we were tired of never knowing what we’d be doing the next day. I’ve always had a crazed adoration for fashion, and spent my teens rummaging through charity shops, fantasising about excavating a Biba mini-dress from a basket of polyester cast-offs. But the idea of running a shop never occurred to me - until four years ago, when I was walking home in the dark, and suddenly, a vision came upon me. I saw beautiful, mint-condition vintage clothes, displayed in a high-end boutique, with black walls and gold mirrors and pink furniture. It felt like a calling from on high. Shortly after that, our friend was moving on, asked if we knew anyone who wanted a shop - and we said yes. That was when we fell through the fashion rabbit-hole into a world of interior decoration, buying stock, finding staff, and suddenly realising that the cosy little dream was a now a proper business. We had virtually no money, so we did everything ourselves, which meant two months up stepladders, and hellish chaos at work and home. Our house was full of just –washed vintage clothes steaming on radiators – they had to be clean, because I didn’t want a shop that smelt of old people. I hoped to showcase the best of the past, and that meant everything had to be in beautiful condition. There were so many things to consider- we hoped to hold events every month, but wildly underestimated the time and effort involved, so now we hold four or five a year. This year, they’ve included Clothes Swap parties, Dansette Disco, with 60s record players and cocktails, Tarot parties - because in my long and chequered career, I somehow learned how to read tarot cards - and the launch of the Rags to Bitches collection, new dresses that fit modern women who don’t have waists like whippets, made from vintage patterns of the 40s and 50s; our favourite decades. Then there was the constant need to provide fresh stock - we’d find a beautiful 30s bag, say, fall in love, and see it snapped up by a customer five minutes after going on sale. Our shoppers have a sixth sense for what’s just come in - so we spent most of the time we weren’t in the shop scouring auctions, car boot sales, and elderly peoples’ carefully preserved wardrobes for vintage gems - which are increasingly hard to find. Luckily, we’ve got better at it. We’ve also improved the look of the shop - the basement now houses the accessories department, with a wall of hats, and sale clothes, while upstairs is gradually becoming the shop of my Great Vision- sparkly, seductive and – I hope - special. We must be doing something right, because this year, to our gasping amazement, we won Retailer of the Year at the Manchester Tourism Awards. But we’re never satisfied - next year we want to improve the exterior, open the Bespoke Room, where customers can be fitted for made-to measure dresses, launch bigger and better collections- and attract a whole herd of new customers up to the heart of the city that is the cool, groovy, odd, independent- and much-loved - Northern Quarter. M

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Come together for a fantastic shopping experience. You’ll discover everything you could possibly want and more in our huge selection of exciting retailers, from the leading High Street names to our smaller, specialist outlets. And when it’s time to relax, enjoy a coffee and a muffin at one of our many superb cafés. We’re now open late till 8pm Monday to Friday, till 7pm Saturday and 11am - 5pm Sunday.

Shopping in Manchester Back in 2003, when Harvey Nichols opened its store in Manchester, a buzz of excitement arose at the very prospect of having even more designer gear on every Mancunians doorstep. Nowadays, the locals tend to take it all in their stride with a whole range of upmarket stores and trendy boutiques joining forces to make Manchester the greatest shopping experience in the North of England. Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street now house some of the most desirable brands known to mankind. If designer labels make you go weak at the knees, department stores like Selfridges and the luxurious Triangle Shopping Centre offer an upmarket haven for your needs. Also in the surrounding area you will find top labels such as Vanessa Bruno, Hobbs, Zara, Louis Vuitton, Massimo Dutti and Ted Baker, so be prepared, your credit card could take quite a thrashing. Over the last decade, top end high street stores have flocked to fill King Street's attractive boutiques. A well balance mixture of haute couture and street fashion have developed into

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an increasing number of exclusive outlets for emptying your pockets in. Armani, DNKY, Joseph and Vivienne Westwood are among the many prestigious stores located here. As favourites among the local 'WAGS', you may find yourself rubbing shoulders with some famous faces on your way to the changing room. A short stroll away, along Deansgate, shoppers will find old school glamour Kendals department store (currently known as House of Fraser). With its own variety of designer labels in stock, this store most definitely makes an impact. So much so, that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not uncommon to hear stories of major celebrities like Justin Timberlake visiting for an evening of personal shopping. The recent facelift of the Manchester Arndale on Market Street has made it one of the busiest shopping streets in the country. Amongst a huge selection of exciting shops and leading high street names from Apple to WH Smith, shoppers will also appreciate the delightful Arndale Markets, offering fresh local produce and specialist goods from a range of stylish stalls. For a more charismatic and bohemian shopping experience, Manchester's Northern Quarter boasts a range of hotly tipped independent retailers, enjoyed by the casual visitor as much by the local creative types. The Northern Quarter is

a cool and colourful hive of hip activity, providing the alternative shopping space. With a long history in the rag trade, this is definitely the place to go if you're looking for something different. Now home to the renowned Affleck's Palace with its multitude of little boutiques featuring local designers, vintage clothing stalls, piercing studios, tarot readers, cool clothing designers, music makers, and craft design centres. Within easy reach of Affleck's, the vibrant and vintage clothing in Rags to Bitches and Pop Boutique are two further examples of the great independent offerings dotted around this area. The Northern Quarter is also a music loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise, with a range of excellent record stores sitting literally side by side. Established businesses such as Piccadilly records, Vinyl Exchange and Fat City Records attract local DJ's and bands alike, for their offering of select new cuts and obscure rarities. Also watch this space for 'The Avenue' in Spinningfields. The new premier shopping destination, soon to come your way, will form the concentrated cluster of international designer fashions and accessories complemented by national and international restaurants. With the flagship Armani store and many more to look forward to, shoppers will most definitely flock to this new part of town. M

Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Markets Markets represent our oldest and most successful form of exchange and are the reason why many UK towns developed and exist today.

Nowhere is this more true than in Manchester where, in 1066 William the Conqueror conferred the Manor of Manchester (and with it the privilege of holding markets and fairs in the manor) upon one of his knights as a congratulatory gesture in the wake of his victory at Hastings. Don't be tempted to think that in today's sophisticated society markets are no longer appropriate. The markets of the Northwest are increasingly popular with visitors - the noises, the smells, the bargains - these are the places where the chaos and creativity of a city or town often meet, where commerce and multiculturalism coalesce. Perhaps the greatest and most successful of 'market' stories is that of Marks and Spencer - one of the most iconic and widely recognised chain stores in the UK - which actually began life as a market stall! As Manchester's reputation as a culturally diverse European city goes from strength to strength, the vast array of both traditional and specialist markets on offer adds spice to the city's individual character. Why not join the locals as they head for one of the city's many markets. Whether you want fish or flowers, fruit or fabrics, jugs or jewellery, the markets have it all as they entice and beguile you with their dizzying range of products. Most of the businesses are family owned and you will be guaranteed personal and friendly service (and sometimes a bit of banter!). So what's keeping you? Situated between Market Street, one of the city's busiest streets and the trendy and bohemian Northern Quarter is the Arndale Market. With its emphasis on high quality local produce, fresh food and independent businesses the Arndale provides Manchester with a real market in the truest sense. Foodies will love the fantastic selection of regional and international cuisine on sale in the food hall, from Chinese and Greek to Indian and Brazilian. Anything that you could ever need in terms of fresh local food, home made cheeses, flowers and health and beauty products are conveniently situated under one roof. For a taste of continental Christmas across Manchester, visit the Christmas markets - a justifiably popular haunt for everyone from office workers and students to tourists and families. Stroll through the glittering winter wonderland that is Albert Square, enjoy the festive bonhomie, stock up on hand-made gifts from across Europe, and savour the different aromas. A good time to visit is early evening - soak up the atmosphere beneath the twinkling lights and enjoy a sizzling bratwurst washed down with a warming gluhwein. Be sure not to miss the magical Alpine House which is traditionally decorated and houses a multilingual talking reindeer!

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Discerning locals know that Manchester Farmers and Producers Market is the place to visit for top quality, locally produced, fresh products. Carnivores should try the venison, wild boar, or the Cumberland sausages. Fish-lovers will enjoy locally caught trout and kippers. The market showcases a constantly changing array of goods from across the Northwest, including delicacies such as Mrs Kirkham's cheeses or Lancashire honey. Treat yourself to a selection of farm baked delicacies or, for lunch on the go, choose from freshly made soups, smoothies or Caribbean patties. Try before you buy. The enthusiastic stallholders are often the producers and will gladly answer questions about the food and where it is sourced. For individual and unique pieces at affordable prices, the highly popular Manchester Fashion Market is the place to visit. The stalls sell a wide variety of unique creations from budding local designers including bespoke jewellery, handbags and purses as well as one-off designer outfits. Whether you're seeking a gift for a friend, the ubiquitous little black dress or a quirky accessory, you'll find a smorgasbord of products to choose from. Spend some time here en route to the city's bohemian Northern Quarter.

Arndale Market High St, Manchester Open 7 days a week

Manchester Christmas Markets 15th Nov to 19th Dec 2007, 10am to 8pm Albert Square, Exchange St, St Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sq New Cathedral St and Brazennose St

Manchester Farmers' and Producers' Market Second and fourth weekend (Friday and Saturday) of each month, 10am to 6pm, Piccadilly Gardens

Manchester Fashion Market Tib St, Manchester City Centre Every Saturday 10am to 5pm

Manchester Flower Market

Stop off in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester's busiest Square, to visit the Flower Market - a floral treat selling a range of exotic and traditional cut flowers, potted plants, shrubs and bonsai. The quality of the products and fantastic prices ensures this is a favourite haunt of ardent garden-lovers.

Piccadilly Gardens 10am to 6pm Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

For further information about any of the specialist Manchester markets please contact Manchester Markets Head Office: New Smithfield Market, Whitworth Street East, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 2WJ T: 0161 234 7357 E: manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk W: www.manchester.gov.uk/markets For further information about any of the other markets in Greater Manchester go to: www.visitmanchester.com

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Venture outside of the city centre and visit some of Greater Manchester's historic towns. If you love the hustle and bustle of the more traditional market, this is the perfect place to while away a few hours. Soak up the atmosphere and pick up a bargain to take home. Try some of Bury's famous black puddings (a famous local delicacy) at Bury's open market. More than 250,000 shoppers flock here every week to shop, browse and take in the sounds and sights of this special corner of the Northwest. The market has not been short on awards. Last year it was one of only two national markets included in the Independent Newspaper's Cool Food Guide and the year before they were voted a Top Ten UK Food Market. Nearby lies Bolton with a thriving traditional market set within a magnificent Victorian market hall and home to a renowned fish market - winner of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival award for 'Best Retail Food and Drink Outlet' in 2006. Further out, Wigan's Borough Markets with their traditional Victorian style, have fresh fruits and vegetables, choice cuts of meat, household and electrical goods. Key cutting services and cobblers are also on hand. In particular, Ashton Market has been around for over 700 years and continues to be a popular choice for people from all around. With a range of produce on offer, it houses 120 stalls and a further 150 stalls on the large outside market. Since a fire devastated the original historic hall in 2004, a new temporary hall, "the Phoenix", has been a great success as the old location remains in hope of restoration. South of Manchester, the streets of the historic market town of Stockport are brought to life every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday with a vast array of goods and fresh produce. (The Market Place is even rumoured to be the location of the last wife sale in England!) M

Lowry Outlet Mall The Quays, Salford Quays, M50 3AH T. +44 (0)161 848 1850 W. www.lowryoutletmall.com

Manchester's only factory outlet, the Lowry Outlet Mall is open seven days a week and offers top quality high street names at up to 50% off. Whether you're looking for designer fashion or a high street bargain, top to toe shoes and accessories or unusual home furnishings V the mall has it all under one roof. When your arms are wilting from the weight of your shopping bags seek solace in one of the restaurants that overlook the Lowry Plaza, or catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema, where the exclusive Gold Class has reclining chairs and waiter service! Located within the Quays, with over 80 stores and free parking for shoppers, the Lowry Outlet Mall is like no other. PlusV don't miss clearance times in January and July, when you can save even more!

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Bolton – it’s hot…

Bolton’s famous for loads of stuff – its high-flying celebrities, cracking entertainment, great shopping and beautiful countryside to name but a few. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in Bolton that one night just isn’t enough. If you’re looking to do something a little bit different for your next day out or short break, why not visit Bolton? And we’re only 20 minutes from Manchester city centre. So when the bright lights of the big city beckon, you can be there and back in no time at all. For more information, call Bolton Tourist Information on 01204 334321 or go to www.visitbolton.com

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The Trafford Centre Manchester's Shopping Oasis

Barton Square

A short car, bus or tram ride from Manchester will bring you to The Trafford Centre. Far more than just a shopping mall - it is a retail and leisure destination, with a world of entertainment and events, where retail therapy reaches new levels of diversity and excitement.

From tea dances and Mall Walking to fashion shows, book signings, pop concerts and film premieres, there's always something for all the family. The Trafford Centre boasts 230 stores, 60 restaurants, cafĂŠs and bars, the largest ODEON in the UK plus fantastic leisure facilities such as Namco bowling and Laser Quest all under one stunning roof. There's also plenty to keep smaller children occupied whilst mum and dad do their own things, including a crĂ¨che, soft toy play area and various children orientated performances on stage during half terms and weekends. Big name high street retailers and quirky specialist emporia bring a constantly changing selection, guaranteed to tempt everyone from teenagers to the elderly shopper. Designer brands are a recent focus with a new DKNY, AX Armani Exchange, Vivienne Westwood and All Saints to

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complement a flagship John Lewis, Selfridges, Debenhams and a four storey Marks and Spencer rivalling the offering on Oxford Street in London. The famous Orient is the location for a large number of restaurants, bars, cafĂŠs and entertainment. A stunning dome with a star-lit roof in the shape of a ship is filled with mouth wateringly tasty cuisines from all across the world. The food can be fast or enjoyed at a more leisurely pace, dependant on your choice. Pizza Express, Giraffe, Rice and Ha Ha Bar and Grill are recent additions to The Orient which has transformed over the last twelve months due to a mixture of re-brands, new shop fits and new tenants. The Great Hall - the newest dining experience - is like nothing else in the UK. With the world's largest chandelier, a sweeping marble staircase, a sparkling glass roof, and Romanesque pillars and

The Great Hall

balconies, the construction is a tourist destination in its own right. It also brings a truly up-market dining offering to the Centre merging designer shopping with designer dining! Restaurants include Carluccio's, Las Iguanas, Brasserie Palmes D'Or, CafĂŠ Palmes D'Or and Pesto. 2008 will welcome Barton Square adjoined to The Trafford Centre, a stunning ÂŁ70million development which will provide a unique shopping environment offering everything for the home to complement the existing fashion and home offer within The Trafford Centre. The design of Barton Square will mirror the iconic design of The Trafford Centre, with opulent architecture, water features and grand structures. The 200,000sq ft development will be linked by a glazed bridge to The Trafford Centre and will become an additional key attraction. With Habitat, Marks and Spencer Home, Next Home, and Dwell and a whole host of exciting brands joining the ranks in time for the spring launch.

The eagerly anticipated Chill Factore is now open and is Europe's largest indoor ski Centre. With real snow creating an authentic alpine experience, the complex includes rock climbing, tobogganing, skateboarding and an Alpine Village. With Snow+ Rock, Subvert and Adrenaline Junkie being just three of a range of retailers within the snow village, it is like nothing else in the Northwest. Visible from The Trafford Centre, it is located next to JJB Soccer Dome, David Lloyd and Play Golf driving range.

great service for visitors who simply can't fit all The Trafford Centre's delights in to just one day. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for future developments around the area surrounding The Trafford Centre. There are many exciting projects in the pipeline guaranteed to excite and inspire.

The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA T. +44 (0)161 749 1717/18 W. www.traffordcentre.co.uk

Situated at junctions 9 and 10 on the M60, The Trafford Centre has 10,000 free car parking spaces and a new exit road onto the M60. If arriving by Metrolink a shuttle bus operates to the Stretford station every 15 minutes, and the whole complex is open every day except Christmas Day and Easter Sunday (some restaurants remain open). There are even four hotels around the centre, offering style, comfort, value and

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Manchester United

Manchester United is the world's most famous football club. With over 130 million fans worldwide, the club has played its matches at the 76,000 seat Old Trafford stadium since 1910. Since the end of the Second World War, the Club has maintained a reputation for fast, attacking football, with world class players such as Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo thrilling generations of fans. Old Trafford, Manchester United's home, is the largest football club facility in the UK. It was Sir Bobby Charlton who dubbed Old Trafford the 'Theatre of Dreams' and there can be few better descriptions of the iconic home of the Reds. Old Trafford has been the focus of millions of football fans from all over the globe for almost a century. In addition to its footballing success stories, Old Trafford has also recently been voted the European Hospitality Venue of the Year 2007. Few venues can match Old Trafford for great hospitality - whether it's for entertaining business customers or celebrating a special occasion. The venue offers one of the best choices of suites, boxes and private restaurants in world football. So whether you want to entertain for individual matches or the entire season, there's something ideal for every taste and all budgets in the unique atmosphere created by top class football and the breathtaking roar of 76,000 fans. Who knows, you may even rub shoulders with a few familiar faces!

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Even when no football is scheduled, fans get the chance to re-live the club’s triumphs, tragedies and trophies at the Manchester United Museum. Follow the history of the club from 1878 to the present day, including the Hall of Fame and the dazzling Trophy Room. Delve behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams by taking the Stadium Tour. Stand in Sir Alex Ferguson's spot in the dug out, sit in the home changing room at your favourite player’s peg and emerge from the players’ tunnel to the roar of the crowd. Not what you would expect from a museum and tour. Everything you would expect from Manchester United.

names of Manchester United heroes of the past and present including; Solskjaer, Best, Rooney and Ronaldo.

Located on level three of the North Stand next to the Manchester United Museum and Tour Centre, is the Red café- the ultimate haunt for every football fan. As soon as you walk through the doors, it’s obvious that you are at the home of the 2006/07 Premiership Champions. Numerous plasma screens with live sport updates decorate the walls, along with historical and modern Manchester United imagery and memorabilia. Even the chairs in the restaurant are adorned with the

Another great attraction for all Manchester United football fans is the Man United Megastore at Old Trafford. Selling everything from football kits to homeware, from adult fashion to baby wear. All with a Manchester United theme of course.

Having been established for over 10 years, the café has recently undergone a major refurbishment and now boasts a fabulous new décor and delicious range of food and beverages. Visitors to the café can now experience its new a la carte table service menu, or choose from a delicious range of cold platters from the self service buffet. The a la carte and buffet menus are packed with a variety of meals ranging from light meals and pasta dishes to traditional fish and chips.

For more information: Tel: +44 (0)870 442 1994 Visit: www.manutd.com Email: tours@manutd.co.uk Email: hospitality@manutd.co.uk

Manchester Voices Sven-Göran Eriksson Swedish born Sven-Göran Eriksson is currently signed up for a three year deal as the manager of Manchester City Football Club. He is the former England national team coach and so far the only manager on record to have won the league-and-cup double in three different countries (Sweden, Portugal and Italy). We spoke to Sven at Man City's training ground in Carrington, a short drive from Manchester city centre. You're an important new face in Manchester. How do you feel about being a Mancunian icon? It’s good and the people here are very polite. They're very praising and always saying, "Well done, we like to see Manchester City playing good football". And even Manchester United fans have said congratulations. So it’s very nice. I like the city. I feel very welcome here. Having lived in Manchester for some time now, you must have had a chance to adjust to the offerings of the city. How does it compare to living down south and what have you really liked about being here so far? It’s quite different because London is so big. Of course, London is a fantastic city but if you're talking about working, if you have two or three meetings in different places, just to travel from one place to another takes too long. So that's different, I think Manchester is more human. It’s more easy to live in that way. They're both great cities. I lived in London for almost six years but this is really good. It’s smaller and much easier to get around.

As the former England Manager, you've raised MCFC's profile on an international stage. Some would say it’s been a long time coming as MCFC are often perceived as Manchester's 'second' team. As a newcomer to the Premier League, how do you perceive your local rivals, Manchester United? I think it’s good, and even if you're a Manchester City fan, you recognise that Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s not a secret, like it or not, it's a fact. Trying to compete with them is very good for us. And I think it’s good for them as well. Not just because they're one of the biggest teams year on year, but to have some competition for everyone is very healthy I think. In 2008, Man City's home will play host to the UEFA CUP final. How excited are you to be hosting this major event and who do you think will triumph?

Regardless of who you think will win, are you in support of Bolton Wanderers' second European campaign given that they reside in the Greater Manchester region? Yes, of course. If Bolton were to get all the way to the final that would be great. The fans would be almost at home in the stadium here. The UEFA Cup final is one of five major international sporting events taking place in Manchester next year; what do you think of Manchester's sporting facilities? I know our stadium and Old Trafford of course, very well. They are two great places to watch football. I'm sorry to say, I haven't had time to go and see the other sports facilities yet, but I would imagine that they are very good because of the Commonwealth Games in 2002. M

Of course, it’s great for the club. We deserve to host this event because our stadium is fantastic. Whose going to win it? Hopefully, it will be an English team, that would be great for the fans.

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What's On Manchester stages events with unrivalled passion and style, and with a dazzling year-round programme celebrating Manchester's uniqueness, diversity and zest for life, there's always something happening that will enhance your trip! So, see the dates below and visit Manchester at its most exciting. Make sure you confirm all dates online, www.visitmanchester.com before travelling.

Culture

Manchester International Festival

Blakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shadow: William Blake and his Artistic Legacy

For the latest updates about Cultural Events in Manchester, updated throughout the year go to www.visitmanchester.com

26 January - 6 April 2008, Whitworth Art Gallery Featuring work inspired by William Blake from artists including Samuel Palmer, Paul Nash and Ford Madox Brown.

BODY WORLDS 22 February - 29 June 2008, Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI) The latest work of anatomist and physician Dr. Gunther von Hagens. A collection of 200 authentic specimens, including whole body specimens that have undergone Plastination.

Laura Knight and the Theatre 22 March - 6 July 2008, The Lowry Leading British impressionist Dame Laura Knight's drawings and paintings of the stage life of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes.

Lindow Man Exhibition 19 April 2008 - March 2009, Manchester Museum The naturallyVpreserved body of an Iron Age man found by peat cutters near Wilmslow in Cheshire in 1984.

Robert Lenkiewicz 17 May - 30 August 2008, Gallery Oldham A selection of works from one of the most celebrated and controversial artists of the late 20th century.

Matthew Williamson - 10 Years in Fashion Spring 2008, Urbis Featuring iconic pieces worn on the red carpet by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue and Sienna Miller.

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July 2009, Citywide

Festivals Chinese New Year 10 February 2008, Chinatown, 12.30-6pm

ÂĄViva! Spanish and Latin American Film Festival 6-16 March 2008, Cornerhouse

Manchester Irish Festival 2008 March 2008, Citywide

Futuresonic 1-4 May 2008, Citywide Manchester's Urban Festival Of Art, Music And Ideas.

Queer up North 9 - 26 May 2008, Citywide Europe's leading festival of lesbian, gay & queer arts.

Manchester Food & Drink Festival 3-13 October 2008, Citywide

Bolton Food & Drink Festival October 2008

Salford Food & Drink Festival 1st - 12th October 2008

Stockport Food & Drink Festival October 2008

Manchester Pride 15-25 August 2008, Gay Village Manchester's dynamic lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival provides a colourful celebration including arts & film, events and the Big Parade.

Manchester Comedy Festival October 2008, Citywide

Manchester Literature Festival October 2008, Citywide

Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-on November 2008, Albert Square

Manchester Christmas Markets November 2008 - December 2008, various city centre locations

exposures UK Student Film festival December 2008, Cornerhouse

Music

Sports For 2008 the focus is sport, as Manchester is set to be the most exciting place in the sporting world. Be here for the carnival as budding young athletes and established athletic heroes pour into the city with the dream of walking away with the most coveted prizes in their field.

OTHER SPORTING EVENTS

English National Badminton Championships 2008 1-3 February 2008, The Velodrome, National Cycling Centre, Sportcity

National Squash Championships 2008 11-18 February 2008

For further information and full sports listings go to www.manchesterworldsport08.com

Bolton Bike Week

KEY EVENTS

Cricket Home Match Series 2008, England v New Zealand

UCI World Track Cycling Championships 26-30 March 2008, National Cycling Centre, Sportcity

9th FINA World Swimming Championships 2008 (25m) 9-13 April 2008, MEN Arena

14-22 June 2008, various locations

23-27 May 2008, Old Trafford (2nd Test)

Cricket: NatWest International Twenty20, England v New Zealand Friday 13 June 2008, Old Trafford

Bolton's' Olympic Countdown Sunday 27 July 2008, Victoria Square, Bolton

Paralympic World Cup RNCM Chamber Music Festival 10 - 13 January 2008, Royal Northern College of Music

Manchester Jazz Festival 19-26 July 2008, various venues

In the city October 2008, various venues The biggest urban music event in the country, In the City has a track record of showcasing legends such as Oasis, Coldplay and Daft Punk.

7-11 May 2008, Various venues

UEFA Cup Final 14 May 2008, City of Manchester Stadium

BUPA Great Manchester Run 18 May 2008, Manchester City Centre

Hi-Tec World Squash Championships 11-19 October 2008, National Squash Centre, Sportcity

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Manchester Voices James Hickman James Hickman is a former World Swimming Champion and Bronze Medal Winner at the 2002 Commonwealth Games which took place right here in Manchester. He talks exclusively to us about the city's sporting legacy and the world championship sports events taking place in Manchester in 2008. The 2002 Commonwealth Games are one of Manchester's greatest modern legacies. In hindsight, how do you view the impact that the games had on the city?

in the Aquatics Centre training for the Olympics in Athens. And I go to the City of Manchester Stadium regularly to support my team, Man City!

It has been amazing. It changed the city completely and brought venues here that still attract people all the time - the City of Manchester Stadium, the Velodrome and the Manchester Aquatics Centre - the only place in the country with two 50 metre pools in it. It’s a unique training centre and a great facility.

Next year, there are five world sport championships in Manchester. And I know that when I go to any of these events, it won’t be just hobbled together. There are great venues, great hotels and great places to go out. It’s brilliant.

The Games themselves were really special, I said the opening ceremony oath as an athlete with 80,000 people in the stadium. You don't really get the training for saying something like that! I could swim in front of billions of people but having to get your words right; that was a bit nerve-wracking, although exciting at the same time. The best bit about the games was definitely walking out when they said your name. The place was full of people that really did know you. You got the biggest cheer that you ever have in your whole life! When it’s in your home city, your home country, it’s awesome. What do you think of the current sporting facilities in Manchester? Athletes come from around the country to train in Manchester. I was lucky that it's my home town. At the end of my career, I was

The MEN Arena are hosting the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2008; a very unique event for them. Will you be involved with this and how do the swimmers feel about this once in a lifetime opportunity? It’s funny, you wouldn't think of the MEN Arena as a sporting venue. Its usually the likes of Take That, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake that are performing. But it's going to look great. I'm involved as the Communications and PR Manager and I cant think of anything I'd want to do better because I love the city and I love swimming! The event is taking place at the arena because of the spectator size. You can get 7,500 people in there. The Aquatics Centre will still be a training base and used for the championships but you simply can't get that amount of people in there so the exciting part for the swimmers is that they're going to be in front of a big crowd!

We're using the venue, the lights and sound to make it exciting for the spectator. But without taking away the integrity for the swimmers because they're looking to break world records. Of the other world sporting events taking place in 2008, which are you most interested in apart from swimming? Some of the cyclists, Chris Hoy, Brad Wiggins and Vicky Pendleton are friends of mine so I'll be interested in that. And the Great Run is always a good one because you usually know lots of people that are taking part. But to be honest, I'm looking forward to all of them. Its important that athletes take time out to relax, even the hard-focused world champions! What would you recommend for any newcomers to Manchester next year? There are plenty of places that you can go to have a good time. The Northern Quarter's really Bohemian if you just want to relax, its got a take-it-easy sort of attitude. In the centre of town, around Deansgate, it's a bit more high class. And then there's Canal Street - where anything's game really! M www.manchesterworldsport08.com

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Manchester Voices Sacha Lord-Marchionne, Kirsty Smith & Sam Kandel The Warehouse Project is an annual series of parties held in Manchester. For three months, superstar DJ's and live acts perform in a city centre location to almost 2,000 people each night. Organisers Sacha Lord-Marchionne, Kirsty Smith and Sam Kandel talk about the aspirations of this exciting event and Manchester's energetic music scene. How important is it that the Warehouse Project continues to be based in Manchester? We're from Manchester so it's a logical thing to run the event here. Part of our ethos is that we use famous Manchester iconic venues. In 2006 it was at Boddingtons brewery and in 2007, we used the city's biggest air raid shelter from World War 2. Manchester's musical history is legendary worldwide. From your point of view, who are the newcomers that are making a name for themselves? I think at the moment, the one band to look out for has got to be the Ting Tings. They're playing at the Warehouse on one of our sell out nights. They're two individuals with a really great stage presence. We're not gamblers, but if we had to place our homes on a band making a very big influence, Ting Tings are it! It’s great for us to have big artists like Mark Ronson, Paul Van Dyk and Erick Morillo but it’s also great to be able to push smaller unknown bands. I'm sure we play a very small part in it but I know last year, we played some excellent acts who were then fairly unknown like Klaxons and the View. Warehouse Project takes place in some inspirational venues. What do you know about the exciting and often rumoured history of Manchester's underground locations?

Apparently underneath Manchester, there's a huge warren. There's supposedly one entrance in Chinatown and another entrance somewhere in Ancoats. Legend states that you could probably get around 30,000 people down there but there's only two fire exits, so even if we were allowed, we'd probably only get a licence for about ten people! Although I think if we could do one venue in Manchester, that would be unbelievable. How do you perceive the current music establishments in the city? Well, we've actually brought the old Paradise Factory which was once Factory Records headquarters. So in 2008, Paradise Factory is reborn; the opening night will have Laurent Garnier (French house and techno DJ) and Mike Pickering (Haçienda, M People). I think that when Warehouse Project is on, we kind of carry the flag for all of Manchester's clubbing venues. Even though we're fully licensed with full backing from the council and the police, when you walk into our venue it feels a little bit naughty, perhaps illegal, which is the good thing about it. There are a couple of little venues that aren't really spoken about that often. The Star and Garter near Piccadilly Rail Station is a great place - especially for its Morrissey nights!

The legacy of the Haçienda and Factory Records rarely goes unnoticed here, encouraging some excellent films about Manchester's music past. Notably 'Control' and '24 Hour Party People'. What kind of reaction have you noticed to these films? 24 Hour Party People appealed commercially to all walks of life. It was a great film although factually, it wasn't that accurate. It portrayed Anthony Wilson as a bit of a plonker. In reality, he wasn't anything like that at all. I think 'Control' is definitely more factually based. It's a fantastic film. Both have helped Manchester massively, from Yohji Yamamoto getting together with Adidas to do a special pair of Haçienda trainers and the recent exhibition at the Urbis museum, this renewed interest is great for Manchester. From Morrissey's new tours to Ian Brown's brilliant new album; everything's started to bubble again. It’s gone round in a big circle which is one of Tony Wilson's famous sayings. He actually said things went in a hiatus - We're back in 1985 to 1990 again, everyone's loving it! 2008 will mark a return for the Warehouse Project to Manchester, can you reveal any details? Now that would be telling!

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Manchester Voices Warren Bramley Warren Bramley is the co-founder and creative director of award-winning agency, four23. Launched in Manchester by three friends with backgrounds in graphic design, music and fine art in 2004, four23 has since delivered pioneering creative work for a host of international clientele. Moving to Manchester in 1999 to work at the anarchic Factory Records, here Warren explains the unique and inspiring spirit that constantly drives the city forward. When you reread a diary it is usually the less clear scribbles; the haphazard jottings that, viewed again, trace a lucid groove through your memory.

My first employer, and mentor, was the late Anthony H Wilson. I worked at Factory Records and working for Anthony was like working for Merlin.

For example, 'Never sign a band with a backdrop'.

"Do you want to make money or change the world?" a question he posed as I stood outside the Carlton in Cannes during my first foreign music junket.

This reverberates. My first piece of advice. Taken in as a willing twenty-two-year-old as I stood watching the new, bright, youngish thing perform in a permanently dark, half full, half interested music venue in the Northern Quarter. It was here that I watched wistfully as they played their brand of flowery pop in front of a 4msq cotton bed sheet, emblazoned with their screen-printed logo. It was mid-nineties Manchester and the musicians had finally taken over the music. The worst thing that could ever happen. This is how I imagine Belgium to be, lots of angular looking instruments, pleasant harmonies and those bearded 'performers' on stage sitting calmly and contemplatively on their stools. And there's me, a Yorkshire boy, naively thinking stools are for drummers.

He brought me here. Manchester. I'm one of the long line of outsiders who are drawn to this City. Manchester is the magnet that attracts all objects. That's our charm - and I use the word 'our' a lot when I now talk about Manchester - that's what keeps our world turning, the arrival of others. We're an immigrant city, always have been, from the flows of workers to the cotton mills during the industrial revolution to the influx of students every fall, armed with their text books and flu viruses. Nothing transient, instead we welcome them into the fold. Manchester is full of artists, journalists, communists, bohemians, situationists and

barbers. A set of waifs and strays, misfits all, a wonderful conurbation of characters that Wes Anderson would happily construct a film around. A vast art installation made by individuals who are merely living their beautiful, ordinary, mad lives in adjacency to one another. And that stems from the spirit of the place. As maverick as it is entrepreneurial. I can vividly remember an encounter with, for now, a nameless musician in a cellar bar in Manchester -'Warren, got any fags?', 'err yeah', 'ta, got any skins?', 'err yeah', 'ta, got any weed?'. As I said entrepreneurism runs from north to south, left to right. Like Lenny Kaye, I will not name names, but then again, to avoid anybody in Manchester is like playing hide-and-seek in a onebedroomed loft apartment, for there has never been a city more compactly composed. And it's that familiarity, that breeds innovation. Ambition. Our world is too small to divide into compartments. We all have no choice but to converse.

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Anthony H Wilson, 1950 V 2007

The decision-makers meet the creatives, who meet the business folk, who meet the people committed to a future in this City. The movers and shakers, meeting the gonnabees is a daily ritual. We can't help it, we run into each other all the time. Plans are hatched, decisions challenged, plans redrawn. It's the literal opposite of the Chinese Way of Tao - 'avoid the authorities'. Not here, here we embrace them. We revel in the looseness of ties. The turnover in our relationships is prized. We're serial monogamists. Working together, intimately and intensely over short, sharp, inventive periods. 'I've not seen you for ages' they say, 'Are we working on anything together?' I reply, 'No' they counter, 'Exactly' I respond.

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We burn brightly and then we move on, shaking hands, lighting a candle and celebrating the end of all relationships like they do a death in New Orleans - rejoice! Then we find new people to collaborate with, to learn from, to aspire to. So it's thanks to Wilson for providing a narrative to ignite a city, to Stringer for setting the pace, to Bernstein for having a vision that managed to stir the blood of others, to Goldsmith for the abstract expressions of our city that will bemuse the archaeologists of the future, to the ambrosial Shindler and talented Mr Davies for telling the whole world about our world, to Simpson for daring to look up and up and up, to Lizar for compassion to other souls, to Saville for all that is modern and original, to Bloxham, Johnson, Dodd et al for taking the risk and making it happen, it's their collective work that resonates throughout our Mancunian life.

And as I sit on a winter's day, as the bright sun gleams through my parlour window, I can only wonder at the change of the landscape that has grown in front of my eyes, a new physiognomy that is so fitting that it's virtually impossible to imagine our city without the Imperial War Museum North, or Urbis, the regenerated Castlefield or even the Windmills in Exchange Square. All monuments consisting of not only stone, steel and glass but also of the spirit of our time. And it's now, that I realise that although Rock 'n' Roll brought me to this city, it's the city's consistent dedication to Reinvention and Reinterpretation, Rebuilding and Remodelling that have kept me here. It is R 'n' R but it's very much a version of our own making. M

Accommodation

Manchester has achieved an international reputation as a vibrant and dynamic leisure and business destination. Providing quality accommodation across the city region is an essential factor in maintaining this success. To help you choose where to stay, all the accommodation in this section has been quality assessed by either Quality in Tourism or The AA, or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment. All types of accommodation are now assessed to the same criteria and awarded one to five stars, the more stars the higher the quality. You may also see diamond ratings for guest accommodation (B & Bs, guesthouses etc) these are gradually being replaced by stars. Budget accommodation, which includes roadside or lodge style accommodation do not have a star rating.

Ratings made easy: « «« ««« «««« «««««

Simple, practical, no frills Well presented and well run Good level of quality and comfort Excellent standard throughout Exceptional with a degree of luxury

You can rest assured that wherever you choose to stay in Manchester, you can be confident that the highest standards of service, facilities and comfort await you. For more information concerning star ratings go to www.enjoyengland.com.

The list of symbols explains the range of facilities available at the various establishments featured in this guide. More detailed information about accommodation facilities is available online at www.visitmanchester.com. Greater Manchester has a huge variety of accommodation available from chic five star hotels to stylish boutique hotels to traditional B&B's. If you prefer to spend your money on restaurants and shops and Manchester's nightlife, than you should check out the wide range of budget hotels and youth hostels available.

Price Bands:

How to Book Go to www.visitmanchester.com for a huge selection of accommodation in Greater Manchester. RealVtime availability and online pricing make it easier than ever to book your accommodation. Alternatively contact the team at the visitor information centre who can provide advice and assistance with your booking. Manchester Visitor Information Centre Town Hall Extension, Lloyd Street, Manchester M60 2LA T. +44 (0)871 222 8223 E. touristinformation@marketingVmanchester.co. uk

All establishments are listed within a price band, which shows the minimum charge per person, per night, based on two people sharing. AAA AA A B C D E

£80.00 and above £66.00 V 79.99 £50.00 V 65.99 £36.00 V 49.99 £26.00 V 35.99 £16.00 V 25.99 under £16.00

Price bands are for guidance only. Rates can often fluctuate due to availability and demand. All prices should be confirmed at the time of booking to avoid any misunderstanding.

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Britannia Hotels Britannia Hotels - over 1500 rooms in Manchester. Britannia Hotels have eight hotels in and around Manchester, all offering comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities for business or leisure guests.

Most Group Friendly Hotel Chain Finalist - 2007 Group Travel Awards

The Britannia Hotel Manchester and Britannia Sachas Hotel are both located in the city centre and boast a range of restaurants, bars, conference facilities and wellVappointed rooms. In addition, Britannia Sachas offers a health club with swimming pool and gym. Each of these hotels are ideally situated for all major entertainment and shopping venues in the city centre, as well as the tram and rail network. The Britannia Ashley Hotel in leafy Hale offers comfortable accommodation with easy access to much of Manchester and the Cheshire countryside. Hale itself offers exclusive shopping, bars and restaurants. The Britannia Airport Hotel and the Britannia Country House Hotel are both located just a few miles from the Airport, offering Airport Accommodation, Transfers and Parking packages as well as leisure breaks. Both hotels are also just minutes from the motorway network allowing access to Manchester City Centre and the many attractions in the city. Britannia Hotel Stockport is located in the suburbs of Stockport, within easy travelling distance of Manchester and the picturesque Peak District. The hotel also offers a leisure club with swimming pool and wellVequipped gym. Price Band: C/D

Britannia Airport Hotel

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Britannia Ashley Hotel

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Britannia Country House Hotel

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Staying in Manchester before or after a flight? Why

The Britannia Sachas Hotel, Britannia Country House

Britannia Bolton is a modern 98 bedroom Hotel

not use our Stay and Fly service, with airport

Hotel and Britannia Stockport Hotel all have pools and

located just off the M61, and a short drive from

accommodation, parking and transfers included.

health club facilities. Why not pamper yourself with a

Manchester and the Trafford Centre. The Hotel

leisure break? have great city centre locations, perfect for shopping

Britannia Wigan is located just off J27 of the M6. It

breaks, sightseeing trips or a night out on the town!

offers a bright airy lobby and modern bedrooms, as well as a Health Club with Swimming pool & Gym.

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offers comfortable rooms and has a welcoming Restaurant & Bar.

The Britannia Hotel Manchester and Britannia Sachas

Britannia Manchester Hotel

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Britannia Sachas Hotel

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Britannia Hotel Stockport

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Britannia Hotels offer the following, please contact us for details: Free places available to parties of 20 or more Free Bar Packages Festive Packages from £150 pp Turkey & Tinsel Murdery Mystery Packages

· ·

Please Contact our Travel Trade Team on +44 (0)871 222 5502 E: grouptravel@britanniahotels.com www.britanniahotels.com

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City Inn

Awaiting Inspection

One Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street, Manchester M1 3DG T. +44 (0)161 242 1000 W. www.cityinn.com

City Inn Manchester is ideally located in the heart of the city, directly connected via Manchester Curve to Piccadilly Railway Station and is the perfect location for both leisure and business. 285 guest rooms are all designed to give you space where you can work or just simply relax. Personal guest service and attention to detail ensures comfort at every level with complimentary WiFi, an iMac inVroom entertainment system, complimentary music and movie library, 24 hour room service, floorVtoVceiling windows, enhanced fresh airVconditioning, room soundVproofing, walkVin power shower and luxury bathrobes as standard in every guestroom. Critically acclaimed restaurant brand City CafĂŠ offers a mix of modern European and British cuisine, including specialty barbecues situated in relaxing al fresco terraces V the perfect location for enjoying the warmer months. Relax with friends and family in the sleek and stylish Lobby Bar and destination Piccadilly Lounge. Both bars offer an eclectic menu of innovative cocktails, an extensive wine and whisky list and a tempting selection of dishes to share. Price Band: B

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Travel is more than just A to B. Travel should refresh your spirit. Welcome to Hilton Manchester Deansgate – a landmark hotel for a dynamic city. With exhilarating architecture, dramatic public spaces and indulgently comfortable bedrooms, plus a convenient city centre location – it’s a feast for the senses. Whether you’re savouring the space in our LivingWell Express gym, spending a long, languid evening at our sophisticated Podium Restaurant, Bar & Lounge or drinking in the spectacular views over a cocktail at Cloud 23, you’ll enjoy experiences that are every bit as sensational as your surroundings. The height of pleasure in the heart of the city. For further information or to book call 0161 870 1600 or visit hilton.co.uk/manchester

Midland Hotel

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Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS T. +44 (0)161 236 3333 W. www.qhotels.co.uk

Standing proud in the heart of the city centre, The Midland Hotel is one of Manchester's most famous landmarks. The recent subject of a £15 million restoration programme, designed to restore this fantastic building to its former grandeur whilst bringing it up to date with the needs of the discerning, well travelled hotel guest. The restoration has seen The Midland return to its position as the city's finest hotel and conference location. This beautiful hotel now boasts a magnificent lobby, 312 bedrooms and two superb, but distinctly different restaurants, including the double AA rosette award winning French Restaurant. It's two bars include the Wyvern bar located at the front of the hotel and the Octagon Lounge where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea. For more active pursuits, the hotel houses a fully equipped Leisure Club. For conferences and events you can choose from 11 conference and event rooms, the largest capable of holding up to 600 delegates. The magnificent Alexandra Suite offers direct street level access, its own preVfunction/breakout area and bar V ideal for large receptions, exhibitions, product launches or prestigious occasions. All of the conference rooms benefit from airVconditioning and blackout facilities. Price Band: A

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The Palace Hotel

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Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA T. +44 (0)161 288 1111 W. www.principalVhayley.com

The Palace Hotel Manchester mixes the best of contemporary modern comfort with a spectacular taste of the past. Situated in the heart of the fabulous City of Manchester, this spectacular Grade 2 historical listed building is an imposing city landmark. Oxford Road railway station and Piccadilly train station are only minutes walk away and Manchester Airport just eight miles. Access by road is also a breeze with M60, M61, M62 and M56 just a few minutes drive from the hotel. Manchester has all the best to offer in entertainment from shopping to theatres and not forgetting International sporting event. The Palace Hotel is one of Manchester's finest buildings, comprising 257 enVsuite bedrooms and 18 meeting rooms. Our hidden gem is the Grand Room which boasts air conditioning and natural daylight. With the capacity to seat 1000 delegates theatreVstyle and 800 for dinner, its staging, sound system, spotlight and AV make it the ideal venue whatever the event. The hotel's Tempest Bar and Restaurant is the height of modern standards and style, providing guests with the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing drink and meal, whether meeting friends, celebrations or pre theatre. Price Band: A

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Premier Inn

Budget Hotel

Over 30 hotels in the Manchester region T. +44 (0)870 242 8000 W. www.premierinn.com

Premier Inn is the UK's biggest hotel chain, and with 30 hotels in the Manchester area they've got the city surrounded! Pick a central Manchester Premier Inn (there are four to choose from), Trafford Centre hotels, or any Premier Inn hotels around the M60 to the north, south, east and west for easy access and departure. There are also four airport Premier Inn hotels within five miles of the airport. Plus with 2 new hotels opening near Old Trafford and Manchester Airport thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even more choice available. All of the Manchester hotels offer great value for money, with rooms from as little as ÂŁ48 per room, per night, plus a unique 'Good Night Guarantee' V or your money back. Premier Inn is the ideal location whether you're staying for business or pleasure. For business guests, a free Business Account allows you to charge your business expenses directly to your company. You can also use their Business Account to book and pay for meetings in any Touchbase Meeting centres, two of which are located within close proximity to Manchester city centre. For families Premier Inn offers great value, with family rooms sleeping up to two adults and two children, and children under 16 staying for free and eating free at breakfast. Price Band: D

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Princess On Portland

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101 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DF T. +44 (0)161 236 5122 W. www.princessonportland.co.uk

Formerly a Victorian cotton warehouse, the Princess on Portland is your base in the centre of the city V just minutes from great shopping, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of culture at your doorstep. From the moment you arrive you'll notice the difference: a keen eye for detail and a quality of service which comes from being the only independent, familyVrun hotel in Manchester city centre. Of all the 85 rooms, yours is the most important. Your room offers comfort and relaxation within the bustling city. Contemporary decor, soft white duvet and largeVscreen satellite TV give you the comfort you deserve. EnVsuite bathrooms, FREE Wifi and dataVports also come as standard. Enjoy the superb dining experience at Brasserie on Portland, relax in the evening in the intimate candlelit atmosphere, or watch the city bustle during the day while your meal is prepared in the theatre kitchen. The kitchen team create fine dishes using quality ingredients, and an extensive wine list offers unforgettable treats from around the world. Take your choice from a superb à la carte menu, or tempting daily specials. Price Band: C

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Ramada Manchester Piccadilly

Awaiting Inspection

Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4PH T. +44 (0)161 236 8414 W. www.ramadajarvis.co.uk

A new look hotel in a gateway city V a brand new Manchester Icon. The Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel is going through an exciting transition with a ÂŁ15million reVdevelopment programme to become the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the city centre, easily accessible from the M6 and the M60 motorways, making it the perfect location to discover one of the liveliest cities of the north. This vibrant city has a fantastic array of shops, theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants, so you are guaranteed to find something for everyone. Overlooking the redesigned Piccadilly Gardens, The Ramada Manchester Piccadilly, boasting 280 bedrooms with crisp cotton sheets and comfy duvets, will give you the great nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep you deserve. Why not start the following day with a fabulous breakfast in the new Arts Brassiere on the third floor, which also offers a sumptuous menu for both lunch and evening meal. Price Band: B

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Arora International Manchester

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18V24 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LY T. +44 (0)161 238 4342 W. www.arorainternational.com

Opened in 2004 the awardVwinning Arora International Hotel Manchester is contemporary in design, yet maintains the unique character of its Grade 2 listed heritage. The hotel has the perfect location in the heart of Manchester City Centre opposite the Art Gallery, less than 5 minutes walk from the GVMEX/MICC, the Shopping District, Manchester's vibrant nightlife and the Tram Link to Old Trafford and the Trafford Centre. The hotel offers 141 beautifully furnished bedrooms with many unique design features, including Arora Beds, power showers, broadband and air conditioning aiming to combine a feeling of style, space, comfort and affordability with the award winning hospitality V an Arora trademark. To compliment the hotel is the stunning ‘Obsidian’ Bar and Restaurant combining quality food and funky cocktail bar in uber cool surroundings making Arora International the ultimate City Centre hotel. Price Band: AAA

Campanile Hotel

Budget Hotel

55 Ordsall Lane, Regent Road, Salford, Manchester, M5 4RS T. +44 (0)161 833 1845 W. www.campanile.com

Campanile Hotel is ideally located on the A57 midway between Manchester city centre and Salford Quays. 104 enVsuite rooms, with a mix of twin or double bedrooms provide tea and coffee facilities, television and modern points. Additional facilities include a Café Bistro for up to 70 diners, offering a wide selection of meals from seasonal menus in addition to catering for smaller private functions with menus created to suit the guest, and 2 custom built meeting rooms both accommodating up to 60 delegates. WIFI Internet access is available throughout all areas of the hotel. Price Band: D

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Chancellors Hotel

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Chancellors Way, Moseley Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6NN T. +44 (0)161 907 7414 W. www.meeting.co.uk/chancellors

Chancellors Hotel, a "hidden gem", exudes the elegant ambience of a country house, set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens and yet is conveniently situated just 3 miles from the city centre and mainline rail networks, and only 7 miles from Manchester Airport. This peaceful haven set in a historic house also offers free onVsite car parking for visitors and guests. Each of the 75 enVsuite bedrooms is nonVsmoking, and elegantly furnished with comfort in mind. Four of the bedrooms have been specially designed to accommodate disabled guests with impaired mobility. The light and airy Carriage House Restaurant overlooking the courtyard, offers a range of healthy and tempting options with the emphasis on quality and guest satisfaction. Price Band: B

City Centre Chic

Awaiting Inspection

Various city centre locations T. +44 (0)161 660 7701 W. www.citycentrechic.com

City Centre Chic offer a selection of luxury shortVstay serviced apartments throughout Manchester city centre. The 'boutique style' retreats are fabulously equipped and friendly staff will attend to your every need, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please, complete privacy when you need it and the 'home from home' comforts to which you have become accustomed. WiVFi, DVD libraries, satellite television, inspired surroundings, bespoke concierge services and some of the finest provisions available. A fantastic alternative to conventional hotel accommodation for the corporate guest and discerning city visitor, available from as little as one night or for as long as you wish thereafter. Price Band: Apartments start from £125 per night.

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Days Hotel Manchester City

Budget Hotel

Weston Building, Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3BB T. +44 (0)161 955 8062 W. www.meeting.co.uk/dayshotel

Days Hotel is ideally situated, just 300 metres from Piccadilly rail station, in a quiet location within easy strolling distance of shops, restaurants, theatres and attractions. This AA 3Vstar hotel offers 117 comfortable and wellVequipped hotel bedrooms in a contemporary environment. Guests can enjoy a comfortable guest lounge, fully licensed bar, and a quality restaurant. Bedrooms include double, twin, and family rooms and inVroom amenities include satellite TV and Internet access. Price Band: C

Holiday Inn Manchester West Liverpool Street, Salford, Manchester, M5 4LT T. +44 (0)161 743 0080 W. www.himanchesterVwest.co.uk

The Holiday Inn Manchester West is a brand new refurbished, modern, stylish hotel offering exceptional standards of comfort and service. Combined with a distinctive personality and ambience, the hotel is the top choice amongst business and leisure travellers. With 82 comfortable guest rooms, every detail has been carefully thought out to create a modern and pleasurable stay. All bedrooms are enVsuite and have climate control to suit the everVchanging weather. There are also 5 Executive Rooms and 13 Family Rooms to cater for all guests. The hotel is ideally located for exploring nearby attractions V there is certainly plenty to see and do in Manchester including Manchester United's football club and museum, The Lowry Outlet Mall, City of Manchester Stadium, Trafford Centre and City Centre shops including Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Heals. Price Band: B

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Jurys Inn Manchester

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56 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5LE T. +44 (0)161 953 8888 W. www.jurysinns.com

Jurys Inn Manchester offers guests excellent 3Vstar comfort in the heart of the city centre. Spacious and comfortable rooms can accommodate two adults and two children, three adults sharing, or one person in complete comfort. Located adjacent to Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Hall, Jurys Inn is just minutes away from the shops, bars and restaurants of Manchester. Dining options include Innfusion Restaurant, Inntro Bar and Il Barista coffee bar. The hotel's Dedicated Meetings product comprises 2 state of the art suites offering client designed and client driven meetings facilities for up to 50 people. Ideal for board meetings, seminars, interviews and press conferences. Pirice Band: B

The Lowry Hotel

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50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Salford, Manchester, M3 5LH T. +44 (0)161 827 4000 W. www.roccofortecollection.com

Rocco Forte's The Lowry Hotel is the leading fiveVstar hotel in the North West of England and also one of the most talked about hotels in the country. Situated on the banks of the River Irwell on the SalfordVManchester boundary, The Lowry Hotel is perfectly located for easy access to central Manchester and the main shopping and commercial districts. With cuttingVedge design, stunning architecture and 165 contemporary, airVconditioned spacious bedrooms and suites including the Charles Forte Presidential Suite, The Lowry Hotel provides a sophisticated riverside base for your visit to Manchester. Relax and pamper yourself in The Lowry Hotel Spa, indulge in a superb dinner at the award winning or simply relax in The River Bar and Restaurant. Price Band: AAA

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Novotel Manchester Centre

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21 Dickinson Street, Manchester, M1 4LX T. +44 (0)161 235 2200 W. www.novotel.com

Located in Manchester's famous China Town district the Novotel Manchester Centre is just a short walk away from the commercial hub of the city, which includes Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Hall. All of the central entertainment and shopping areas are just a short stroll away. The full service Novotel hotel offers 164 comfortable and spacious double bedrooms. The Elements Restaurant and Bar is a great place to dine or simply relax and unwind with friends. For the more energetic the free leisure facilities include a sauna, gym and steam room. Finding Novotel could not be easier, it is served by Manchester Airport, all road links, the Metro Tram system and even the coach and bus station is nearby. Price Band: B

Novotel Manchester West

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Worsley Brow, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2YA T. +44 (0)161 799 3535 W. www.accorhotels.com

Located at Junction 13 of the M60. It is ideal for visitors to Trafford Park, Salford Quays and Birchwood. 15 minutes drive from Manchester city centre and 30 minutes from Manchester Airport. The hotel has 119 refurbished rooms with a queen size bed, a double sofa, bathrooms with bath and overhead shower, a flat screen interactive TV and high speed Internet access, a spacious working area with phone. Some rooms have access to WIFI, as well as all public areas. The hotel's public area includes a bar and lounge, a restaurant open from 0600 am until midnight, 9 meeting rooms holding from 2 to 200, a free on site car park as well as a terrace, gardens and an outside heated swimmingVpool. Price Band: B

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Thistle Manchester

ÂŤÂŤÂŤ

3V5 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DP T. +44 (0)870 333 9139 W. www.thistlehotels.com/manchester

Thistle Manchester is situated in the city centre, overlooking Piccadilly Gardens and is only a five minute walk from the central shopping and financial districts. This traditional hotel has 205 bedrooms including 12 suites, and the Portland Street Bar & Restaurant is a contemporary style restaurant, offering a selection of drinks, light refreshments and dining options. Thistle Manchester has nine meeting rooms, the largest seating 300 theatre style. All meeting rooms have airVconditioning. Discover a city that has something to offer everyone! For culture lovers there is the Lowry Centre, the Trafford Centre offers you the chance to shop on a grand scale, and for football supporters there is the chance to visit the hallowed ground of your favourite team. Price Band: B

Book your accommodation in

Manchester Use our FREE online booking service www.visitmanchester.com or call the tourist information centre +44 (0)871 222 8223

visitmanchester.com

The Atrium by BridgeStreet Worldwide

SA««««

74 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6JD T. +44 (0)161 235 2000 W. www.bridgestreet.co.uk

The Atrium, by BridgeStreet Worldwide offers 116 contemporary serviced apartments situated in the heart of Manchester close to the theatres, China Town and the main shopping areas. Whether you stay for a night, a weekend or longer they offer independence, space and privacy, plus the security and comfort of a hotel. Price Band: B

Castlefield Hotel

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Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JR T. +44 (0)161 832 7073 W. www.castlefieldVhotel.co.uk

In its idyllic canalside setting, the hotel is a perfect base for exploring the city's attractions, shops, theatres, nightlife and sporting venues. 48 beautifully appointed and spacious rooms with TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, direct dial telephone with modem and voicemail, wireless broadband in public areas, versatile conference suites and a stunning indoor marquee for weddings and parties up to 230. Price Band: B

Lancashire County Cricket Club & Old Trafford Lodge

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Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0PX T. +44 (0)161 874 3333 W. www.lccc.co.uk

The superb 68Vbedroom hotel is situated in Old Trafford Cricket Ground, one of the world's great international sporting arenas and home to Lancashire County Cricket Club. With free parking, enVsuite facilities and complimentary breakfast along with 36 executive bedrooms overlooking the famous Old Trafford pitch, where else can you relax on your own balcony at the end of the day and enjoy the unique experience of watching county cricket from your bedroom? Price Band: D

Malmaison

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1V3 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1LZ T. +44 (0)161 278 1000 W. www.malmaison.com

Malmaison is an individual hotel for individual people; known for great style, friendly staff, great food and wine and great value. Affordable and accessible, very guest focused, all delivered with an incredible attention to detail. The hub of Malmaison, the bar and brasserie, is a destination in its own right and loved by locals and overnight guests alike. The rooms are truly spacious which is typical for Malmaison, each room is unique and dramatic in both style and finish. Price Band: AAA

visitmanchester.com

The Place Hotel

SA««««

Ducie Street, Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2TP T. +44 (0)161 778 7500 W. www.theplacehotel.com

Enjoy your stay in Manchester city centre with a totally different approach to hotel accommodation. Stay in a luxuriously spacious loft style apartment for the night or longer V not just a hotel bedroom. You will be given the chance to enjoy more flexibility, more freedom and more choices than traditional 4 star Manchester city centre hotels. Price Band: AAA

stayingcool

SA««««/«««««

Various city centre locations T. +44 (0)161 832 4060 W. www.stayingcool.com

Hip hotel meets boutiqueVserviced apartment. If you love style and design, are independently minded, then you'll love stayingcool. Each apartment is differently styled, but consistently stylish, with a major emphasis on comfort (the best beds, sofas and chairs), design (the hottest designers, known and unknown) and technology (WIFI, Apple Macs and espresso makers). Parking, free WIFI, complimentary Illy coffee, organic milk and oranges for the juicer. Everything you would expect from the very best boutique hotel V and more. Price Band: A

YHA Manchester

Hos««««

Potato Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4NB T. +44 (0)161 839 9960 W. www.yhamanchester.org.uk

Some call it the best youth hostel in the world! Contemporary city centre hostel offering the highest quality budget accommodation in Manchester. Rooms are for 2, 4 and 6 persons, all are enVsuite. Modern furnishings and décor compliment the stylish canalside location. New in 2008 is Taste @ Potato Wharf bar & restaurant, offering the best of British food and beers with an international flavour. Price Band: D

Book your accommodation in Manchester Use our FREE online booking service www.visitmanchester.com or call the tourist information centre +44 (0)871 222 8223

visitmanchester.com

Manchester Airport your gateway to the North of England Situated in the heart of the UK, Manchester's award-winning airport prides itself on being one of the world's busiest and friendliest. As the largest airport in the UK outside of London, Manchester Airport handles over 22 million passengers a year. Its facilities are world class, with 3 terminals, 2 runways, over 250 check-in desks and 100 airline operators. Over 200 destinations worldwide are served from this international hub and a comprehensive European and domestic air network enables visitors to use the city as a convenient base for transfers to the rest of the UK and Europe. A ÂŁ35m investment in the redevelopment of Terminal 1 will see the unveiling of stylish new retail outlets and restaurants as well as increased security lanes, to make your journey through the airport so much easier. In fact, it has never been simpler, or cheaper, to fly to Manchester with an array of competitive fares and direct scheduled flights offered by major US, UK and European airlines daily. If Manchester is your gateway to exploring the many attractions the North of England has to offer, or alternatively the venue for a connecting flight, why not take advantage of the fantastic offers available from the array of hotels located on the doorstep of

Manchester Airport. From budget to four star luxury these venues make for a perfect take off or touch down. When you arrive at Manchester Airport, head for The Station, a ÂŁ60million ground transport interchange which brings rail, coach, bus and taxi under one roof, offering frequent and direct transport services to Manchester city centre, York, Leeds, Windermere, Blackpool and Newcastle to name but a few. State of the art technology with an impressive ticket sales facility provides up-to-date travel; visitors will enjoy a relaxing introduction to the region. Alternatively pick up a hire car at the airport and take to the open roads of Greater Manchester. Trains to and from Manchester Airport A service to Manchester Piccadilly train station operates every 10 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 15-30 minutes. Visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk for further details of the many airlines that fly into Manchester.

Manchester Airport Scheduled Flights DOMESTIC SCHEDULED FLIGHTS Aberdeen Belfast - International Belfast - City Bristol Cork Dublin Edinburgh Exeter Galway Glasgow Guernsey Inverness Isle of Man Jersey Kerry Knock London - City London - Gatwick London - Heathrow London - Stansted Newquay Norwich Plymouth Shannon Sligo Southampton Waterford

bmi bmibaby Flybe Air Southwest bmibaby, Aer Lingus Aer Lingus, Ryanair bmi, Flybe Flybe Aer Arann bmi, Flybe Aurigny, Flybe Eastern Airways Flybe, Euromanx bmibaby, Flybe Aer Arann bmibaby VLM British Airways bmi, British Airways Eastern Airways bmibaby, Air Southwest Flybe Air Southwest Ryanair Aer Arann Flybe Aer Arann

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULED FLIGHTS Abu Dhabi Alicante Almeria Amsterdam Antigua Antwerp Athens Atlanta Barbados Barcelona Basel Bergerac Billund Bordeaux Bratislava Brest Brussels Budapest Calgary Chambery Chicago Cologne Copenhagen Dalaman Damascus Doha Dubai Dubrovnik Dusseldorf Faro

Etihad Airways Thomsonfly, Monarch Scheduled, Jet2.com, bmibaby Monarch Scheduled KLM bmi VLM Olympic Airlines Delta Air Lines bmi, Virgin Atlantic Monarch Scheduled Swiss International Air Lines Flybe British Airways bmibaby SkyEurope Flybe Flybe, Brussels Airlines Jet2.com Zoom, Flyglobespan Jet2.com American Airlines, bmi TUIfly SAS Kibris Turkish Airlines Syrian Qatar Airways Emirates Thomsonfly Flybe, Lufthansa Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled, Thomsonfly

Frankfurt Geneva Gothenburg Hamburg Hanover Helsinki Islamabad Istanbul Jeddah Karachi Krakow Lahore Lanzarote Larnaca La Rochelle Las Palmas Las Vegas Limoges Lisbon Ljubljiana Luxembourg Lyon Malaga Malta Marrakech Milan Minsk Munich Murcia Naples New York (Newark) New York (JFK) Orlando Oslo Paderborn Palma Mallorca Paphos Paris Perpignan Philadelphia Pisa Prague Rennes Rotterdam Reykjavik Riyadh Salzburg Sharm El Sheik Singapore Sofia Stockholm Stuttgart Tel Aviv Tenerife Toronto Tripoli Vancouver Varna Venice Warsaw Zurich

Flybe, Lufthansa bmibaby, Jet2.com, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines City Airline Air Berlin, Lufthansa Flybe.com, TUIfly Finnair Air Blue, Pakistan International Airlines Turkish Airlines Saudia Arabian Airlines Pakistan International Airlines SkyEurope Pakistan International Airlines Monarch Scheduled Cyprus Airways FlyBe Jet2.com bmi Flybe Thomsonfly Adria VLM bmi bmibaby, Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled, Thomsonfly Air Malta, British Airways Thomsonfly Flybe, Volareweb Belavia Lufthansa Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled Thomsonfly Continental Airlines British Airways, Delta Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines Virgin Atlantic SAS Air Berlin bmibaby, Monarch Scheduled, Thomsonfly, Jet2.com Cyprus Airways Air France, Jet2.com, FlyBe bmibaby US Airways Jet2.com bmibaby, CSA Czech Airlines Flybe VLM Icelandair Saudi Arabian Airlines Thomsonfly Thomsonfly Singapore Airlines Bulgaria Air SAS TUIFly Thomsonfly Monarch Scheduled, Jet2.com Air Transat, Flyglobespan, Zoom Libyan Arab Zoom, Air Transat, Flyglobespan Bulgaria Air Jet2.com, Thomsonfly Centralwings Swiss International Air Lines

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Bewleys Hotel

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Outwood Lane, Manchester Airport, M90 4HL T. +44 (0)161 498 0333 W. www.bewleyshotels.com

Contemporary, relaxed and Informal that is the ethos behind every Bewleys Hotel. A growing reputation of delivering quality at the same affordable price all year round, truly sets them apart. At Manchester Airport, Bewleys Hotel is conveniently located close to Terminals 1 & 3 with direct rail and motorway access. Transport is available FREE of charge to and from the airport 24 hours a day. FREE WIFI is available throughout the hotel. For corporate guests there are 11 Executive Meeting Rooms available, all are fully airVconditioned and most have natural daylight. Rooms feature unlimited FREE high speed Internet, executive leather seating, screen and flipchart and chilled mineral water. For more information visit the website. Price Band: B

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Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport

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Ringway Road, Manchester Airport, Manchester, M90 3NS T. +44 (0)870 400 9055 W. www.crowneplaza.com/manchesterap

The newly refurbished Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport is situated on the airport complex only a short distance from the M56 and M60 motorways. At the Crowne Plaza you can experience 4Vstar luxury with 294 airVconditioned enVsuite bedrooms, including 36 Club Bedrooms. Club guests can expect superior comfort in a stylish and contemporary bedroom with access to the exclusive Club Lounge. The hotel offers 24Vhour complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport terminals and railway station. The hotel also offers complimentary use of Spirit Health & Fitness Club. The Crowne Plaza exudes a style and confidence that befits one of the UK's most successful and longVstanding Airport Hotels, whilst retaining a reputation for warm and friendly service. Price Band: B

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Hilton Manchester Airport

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Outwood Lane, Ringway, Manchester, M90 4WP T. +44 (0)161 435 3000 W. www.hilton.co.uk/manchesterairport

This dynamic hotel is ideally located on site at Manchester Airport and is close to Terminal 1, as well as railway and motorway networks. The location, combined with 228 superb bedrooms and suites, business facilities, LivingWell Express health club, 24Vhour airport and station courtesy bus, and an exceptionally welcoming environment, ensures you are offered the very best in comfort and convenience for business and leisure travellers alike. In each spacious twin or double Hilton room, air conditioning, teas and coffee making facilities, a minibar, multiVchannel satellite TV and highVspeed internet access come as standard. Lowry's Restaurant has a range of menus, and Lowry's show kitchen offers an alternative choice where a team of chefs will prepare a variety of tasty dishes. Price Band: AAA

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Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 Being named European Capital of Culture for 2008 was arguably the greatest day in Liverpool's recent history. In one stroke, the national and international perceptions of the city were changed forever. Not only has the title propelled Liverpool's economy to new levels, it has also laid the foundations for the ongoing transformation of the city into a world-class destination. Its architecture is already among the best in the world, with more listed buildings than any other city outside London. The heart of the city centre and its waterfront also sit proudly alongside treasures like the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids at Giza on the list of World Heritage Sites. With its status of European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is preparing to welcome an extra two million visitors during 2008. Amongst the festivals and events taking place is the MTV Europe Music Awards a late addition to the programme - on Thursday 6th November.

Other highlights include: the Official Opening Weekend, Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Tall Ships Races 2008, Liverpool Sound, Gustav Klimt and the 5th International Biennial. So whether you're looking for art and culture, or sport and family outings, there'll be more than enough to do in Liverpool during 2008. And for visitors to Manchester, exploring Liverpool couldn't be easier. With regular train and coach services linking the two cities, you can go from riding the Metrolink to the Ferry across the Mersey in as little as 45 minutes.

In addition, the surrounding areas of Merseyside make for even more great days out from Manchester. There's Southport a classic seaside town, the coastal and countryside attractions of the Wirral peninsula, and Knowsley, famous for its safari park. And if you're starting, or ending, your stay in Manchester with a visit to Liverpool, you can take advantage of the mainline rail services between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport. From here, you can fly direct to 229 destinations around the globe with more than 100 different airlines. M For further information and a full events programme, visit: www.liverpool08.com

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back up north! David Atkinson is a journalist based in Chester. He writes regularly about travel and tourism in England's Northwest. And having lived in various parts of the UK, David tells us why he's glad to be back up north and what he believes the region has to offer the international visitor.

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Being a teenager in the Northwest of England was no fun in the mid-Eighties. Urban decay, a cultural drought and the final death throws of the local industry upon which the region had been built meant that I was climbing the walls to spread my wings. So I followed the crowd and moved away, first to university in Leeds, then to London to work on the national newspapers. Now, 20 years on, I'm back with a wife and a 20-month-old daughter in a region I left aged just 18 years old. And do you know what? I'm really glad to have come back home. During my time away, investment and regeneration has transformed the face of the Northwest. Where there were once grotty cafĂŠs are now chic new eateries; dodgy pubs are now bars for cool cocktails, or non-nonsense real-ale pubs; and while a night in a local B&B was once to run the gauntlet of the Medusa landlady, all curlers and attitude, places to lay my head now range from urban boutique hotels to grand country estates. Things have changed and I'm seriously impressed.

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Better still, I'm now ideally placed to enjoy a year of themed celebrations across the region for 2008, including Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture. Manchester remains the primary gateway to the region with Manchester Airport, presently the third busiest airport in the UK, handling 22m passengers per year, and new highspeed trains on the West Coast Mainline connecting Manchester to London in just over two hours. But from Carlisle in the far north to Nantwich in the region's deep south, there's plenty to see and do in the year to come. And I, for one, plan to be in the thick of it, rediscovering the place I now once again call home. Personally, I was always useless at sport at school -- always the last one to be picked for the rounders team. But, with such a diversity of sports on my doorstep, I've matured into an enthusiastic supporter of my local teams. Manchester has always been proud of its sporting heritage as home to Manchester United, the current Premier League Champions, and to Lancashire Cricket Club. The XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002 cemented the city's reputation for hosting major international sporting events in style and, throughout 2008, Manchester will host a year-long celebration of sport. As part of this the city plays host to five major sporting events: the UCI Track Cycling World Championships at the Velodrome in March; the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) at the MEN Arena in April; the UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium in May; the BUPA Great Manchester Run in the city centre in May; and the Hi-Tech World Squash Championships at the National Squash Centre, Sportcity, in October. These will be complemented by a host of smaller sporting events and other attractions on a sporting theme across the city. Manchester also acts as the gateway to sporting events in the wider region with the Grand National the landmark event of the

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racing calendar in April, plus an abundance of Premiership football action and Wigan Warriors, Britain's most successful rugby league club, all located within 45 minutes of the city. And if the culture of sports appeals more than participation itself, you can always read up on Manchester's sporting heritage at the John Rylands Library, which recently re-opened following a £16.8m refurbishment of the stunning Victorian building, or explore sport's place in contemporary urban society at Urbis, the modernist glass-built gallery-cum-museum that charts the rise of the global city. The Northwest has always had a strong sense of popular culture -- from the height of Beatlemania to the bands I followed as a teenager to gigs in Manchester and Liverpool in the Eighties, notably Echo & The Bunnymen and Joy Division. Liverpool is currently embarking on a massive programme of events to mark its status as the new European Capital of Culture, an event accompanied by massive regeneration of the city centre. The celebration is already under way with The Turner Prize, the controversial modern art prize, on display at Tate Liverpool until January 13, 2008. The programme for the year caters for all tastes from comedy to classical music with a cornerstone event being a concert on the official opening weekend of January 12 at the new Liverpool Arena, featuring Ringo Starr and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Other events range from the Liverpool Sound concert on June 1, featuring Sir Paul McCartney, to the Liverpool Biennial International, the UK's only International Festival of Contemporary Art, at various arts venues across the city from September to November 2008. Liverpool status as a cultural bastion is accompanied by major new investment in the city. As part of this, two landmark developments are the reopening of the neoclassical St George's Hall, following a £35m

refurbishment, with its imposing Great Hall and, in February, the reopening of the Bluecoat Chambers, the erstwhile Grade 1listed schoolhouse, thought to be the oldest building in Liverpool. The £12.5m refurbishment will add a new gallery and performance space to create a contemporary arts venue in a historic setting. Cultural events will also spill out across the whole region on the back of Capital of Culture programme with the nearby seaside resort of Southport planning its own events. Southport is also home to a landmark piece of public art, Antony Gormley's installation work, Another Place, which features 100 life-sized statues on Crosby Beach with their eyes fixed stoically on the horizon. The artwork has become a symbol of Merseyside's cultural renaissance. The Northwest has some of the best regional produce in the UK with scouse, Eccles cakes and black pudding amongst my boyhood favourites. And no trip to the seaside in Blackpool or Southport was complete with a portion of fresh local fish and chips. Lancashire, the region that brought us black pudding, Lancashire hotpot, Morecambe Bay potted shrimps and Blackpool rock, is focusing on its burgeoning food and drink scene in 2008 with a Taste Lancashire 08 programme to celebrate local produce and chefs. In recent years Lancashire has rediscovered its culinary heritage with a slew of farm shops, newly notable eateries, reinvented country pubs and small-scale organic producers drawing on the natural environment of the region. Landscapes range from the Forest of Bowland to the West Pennine Moors, spanning 137 miles of coastline to the world famous seaside resort of Blackpool. Designed to compliment the cultural programme in Liverpool, one of the landmark events is the Taste Lancashire Food and Drink Festival to be held in April.

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The Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture will be held in September. Meanwhile itineraries for foodies, gourmet breaks, a picnic month and cookery schools are amongst the other attractions planned for the year. Amongst the local hotels and restaurants taking part in the celebration are Northcote Manor, a foodie retreat in the Ribble Valley, where chef Nigel Haworth adds a modernist twist to regional favourite dishes, and The Longridge Restaurant, where the Northwest's leading chef, Paul Heathcote, first made his name in the kitchen. But while I'm not bad with a cook book and a wok, I've not been blessed with green fingers. In fact, I can probably wipe out a whole border of bedding plants by just looking at them but, thankfully then, the region boasts some great open spaces where the non-horticulturally minded, like myself, can get their share of colour.

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In fact, Cheshire, with Chester as its genteel travel hub, has more gardens open to the public, per head of population, than anywhere else in the UK - that's 24, since you ask. Hence the county is hosting a 12month Gardens of Distinction programme for 2008 to celebrate its rich heritage of gardens and the green environment. It aims to create a lasting horticultural legacy for Cheshire. The flagship gardens to host events include Tatton Park, a Georgian mansion with 1,000 acres of pristine parkland with its resident herd of deer, and Arley Hall and Gardens, where the landscaped gardens are regularly cited amongst the top ten gardens to visit in the UK. Of the lesser-known but equally beautiful gardens of distinction are Dunham Massey, The Quinta Arboretum and Stapeley Water Gardens, all tucked away in leafy Cheshire.

As well as garden tours, the programme lines up a mixture of music, art, theatre, sport and food and drink events at major garden locations, including the RHS Flower show at Tatton Park (celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008), and the Garden Festival at Arley Hall and Gardens. Chester Zoo will host the annual Orchid Festival in February with members of the Cheshire & North Wales Orchid Society on hand to answer questions on how to care for the plants, while the Bluebell Festival at Capesthorne Hall is aimed at schools and community groups, linking the walks to a local nature trail. For me, I like nothing than getting out into the countryside around the Northwest, soaking up the scenery and taking in great lung fulls of fresh air. One of the best places to head for is the Lake District, a region that has always been a Mecca for fans of outdoors pursuits, such as walking, mountaineering and adventure sports. So it's a natural progression for Cumbria to designate 2008 as its official Year of Adventure. With its 16 beautiful lakes, including England's deepest lake, Wastwater, and its longest, Lake Windermere; England's highest mountain, that's Scafell Pike at 3209ft (978m); and some of the UK's best walking and cycling routes, Cumbria has everything for the outdoor enthusiast. The region is also home to England's only Via Ferrata as well as specialist centres to master new sporting challenges, such as sea kayaking, fell running, kite surfing, gorge scrambling or paragliding.

Better still, you simply step outside your cosy guesthouses or boutique hotel, all of them very friendly to walkers and cyclists, and find yourself out in the spectacular Lakeland scenery. Places to check out include The Samling, a luxurious property overlooking Lake Windermere with its own outdoor hot tub, and L'Enclume restaurant with rooms, a Michelin-stared restaurant set in the incongruous surroundings of a small, Cumbrian village. Finally, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors but do so at a gentler pace, then try taking a ride on the No.79 Borrowdale Rambler bus, reputed to be the most scenic bus journey in the UK. The bus hugs the scenic B5289 along the side of Derwent Water and through the Borrowdale Valley, stopping at various waterfalls, fells and hamlets along the way. When I think back now to those dark days of the mid-Eighties, all long overcoats, grey skies and smoky pubs, no wonder I was desperate to strike out and explore the world a bit. But now, back on home turf, I'm rediscovering all the new-look Northwest has to offer, plus some of the best bits I missed first time around. My wanderlust remains as strong as ever, but I'm finding increasingly that there's enough to keep me occupied on my very own doorstep. M Contacts www.visitmanchester.com www.manchesterworldsport08.com www.liverpool08.com www.tastelancashire08.com www.yearofgardens08.com www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com

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Life on the Edge W. www.peaksandplains.co.uk

Welcome to East Cheshire – stylish, relaxed, independent. Relax in five star rural retreats, restaurants with rooms, or spa hotels. Indulge in the smart shops and restaurants of Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Wilmslow, and Bollington. Explore the fabulous walks, stunning views, great gastro pubs, and fine food cafes of the Peak District National Park. Enjoy opera, theatre and independent cinema. Discover six of Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction and the National Trust’s Magnificent Seven. www.yearofgardens08.com Request a brochure: Call 01625 504114 or go to www.peaksandplains.co.uk

Tate Liverpool Albert Dock , Liverpool, L3 4BB T. +44 (0)151 702 7400 W. www.tate.org.uk/liverpool

FACT is the UK's leading organisation for commissioning, exhibiting, promoting and supporting artists’ work and innovation in the fields of film, video, and new media. Housed in an iconic building in the Ropewalks area of Liverpool, FACT has two galleries, a media lounge and state-ofthe-art cinemas which invite visitors to experience a range of FACT activities from exhibitions and live webcasts, to training and conferences.

FACT’s 2008 programme is packed full of amazing and thoughtprovoking events under the title Human Futures.. Featuring innovative exhibitions from international artists, exciting projects with local communities, workshops, debates, and screenings visit FACT and you will find something that shocks, intrigues, amuses or stimulates you. FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ. Information on (0151) 707 4450 or visit www.fact.co.uk

Celebrate Liverpool's status as European Capital of Culture for 2008 at the home of the national collection of modern and contemporary art in the North. Tate Liverpool is situated on the beautiful and historic Albert Dock and shows the very best modern and contemporary art. Whether you are looking for your favourite work or want to discover something new, this is art worth talking about. Relax in the impressive café, take part in tours or free family activity and the Tate Shop allows you to take a little bit of Tate home with you. From 30 May V 31 August 2008 Tate Liverpool will present the first ever exhibition in the UK of the work of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.

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Skipton Town and Country www.boltonabbey.com T. 01756 718009

www.cavendishpavilion .co.uk T. 01756 710245

www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk T. 01756 710614

www.skiptoncastle.co.uk T. 01756 792442

Escape to the Yorkshire Dales and discover a breathtaking landscape full of history and legend. For over 900 years Skipton Castle has been the gateway to the Dales. Take a look inside the bestVpreserved medieval castle in England and imagine what it would have been like! The castle is open daily. The Lords of Skipton gave the Augustian Canons a plot of land at nearby at Bolton Abbey. Wander around the ruins, explore the riverside and woodland walks, indulge in a little retail therapy or simply relax by the river and soak up the scenery whilst the children play in the sand. Rather than a picnic why not enjoy local produce and a tasty bite to eat in the Cavendish Pavilion, built in 1898 to serve tea and cake to masses who arrived by train. Enjoy a steam train ride between the award winning station at Bolton Abbey and Embsay station. Trains run every Sunday throughout the year and up to 7 days a week in summer.

Bullocks Coaches Commercial Garage, Stockport Road, Cheadle, SK8 2AG T. +44 (0)161 428 5265 W. www.bullockscoaches.com

With Bullocks Coaches you enjoy quality and service delivered by the smart, friendly and informed drivers of our fleet of modern, comfortable and luxury coaches. Whether it's a school run, a day trip, a corporate event, or an allVinclusive continental holiday, you can be sure that travelling with Bullocks will always be a pleasure.

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Getting around Greater Manchester

Manchester's central location, coupled with excellent transport links, makes it one of the most accessible cities in the UK. Whatever your preferred mode of transport, Manchester has it covered, offering a comprehensive local public transport system. So once in Manchester you'll have no problems getting around using buses, trains and trams.

Bus Buses are an excellent way to see the city and the wider region of Greater Manchester. A comprehensive network of buses offer fast and frequent services to many destinations. In the city centre hop on one of the Metroshuttle buses. Metroshuttle buses are free and link the main rail stations, shopping areas and businesses in the city centre. www.gmpte.com

Trams Metrolink is Manchester's innovative tram system. It allows easy travel in the city centre and further afield. Because Metrolink runs every few minutes you don't need a timetable, you can just turn up and go anytime from early morning until late in the evening. www.metrolink.co.uk

Trains There are four key train stations in the centre of Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate. Piccadilly is the main hub and is most visitors' principal arrival point into the city. There is a comprehensive network of local services to many local destinations and beyond. Trains run every 10 minutes or so from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly station. The journey takes around 15 to 30 minutes. www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone +44 (0)8457 48 49 50.

DaySaver is a Travelcard that is accepted by most bus, train and tram companies and allows you to transfer effortlessly from one form of transport to another, as many times as you wish. www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk or phone +44 (0)8705 808080. For more information about public transport in Greater Manchester click www.gmpte.com or phone Traveline on +44 (0)871 200 22 33 (7am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 8pm at weekends and public holidays).

Travelling further afield National Express operates from the modern Chorlton Street Coach Station to cities throughout the UK. www.nationalexpress.com Frequent rail services run to London and many other major UK cities, including Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow. www.virgintrains.co.uk or phone +44 (0)8457 48 49 50.

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Manchester City Centre Map

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Greater Manchester Bus Stations & Travelshops

systemonedaysaver >>

DaySaver Book

your accommodation in

Manchester Unlimited bus, train & tram travel for Greater Manchester Use our FREE online booking service www.visitmanchester.com or call the tourist information centre +44 (0)871 222 8223

* *Calls from landlines cost 10p per minute. Calls from a mobile may vary.

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Greater Manchester Rail Network

Bag the perfect gift at...

Manchester The Gift Shop Manchester Visitor Information Centre St Peter Square, Manchester, M60 2LA +44 (0)871 222 8223 Mon–Sat 10.00am–5.30pm Sun 10.30am–4.30pm

Greater Manchester Tourist Information Centres Contact one of the friendly tourist information teams around Greater Manchester. Their local knowledge, advice and services will ensure you make the most of your visit to the region, with information on accommodation, events, attractions, transport and more.

Manchester Town Hall Extension, Lloyd Street, M60 2LA (off St. Peter's Square) T. +44(0)871 222 8223 E. touristinformation@marketingVmanchester.co. uk

Altrincham Stamford New Road, WA14 1EJ T. +44(0)161 912 5931 E. tourist.information@trafford.gov.uk

Oldham Tommyfield Market, Albion Street, OL1 3BB T. +44 (0)161 627 1024 E. ecs.tourist@oldham.gov.uk

Bolton Central Library Foyer, Le Mans Crescent, BL1 1SE T. +44(0)1204 334 321 E. tourist.info@bolton.gov.uk

Rochdale

Bury

Saddleworth

The Met, Market Street, BL9 0BW T. +44(0)161 253 5111 E. touristinformation@bury.gov.uk

High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6HS T. +44 (0)1457 870 336 E. ecs.saddleworthtic@oldham.gov.uk

Touchstones, The Esplanade, OL16 1AQ T. +44 (0)1706 864 928 E. tic@rochdale.gov.uk

Salford The Lowry, The Quays, M50 3AZ T. +44 (0)161 848 8601 E. tic@salford.gov.uk

Stockport Market Place, SK1 1ES T. +44 (0)161 474 4444 E. tourist.information@stockport.gov.uk

Tameside Wellington Road, Ashton, 0L6 6DL T. +44 (0)161 343 4343 E. tourist.information@tameside.gov.uk

Wigan Trencherfield Mill, WN3 4EL T. +44 (0)1942 825 677 E. tic@wlct.org

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