MCR5 Manchester Magazine by Marketing Manchester

MCR5 MANCHESTER CITY REGION

Manchester Magazine 2010

Football city

The Manchester Store Buy online at visitmanchester.com/giftshop

Ryan wears Manchester hooded top ÂŁ21.95

Also available at The Manchester Store

The Manchester Store

Piccadilly Plaza, Unit 45-50 Portland St, M1 4BT (opens mid June)

161 Upper Mall, Peel Avenue The Trafford Centre

Terminal 2 Manchester Airport

FIRST WORDS Welcome to the fifth issue of MCR, the destination magazine for Manchester.

With summer very nearly upon us, we can all look forward to spending a little more of our time outdoors. As a visitor to the city, your time al fresco needn’t be limited in the slightest. There are plenty of attractions and activities that you can enjoy whilst making the most of the good weather. Art is a great example. Who says it’s limited to the indoors? All too often the statues and sculptures that decorate the city’s streets are overlooked. In tribute to these great works of public art, we’ve compiled a list of some of the pieces that you should keep an eye out for whilst you’re out and about in the city. In this issue we’re also celebrating the relaunch of the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields. Its focus on social justice strikes a particular chord with the people of a self-made city such as Manchester. However, its collection is of truly national significance and it’s great to see it open once again.

northerners and ‘them’ southerners; and we hear from the champion of the city’s digital and creative sector, Sue Woodward, the founding director of The Sharp Project in New East Manchester. And finally, if you find yourself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then you’re in luck. With the countryside on our doorstep you can enjoy the delights of the many rural villages and breathtaking National Parks that can be found within easy reach of the city centre. In this issue, we focus on a day trip to Southport on England’s ‘Golf Coast’ and an overnight itinerary to Windermere – in the Lake District. To see what other people have had to say about their visit to Manchester, or for general information about what’s going on in the city, check out our new website: visitmanchester.com And don’t forget, you can also follow us on Twitter: @visit_mcr

We’ve added a string of names to our ongoing Manchester Voices feature. Legendary music man, Peter Hook, talks to us about his quest to find the next New Order; former England cricket captain, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, fills us in on the dressing room banter between ‘us’

Enjoy the read!

Helen Tither

Dr Tim O’Brien

Percy Dean

Freelance journalist and film-maker Helen Tither has interviewed everyone from Posh Spice to the Prime Minister in her ten years as a Manchester-based reporter. As former Women's editor at the Manchester Evening News she was responsible for keeping track of all the latest fashion news and admits to spending rather too long in the city's most stylish shops.

Tim O’Brien is a senior lecturer at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. His research concentrates on the study of exploding stars, using telescopes around the world and in space. As head of outreach he is also involved in carrying out a wide range of public engagement activities including work with schools, print and broadcast media and events at the Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre.

Percy Dean has worked as professional photographer for over 18 years. In that time he has worked around the world and in turn his work is highly respected globally. He was the founding editor and senior photographer for Document Magazine, which ran for over a decade. He specialises in action sports, lifestyle and social documentary photography and lives and works in Manchester.

Andrew Stokes Chief Executive, Marketing Manchester May 2010

CONTRIBUTORS

Caimh McDonnell Caimh is an established stand-up comedian and a regular performer in all the major UK venues. He has also appeared overseas in France, Germany, Ireland and the Middle East. He has written and produced two original shows for the Edinburgh Festival. His animated international kids comedy series, Pet Squad, is currently in production with the BBC, Sony America and March Entertainment Canada.

Nick Johnson Nick Johnson is the deputy chief executive of urban regeneration company Urban Splash. A chartered surveyor for over 13 years, Nick is currently responsible for over £300m worth of development projects across the UK. He was the Edward P. Bass Distinguished Visiting Architecture fellow at Yale University in New Haven, USA in 2007 and is commissioner for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

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CONTENTS 003 - 003

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News & Developments A round-up of recent tourism happenings.

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What’s On Your guide to the very best festivals, exhibitions, music concerts, international sports fixtures and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events taking place in 2010.

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Manchester Voices: Baba Israel We chat to the creative director of Contact – Manchester’s pioneering theatre venue on Oxford Road – about their upcoming ‘Contacting the World’ production.

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Open all hours Who says art is limited to the indoors? Here’s our pick of the very best public art on the streets of Manchester.

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Snapshot - The Midland Hotel and Central Library

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Bags of style Resident retail expert, Helen Tither, gives us the lowdown on where is best to go if you’re looking to add some accessories to your wardrobe during your visit.

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Music of the decade Our pick of the albums that tell the story of Manchester’s music scene during the first ten years of the new millennium – the noughties!

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Snapshot - Eastlands: The City of Manchester Stadium

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Manchester Voices: Andrew Flintoff The former England captain wants Manchester to take on London – on the cricket pitch.

Northern Exposure Irish comedian, Caimh McDonnell, on why Manchester is the funniest place in the UK. End of!

Manchester Voices: Mike Halmshaw & Jayne Compton

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Snapshot - Spinningfields

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The people’s museum

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Manchester Voices: Andy Pearce

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Manchester Voices: Toby Whitehouse The man behind the UK’s first FM-licensed gay radio station – Gaydio – tells us about the path to the airwaves and gives us his take on Manchester’s gay scene.

Manchester Voices: Sue Woodward The city’s digital and creative champion gives us the Sharp Project sales pitch.

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The People’s History Museum’s deputy director.

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Jodrell Bank An icon of science and engineering, Jodrell Bank has seen it all: the Space Race, the Apollo 11 mission, the Cuban Missile Crisis – and the death of Doctor Who.

Three and a half years and £12.5 million down the line, the People’s History Museum has finally re-opened.

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Oldham - Escape to the Country We take a look at the rural villages surrounding the borough town of Oldham.

We speak to Manchester’s up and coming literary and musical talent!

Southport – England’s classic resort A classic Victorian town by the sea – the perfect day out.

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Cumbria – the Lake District Home to one of the UK’s most spectacular national parks, Cumbria is little more than an hour away from Manchester.

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Where to stay Your accommodation options.

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Come dine with us An introduction to Manchester’s culinary offering by two of the city’s rising ‘foodie’ stars and full details of where’s best to eat in the city.

Manchester Voices: Peter Hook The legendary music man talks about The Hacienda, his new club - The Factory, and finding the city’s next big music talent.

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Changing with the times: The Beehive Mill From cotton production in Industrial Revolution to the set of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, this Georgian mill has seen it all.

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It’s coming home? Manchester’s role in a possible England 2018 FIFA World Cup .

50 things to do around Manchester before you die What it says on the tin: a check-list of things to do as recommended by the listeners of BBC Radio Manchester. The feature is illustrated with competition entries to Manchester Airport’s ‘New Welcome at Arrivals’ Flickr competition.

Manchester a footballing tradition

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Snapshot - China Town

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Trafford Quays Leisure Village Skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, shopping and sleeping – what more could you ask for from a day out, eh?

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Manchester Airport Flight listings and more.

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Getting around the city-region Public transport information.

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The last word Nick Johnson uncut.

NEWS & DEVELOPMENTS

Public art on your mobile

Manchester mementoes

Left Bank at the People’s History Museum

Manchester City Galleries is launching a pilot scheme to provide information about public art via mobile phones. Using a phone’s built in camera to scan a ‘QR code’ label that accompanies 20 works around the city, visitors will be automatically taken to a dedicated mobile-friendly webpage that displays information about the statue, sculpture or Heritage Plaque. If successful, Manchester City Galleries plan to extend the service to more pieces of art around the city. So keep an eye out for the QR codes labels throughout the city centre – and get snapping!

If your travel plans take you via Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, keep an eye out for the new Manchester store in the departure lounge. Here, you’ll find a range of gifts and mementoes to remind you of your time in the city, including a collection of Manchester-branded leather goods. If you’re flying from another terminal, don’t worry, the products available from the store are also available online.

Left Bank, the new café bar at the People’s History Museum, is a must for lovers of tradition British fare. Check out their bacon fidget pie or pan haggerty while enjoying impressive views over the River Irwell.

phm.org.uk

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manchestergalleries.org

Airkix Manchester

Visitor Information Centre

Superjumbo comes to Manchester

Indoor skydiving and bodyflying has come to the city with Airkix Manchester, a new attraction close to the Trafford Centre and the Chill Factore. Airkix Manchester has the UK’s biggest indoor skydiving tunnel. First time flyers, groups or professionals are all welcome to have a go; it is available to anyone who wishes to taste the thrill of freefall in a completely safe environment.

Manchester’s new Visitor Information Centre will open in June 2010. Situated on the corner of Piccadilly Gardens and Portland Street, the centre will make the visitor experience both interactive and functional. Visitors will be able to use the most up to date technology to plan their time in the city, with a twelve screen media wall and interactive videos on hand to really ‘set the scene’.

Emirates has announced plans to operate the A380 ‘superjumbo’ on their service between Manchester and Dubai. Commencing in September, it will be the first time the aircraft, which can seat more than 500 people, has been used on a service into a regional airport anywhere in the world.

airkix.com/manchester

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emirates.com

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50 things to do around Manchester before you die The team at BBC Radio Manchester are out and about more often than most. Their listeners span the entire city-region and in reporting the news on the ground on a daily basis, they’re naturally clued up on what the city has to offer. Between them, they’ve compiled a list of the 50 things to do around Manchester before you die. OK – it’s a bit ambitious for someone on a weekend break, but think of it as a life list and tick them off with each return trip you make!

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Take a ride on the East Lancashire Steam Railway.

Have a cocktail at Cloud 23.

Take a canal barge to a game at Old Trafford.

Make a cake at Slatteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Be an extra on Coronation Street.

Have a tour of Concorde at Manchester Airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aviation Viewing Park.

Spend a night at the Lowry Hotel.

Go for a ski or snow board at Chill Factore.

10 Take a tour around Manchester Town Hall

See a musical at the Palace Theatre.

11 Have a conker fight in Heaton Park.

12 Take a ride on the Wheel of Manchester. 13 Go Karting at Daytona in Trafford Park. 14 Climb the Air Tower at the Imperial War Museum North. 15 See the collection at Manchester Art Gallery. 16 Go Skydiving indoors at Airkix in Trafford Park.

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ÂŠ MEN Arena

17 Take up a new hobby at the Watersports Centre on Salford Quays.

27 Watch the Manchester Pride Parade.

19 Travel the entire Metrolink network in a day.

28 See a blockbuster in 3D at the Imax at the Printworks.

20 Watch a match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

29 See a Super League rugby match.

21 Take the Discover Manchester walking tour.

30 Make a Manchester Tart.

23 Read some Elizabeth Gaskell at her house in Plymouth Grove.

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26 See the Gallery of Costume at Platt Hall.

18 Taste some fresh black pudding at the world famous Bury Market.

22 Watch the Manchester football derby.

25 Follow the road to Wigan Pier.

24 Watch a superstar gig at the MEN Arena.

31 See in the New Year with the Exchange Square fireworks. 32 Drink some Vimto and visit the Vimto memorial on Granby Place. 33 Watch the stars at the Godlee observatory.

34 See the works of LS Lowry at the Lowry Arts Centre. 35 Take a look round Stockportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hat Works Museum. 36 Have afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel. 37 Wait for a UFO at the Landing Site in Hulme Park. 38 Visit the Baby computer replica at MOSI. 39 See a jazz gig at Matt & Phreds in the Northern Quarter. 40 Have a hot curry in Rusholmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curry Mile. 41 Read a book in the John Rylands Library. 34

42 See a gig at the Comedy Store. 43 Look at the mummies and dinosaurs in the Manchester Museum. 44 Take a tour of the BBC studios on Oxford Road. 45 Feed the ducks in Castlefield. 46 Find out about the suffragettes at the Pankhurst Centre. 47 Watch the Dragons parade on Chinese New Year. 48 See the air raid shelters in Stockport. 49 Visit the fish at Bolton Aquarium. 50 Go clubbing under the arches at the Warehouse Project.

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WHAT’S ON FESTIVALS

Tatton Park Biennial 2010

Literature Festival

8 May – 26 September Tatton Park

14 – 25 October

Tatton Park stages its second Biennial of contemporary art - a laboratory for creative experiment and exchange, with new works commissioned for the Deer Park, Mansion and Formal Gardens. tattonparkbiennial.org

Manchester Day 20 June An opportunity to celebrate all things Mancunian, Manchester Day is the latest addition to city's events calendar. The centrepiece of the celebrations will be the Manchester Day Parade, a massive outdoor carnival that will bring together all of the many different cultures and organisations that live and work in the city. themanchesterdayparade.co.uk

24:7 Theatre Festival

The Manchester Literature Festival provides unique and imaginative opportunities for audiences to experience high quality live literature through this annual event. The festival celebrates the power of writing across all creative and technological media, and offers a cutting-edge programme of activities with distinguished literary figures at the forefront. manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

Food & Drink Festival 1 – 11 October This established urban food and drink festival revels in the fact that it has no single location; rather it takes over as much of the city centre and surrounding region as possible, with a huge programme of events taking place, both indoor and outdoor. foodanddrinkfestival.com

26 July – 1 August

Comedy Festival

Manchester's annual 24:7 Theatre Festival is a springboard for new writing and acting talent in the Northwest. It showcases new and exciting theatre in the heart of the city - in very unconventional spaces. This year sees a further 21 plays hand-picked by a team of judges come to life in a week-long feast of variety, cutting-edge drama and comedy. 247theatrefestival.co.uk

Ten years old this year, the Manchester Comedy Festival sees over 90 shows grace theatres, clubs, bars and pubs throughout the city-region in just over a week. With a full spectrum of comedy, from traditional stand-up to sketch, films to cabaret and cartoons to improv, there is a show for everyone. A selection of international acts,

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21 – 31 October

UK headliners and local comedians will take part to create one of the biggest comedy festivals in the country. manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Science Festival 23 – 31 October A week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, the Manchester Science Festival explores the relevance of science to our everyday lives, its history and the work taking place in the region today. With over 150 events taking place across the city, it is the biggest festival of its kind in the UK. manchestersciencefestival.com

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 21 – 24 October A mecca for lovers of contemporary craft, the unique and the original. Here, you can buy and commission gallery-quality, handmade objects directly from over 130 selected designer-makers of contemporary jewellery, ceramic home wares, interior textiles, fashion, glass, metal, wood, furniture and more. greatnorthernevents.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EXHIBITIONS © Don McCullin

Contra el bien general, 1863, Francisco de Goya © Manchester City Galleries

St. Jean-de-Luz, France, 1986, Dorothy Bohm © Dorothy Bohm Archive

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

All Aboard: Stories of War At Sea

A World Observed 1940 - 2010: Photographs by Dorothy Bohm

Until 13th June Imperial War Museum North

17 July 2010 – April 2011 Imperial War Museum North

Until 30 August Manchester Art Gallery

The largest ever UK exhibition about the life and work of Don McCullin, one of the world’s most acclaimed photographers, marking his 75th year. A unique collaboration between McCullin and the Imperial War Museum, this major new exhibition contains over 200 photographs, objects, magazines and personal memorabilia and shows how war has shaped the life of this exceptional British photographer and those across the globe over the last half-century. north.iwm.org.uk

This new family-friendly interactive exhibition is Imperial War Museum North’s first large-scale exhibition to reveal the unique experiences of life at sea in wartime. Through eye witness accounts and stories of adventure, visitors will discover the qualities required to survive the hardships and danger of life at sea. This free exhibition will look at what was it like to be in the Navy during wartime and how this experience changed or remained the same - over the last 100 years. It also examines the diversity of roles at sea and reveals how conflict both on the surface and underwater has shaped the story of the British Isles from the First World War to the present day. north.iwm.org.uk

From vintage portraits through jewel-like Polaroids to colourful images of contemporary life, this absorbing exhibition features over 200 prints by leading photographer Dorothy Bohm. Discover a wide array of aesthetically striking pieces of work that document people and landscapes in a rapidly changing world. Also explore a recreation of Bohm’s 1940s portrait studio and (re)discover the fading art of film processing in a replica dark room. manchestergalleries.org

Fantasies, Follies and Disasters: The Prints of Francisco de Goya Until 25 July Manchester Art Gallery Discover Spanish painter Francisco de Goya's extraordinary use of imagination, wit and satire in this exhibition of approximately thirty rarely-displayed prints from the Gallery’s collections. Exhibits are taken from the artist's three main groups of etchings: The Fantasies, The Disasters of War and The Follies, all of which were withdrawn or withheld from publication during his lifetime because of their controversial, disturbing or strange qualities. manchestergalleries.org

Walls Are Talking Until 30 August Whitworth Art Gallery The first major UK exhibition of artists' wallpapers with work by over 30 artists including Andy Warhol, Sarah Lucas and Damien Hirst. This exhibition has proven so popular that the Whitworth has extended its opening date. Kitsch ideas of home decoration are turned upside down as artists subvert the stereotypes of wallpaper to hit home messages about warfare, racism, cultural conflicts and gender. whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

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WHAT’S ON MUSIC © Daniel Parker

Hungry Pigeon

Wigan Life Tuned In Concerts

Oxjam 2010

28 - 30 May

5 - 9 July

October

Following a hugely successful inaugural in 2009, Hungry Pigeon is back with an incredible schedule of live art, poetry, short films, U18s events, art exhibitions, busking and even its very own Northern Quarter art treasure trail. hungrypigeon.com

The Grade II listed Haigh Hall is gearing up to host a series of open air concerts that will bring some of the biggest names in the music business to Wigan this summer. Artists performing include: McFly, Alesha Dixon, NDubz, Tinie Tempah, Katherine Jenkins, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Saturdays and Ronan Keating. wlct.org/concerts

Oxjam is Oxfam's month of music dedicated to fighting poverty. Whatever you're into from club night to classical, folk to funk Oxjam is your chance to fight poverty with music. Since the event’s launch in 2006, more than 36,000 musicians have played to an audience of over 750,000 people at almost 3,000 Oxjam events, raising in excess of £1 million to fight poverty around the world. oxfam.org.uk/oxjam

Eurocultured 30 - 31 May This free urban street festival on Oxford Road brings together the best talent from around Europe and the outdoor stage, beneath the railway arches offer a unique setting. With a diverse mix of live art, dance, music, performance, creative workshops and European food and drink, expect another bank holiday weekend to remember. eurocultured.com

Manchester Jazz Festival 23 - 31 July Manchester’s 15th annual, week-long jazz festival featuring contemporary jazz performances across the city centre. Watch out for performances in St Ann’s Square and late sessions at Matt & Phred’s. manchesterjazz.com

In The City 2010 Parklife Festival 2010 12 June Celebrating 100 years of Platt Fields Park, the Parklife Festival will kick-start Manchester’s summer with a bang. With a real emphasis on value for money, an amazing line-up of local, national and international artists spread across six stages, all is set for Parklife to be a really special event. parklife.uk.com

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October In The City is the UK’s premier international music convention and new music event. It brings the music industry together in Manchester for debates and provides a stage for the best new and emerging bands in the world to perform for the assembled masses. inthecity.co.uk

The Warehouse Project 2010 September - December The Warehouse Project is a series of club nights organised in an unusual space; under Piccadilly train station. Since its launch in 2006, it has played host to numerous internationally acclaimed DJs and musicians. Look out for special performance announcements from many established acts that are happy to party deep under the hallowed streets of Manchester. thewarehouseproject.com

WHAT’S ON GAY & LESBIAN © Mark Sheppard

Queer Up North

Sparkle

18 - 31 May 2010

9 - 11 July 2010

Manchester's international queer arts festival, Queer Up North is first of its type in Europe. Celebrating its eighteenth year, this annual festival commissions and presents a diverse programme of live performance, art and ideas. It also presents international live performances, with many companies or artists making their UK debuts in Manchester. queerupnorth.com

One of the biggest celebrations of all things transgender, Sparkle is the most high profile event of its kind. The two day festival has been running for six years and continues to be a great opportunity to make new friends and get support and information on gender issues while enjoying weekend packed full of entertainment. Live music really brings the gay village to life, with Sackville Gardens playing host to entertainment with ‘Sparkle in the Park’. sparkle.org.uk

Pride Games 6 - 13 June 2010 Pride Games is an annual week-long lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) multi-sports and leisure festival, hosted by a number of venues across Greater Manchester. The Games are all about the taking part, with something to suit most tastes. Aiming to challenge stereotypes, the Games provide varied opportunities for participation. Those taking part can choose from athletics, mountain biking, squash, five-a-side football, 5km and 10km runs, ballroom and Latin dance masterclasses; all of which are returning for the 2010 programme. pridegames.org

Manchester Pride 20 - 30 August 2010 Now in its 20th year, Manchester’s dynamic LGBT festival provides interactive celebrations of arts, film, and the everpopular parade. Thousands of revellers help to secure Pride’s reputation as an international event with the spirit of a community. As the biggest LGBT/HIV fundraiser of its kind in the UK, Pride’s closing vigil reminds all its visitors what the event is all about. manchesterpride.com

Walking Tours Village People Guide: John Ryan Starts at: Visitor Information Centre Ends at: Sackville Gardens The personalities, pubs and places of the Gay Village. Over The Rainbow: Gay Manchester Guides: Andrew Derbyshire and Elizabeth Sibbering Starts at: Manchester Town Hall Ends at: Canal Street Journey through the turbulent history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Manchester, finishing at the once closeted but now open and vibrant Gay Village.

The Village Of course, the Gay Village is a great place to explore - whatever the time of year you choose to visit. Grab some breakfast in Velvet (velvetmanchester.com) to start your day, followed by a walking tour of the village to discover the heritage of the once-closeted area. Later, enjoy lunch outside Taurus Bar (taurus-bar.co.uk) by the canal before winding-up your afternoon soaking up the sun in Sackville Gardens. By night, you can hit the bars and dance the night away. visitmanchester.com

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WHAT’S ON SPORT

England v Bangladesh 4-8 June, Lancashire County Cricket Club 2nd npower Test Match 11am start daily

England v Australia Sunday 27 June, Lancashire County Cricket Club One-Day International 10.45am start

North West Masters Football

FIL World Lacrosse Championships

2011 UCI Track World Cup Classics series

10-24 July

18-20 February

The prestigious 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championships come to Manchester in the biggest World Championships to date, with 31 nations competing for the title. The championships will also host the first FIL endorsed World Festival. This is a unique opportunity for quality touring teams to play in a competitive tournament in Manchester in the shadow of the World Championships. 2010worldlacrosse.com

A chance to see potential Olympic medallists ahead of the 2012 Games in London. This event decides who will qualify for the following month's World Championships in Holland.

Sunday 18 July, MEN Arena Manchester United, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City battle it out to see who will be crowned North West Champions 2010. The series takes in eight regional heats, features 32 teams and over 320 players, culminating in a Grand Final televised live on Sky Sports. Now entering its 11th full season, the Masters Cup has become the tournament to win for every ex-professional and international footballer in the UK.

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Ironman UK Triathlon Bolton, 1st August 2010 This gruelling 140 mile triathlon takes place in Bolton, just a few miles outside of Manchester. It begins with a two-loop swim in a reservoir, followed by a spectacular bike course through Bolton’s countryside and finishes with a run that ends next to the historic Bolton Town Hall. visitbolton.com

WHAT’S ON MARKETS

Flower Market

Arts & Craft Market

Feast Market

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

6 - 15 August, 11am - 5.30pm St Ann’s Square

29 September – 10 October St Ann’s Square

Dozens of arts and craftspeople ply their multi-coloured wares from across the globe on the streets of the city as part of the arts and crafts market. It’s a perfect opportunity to stock up on some unique, one-off gifts including original timber carvings, jewellery, bags, glassware, mirrors, ornaments, textiles, photography, clocks, stationery, aromatherapy products, natural skincare and wooden toys.

The Feast Market brings together Manchester’s many food heroes under one roof. The event is the product of the huge resurgence in interest in traditional British food and ingredients and showcases some of the region’s best farmers and producers.

The Flower Market is a treat for the senses, selling exotic arrangements, potted plants, cut flowers and bonsai trees. Experienced flower traders will advise you on the best blooms for any occasion and even make a bespoke bouquet according to your floral desires.

Fashion Market Every Saturday, 10am - 5pm Tib Street The days of market fashion being about five pairs of socks for a fiver are long gone. Tib Street’s weekly fashion market has enough to keep rummagers, fashionistas, and secondhand junkies content for hours. The stalls feature a selection of quirky, hand-made pieces from some of Manchester’s best up and coming designers.

French Market 10 – 13 September, 10am - 6pm St Ann’s Square Fancy a little ‘oh la la’ in your life? The French markets set up shop every September in St Ann’s Square and are piled high with French food and fashion including: crepes, French cheeses and sweet treats straight from the bakery, alongside other goods such as natural Marseilles soaps, hand-made baskets and pashminas.

Christmas Markets Various city-centre locations Don your Santa hat, dust off the mulled wine glass and get into the festive spirit. The array of stalls is mind-boggling, with mouthwatering delicacies from all over Europe. European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, and top quality bonsais trees, to Dutch cheeses, French breads, and Spanish chorizo.

Art Market 25-26 June, 10am - 5.30pm St Ann’s Square The Art Market features only original pieces of art. It includes paintings, prints, photography, and glass art, all for sale by the artists themselves.

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Manchester Voices

Baba Israel Baba Israel is the artistic director of Contact – a pioneering theatre venue in the heart of the city’s university district on Oxford Road. He is currently spearheading the 2010 outing of Contacting the World - a biennial festival and collaborative project for young people across the globe.

So, Baba, tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to work at Contact.

get a manifesto from another theatre company and go and perform it in a public place somewhere.

Well, I grew up in New York. My parents are both in the theatre so I was immersed in the arts from an early age. New York in the 80’s meant I was also exposed to the hip-hop culture and became interested in beatboxing and writing lyrics, so I’ve always been in touch with the theatre, performance, the arts and contemporary forms.

To me, what’s great about that is you have this international collaboration; an international partnership. When all these companies come to Manchester this summer it’s going to be an insane, week-long festival. The energy is going to be crazy.

I came to Contact as a performer in 2005 with my dad. He’s a jazz musician and poet and we did a double bill. We walked into the building and we were completely freaked out. We’d never seen a theatre that was as funky as this and as welcoming of diverse audiences of young people. We kind of felt like we were in a bit of a dream. There’s nothing like this in New York. There are great venues in New York but there’s no place that’s animated in the way that this building is. As a musician and theatre artist with a passion for working with young people, the great thing about Contact is that everything I’m interested in happens in one space. It’s a place where all my passions take place. What can you tell us about Contacting the World?

For an extended interview with Baba, check out: visitmanchester.com

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It’s all about artistic engagement and innovation in the arts, but also about getting young people to be the driving force. We’re talking about 12 companies coming together – it’s very ambitious. We have companies from nine overseas countries and three or so from the UK. They get paired and then every month they have a creative challenge. They get sent a box that will have some kind of provocation and they’ll have to do something like write a manifesto or they’ll

Besides Contacting the World, what else is coming up at Contact that you’re excited about? There’s going to be a lot happening. In May we have the Queer Up North festival – there’s going to be some new pieces coming out of that. There’s a new project we’ve launched called Outspoken, which is focussing new spoken word artists – that’s going to be fantastic. We also have FutureEverything coming back to Contact. We’re working on a production called Play Everything – to create a full day of activity which will be a first level engagement for people interested in technology and creativity in the arts. I’m really excited about technology and arts and how they can collaborate. What are your thoughts about Manchester? I’m very partial to it. It’s the first place that I came to in the UK. Most New York artists go to London, but I connected with an artist from Washington DC and he was very proud of Manchester – like all Mancunians are. He got me intrigued. I thought “What is this place?” Of course, I knew about the music scene, it’s got such a legendary history, and there are so many great bands that have come out of here. Factory Records, the Haçienda, you name it, I’d heard it all. It’s a hotbed of new innovation and new ideas. I think Manchester is putting itself on the map even more right now. It’s a renaissance.

Visitor Information Walking Tour Check out the Sculpture and Art in the Streets tour with Elizabeth Sibbering for a guided walk of Manchester’s war memorials, monuments, modern sculptures and murals. Guide: Elizabeth Sibbering Starts at: Manchester Visitor Information Centre Ends at: City centre location visitmanchester.com

OPEN ALL HOURS 24-hour public art in Manchester The days when art could only be enjoyed in a gallery or museum are long gone. Of course, that’s still an option if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – but today, art can be found all around us. But it's all too easy to walk past public art and monuments without realising - let alone taking the time to think about who, or what, they’re about and why they’re actually there. So by way of an introduction to the city’s public art – here’s a selection of the objects, statues and monuments you’re likely to see while you’re in the city. For an extended list of public art in Manchester, visit: manchestergalleries.org

The Ishinki Touchstone, Barbirolli Square Sculptor: Kan Yasuda Date: 1996 This large piece of abstract sculpture can be found outside The Bridgewater Hall. The carrara marble has the shape of a pebble and was installed in 1996. The artist, Kan Yasuda, has said that the word “Ishinki” means a form returning to itself. The simplicity of the form, and its placement at street level, displays the natural beauty of the Italian marble that it is carved from. This smoothness and accessibility impel the viewer to touch the stone to experience its qualities through another sense. Other cities with an Ishinki include Florence, Sydney and Tokyo.

Adrift, St Peters Square Sculptor: John Cassidy Date: 1907 This life-sized bronze sculptural of a family on a raft on the rough sea is work of Irishborn sculptor, John Cassidy. Intended to illustrate the changes and sorrows experienced by human beings, it also shows Cassidy moving away from the formal, stylised conventions of Victorian sculpture to a new naturalism. It was Manchester's first modern figurative outdoor sculpture.Adrift originally stood in Piccadilly Gardens but in 2009 it was moved to St Peter’s Square, outside the entrance to the Manchester Town Hall extension.

Images: left page The Ishinki Touchstone, Barbirolli Square, this page left Adrift, St Peters Square, below Journey Piccadilly Station

The Abraham Lincoln statue, Lincoln Square Sculptor: George Grey Barnard Date: Erected in 1919 It may seem unusual for Manchester to have a statue of Abraham Lincoln, as there are no obvious links to the 16th President of the United States. In fact, Manchester was a very important ally to Abraham Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union during the American Civil War. As the largest processor of cotton in the world, Manchester took a strong moral and political stance by choosing to boycott Southern Cotton in protest against the use of slave labour. This was not an easy decision to make and led to the Lancashire Cotton Famine, which saw many cotton workers lose their jobs and struggle to feed their families. Lincoln wrote a letter to thank the people of Manchester for their support. Later an American couple donated the statue as a reminder of the link between Manchester and the United States.

Journey, Piccadilly Station Sculptor: A group from Shena Simon College. Date: 1995 In 1995, a group of students from Shena Simon College (now City College) created this project on London Road, underneath Manchester Piccadilly Station Approach. The three bronze relief panels are dedicated to all who pass through Piccadilly and show faces, footprints and tyre-tracks.

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Season, Cathedral Gardens Designer: Melanie Jackson Date: 2002 Season is a water feature with sculptural elements and inscribed poetry. There are three main areas to the work: the Source Pool, the Rill and Finale Pool. In the source pool, there are six large bronze leaves representing autumn, which create a lively cascade of water. Low relief typography on the leaves depict an appropriate poem. A channel of water or Rill, runs the length of the park and is interspersed with twenty four smaller bronze elements whose sequence represents the changing seasons, ending with summer. In the Finale Pool stand four large bronze and timber posts, indicative of maritime groins. Between each of these posts undulating plumes of water create a dramatic curving wall. The four posts, ranging in height from 2m to 8m, are carved and modelled with low relief designs, each representing one of the four seasons.

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The Tree of Remembrance, Piccadilly Gardens

The Beacon of Hope, Sackville Gardens

Sculptor: Wolfgang and Heron Date: 2005

Designer: Warren Chapman & Jess Byrne-Daniels Date: 1997

A civilian memorial, the Tree of Remembrance is a stylised bronze tree sculpture with names of civilian victims of the Second World War inscribed around the trunk and on the leaves. It was erected in 2005. The Tree of Remembrance replaced a real tree in Piccadilly Gardens in a project involving the Valuing Older People group for the 60th anniversary of VE day. The design was intended to provide a shelter and contemplative space for remembrance and reflection.

The Beacon of Hope was conceived in 1997 as Manchester's answer to the threat of HIV and AIDS. The design consists of a series of elements combining together the existing 'Tree of Life' with the 'Beacon of Hope' light sculpture. They describe a metaphorical journey through life, providing the opportunity for remembrance, contemplation and celebration. The Beacon is sited in a prominent position overlooking the cafe bar society of the world famous Canal Street and is regularly used by people as a place to chat, have a drink, or remember loved ones.

The Sir Robert Peel statue, Piccadilly Gardens Sculptor: William Calder Marshall Date: 1853 Robert Peel held the office of prime minister twice, from 1834-35 and from 1841-46. His larger than life size bronze statue was raised in Piccadilly Gardens after his sudden death in 1850. It celebrates the abolition of the Corn Laws, which helped many people in the Northwest. The crowned figure flanking Peelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statue is a representation of Manchester and the other figure represents the arts and sciences. It was unveiled on 12 October 1853.

The Oliver Cromwell statue, Wythenshawe Park The Oliver Cromwell statue once stood on Deansgate, opposite the old Manchester Exchange rail station. It is believed the statue was originally earmarked to stand inside Manchester Town Hall. However, both the architect, Alfred Waterhouse and the sculptor thought the statue too large and therefore an alternative site was found for it on Deansgate. Over the years it earned the nickname 'the pedestrian's friend' as it stood in the middle of a busy main road. When the station was demolished the statue was moved to Wythenshawe Park, where battles took place during the civil war of the early 15th century. The statue shows him stepping forward in gartered uniform with his hat by his feet.

The King Edward VII statue, Whitworth Park Sculptor: John Cassidy Date: 1913 This statue of King Edward VII can be found on the east side of Whitworth Park. It was unveiled in 1913 to commemorate the royal visit of 1909 when the new Royal Infirmary buildings were opened. A full restoration of the bronze monument took place in 2008 as part of a wider programme organised by Manchester City Galleries to care and conserve Manchester's public and war memorials portfolio.

Images: this page The Oliver Cromwell statue, Wythenshawe Park left page The Tree of Remembrance, Piccadilly Gardens

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SNAP SHOT The Midland Hotel & Central Library Wednesday 10th March 4:38pm

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BAGS OF STYLE By Helen Tither

Whether you are looking to bag a bargain or splash out on some stunning designer shoes, Manchester is a must-visit for all the hottest accessories with its range of luxury stores and independent boutiques. Helen Tither highlights some of the city’s hidden shopping gems. Browsing the rails of vintage-inspired treasures at Manchester boutique Me&Yu it’s easy to see why supermodel Agyness Deyn can’t stay away. The Ramsbottom-born catwalk star is a regular visitor to this treasure trove of custom-made jewellery and fashion in the city’s funky Northern Quarter whenever she jets back up north. And she’s not the only celebrity shopper to stalk Manchester’s stylish stores in search of must-have accessories. The city’s designer label-loving WAGs and high street savvy soap stars know exactly where to go for the hottest new heels or in-demand It Bags. From bespoke hats and shoes to full-on bling, Manchester has become a shopping Mecca for accessory lovers. Here’s our insider’s guide to the first stops on every stylist’s shopping list…

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JEWELLERY

HEADGEAR

Follow in Agyness’ Amazonian footsteps by heading to Me&Yu’s boutique in quirky clothing emporium Afflecks, where you’ll find dozens more one-off jewellery designers covering everything from punk to partywear. A hotbed for new design talent, ever since Wayne Hemingway formed Red or Dead there in its party heyday, the rambling collection of one-off stalls is still the best place in town for alternative accessories.

The city-region has a proud heritage of getting ahead when it comes to fashionable headgear. Find out more about Stockport’s world-renowned 19th century hat-making industry at the town’s Hat Works museum, six miles outside Manchester. Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian Mill (once a bustling hat workshop), this stunning collection of must-see millinery also has its own range of heritage-inspired hats for sale.

Check out nearby Rags to Bitches (Tib Street), favourite of the city’s leading fashionistas for its hand-picked selection of vintage jewellery, bags, shoes and evening gloves. Not to forget their occasional cupcake days and tarot card readings.

For a new spin on this traditional skill, head to H’atelier in Manchester’s northern quarter where modern milliner Jen ScottRussell’s bespoke hats have become seriously hot property for film companies as well as the city’s stylists.

However, if full-on bling is your thing take a peek at celebrity silversmith Theo Fennell’s concession at Harvey Nichols. A favourite with former Manchester United star David Beckham, these rocks should make short work of your spending money.

Alternatively, vintage vultures will adore the one-offs at Manchester’s rock n’ roll fashion boutique, The General Store on Deansgate. Housed in the historic glass and steel Barton Arcade, once home to Victorian Manchester’s most luxurious retailers, this favourite among the fashion pack has its own collection of Global Vintage headgear and jewellery. Hand-picked by former Project Catwalk contestant Fatz Kassim, who also stocks her own bespoke jewellery in store.

Meanwhile, no jewellery junkie could visit Manchester without popping into the new Tiffany boutique in Selfridges on Exchange Square. Well, those diamonds are every girl’s best friend.

If you’re looking for something a little more show-stopping, visit Wigs Up North, theatrical wig-makers to the stars, whose past TV credits include Peter Kay’s character of Geraldine in Britain’s Got the Pop Factor.

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BAGS Looking for the latest It Bag? The arm candy at Manchester’s designer quarter of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Burberry in Exchange Square won’t disappoint. It’s certainly the first stop for Coronation Street’s most stylish stars on payday. Alternatively, grab a handbag with local fashion heritage – at one of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s stores. The Glossop-born queen of the catwalk boasts a glamorous presence in swanky Spring Gardens. But it’s well worth a trip out to the Trafford Centre – seven miles outside the city off the M60 motorway – to visit her dedicated accessories outlet. A short drive from the Trafford Centre to the Lowry Outlet Mall at Salford Quays reveals a whole host of bargain bags from the likes of Whistles, with prices well below the rest of the high street. Back in the city centre, track down one of Manchester’s real hidden shopping gems – the Suede and Leather Bar at the side of the Royal Exchange Theatre. This independent store has been a fixture in the city for decades – catering for all kinds of famous faces from The Clash to Bon Jovi. Check out their quality range of leather laptop bags, satchels and suitcases.

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SHOES The Manchester United and City players aren’t the only ones displaying fancy footwork in the city. Their WAGs know exactly where to track down the sexiest new shoes - the designer footwear department at Selfridges in the Trafford Centre, a favourite celeb haunt ever since the days David and Victoria Beckham used to shop there. If you’re on the lookout for celebrity castoffs, a trip out to Alderley Edge in Cheshire (15 miles outside the city centre) could be well worth it. As Coleen Rooney is among those said to donate to charity shops in that patch.

Back on the designer shoe trail, Harvey Nichols is the city’s premier Louboutin stockist, hosting invite-only previews of the collection each season.

For beautiful bespoke designs pay a visit to CoCu corset-makers in Barton Arcade where sumptuous silk shoes can be dyed to match any outfit.

While the newly-opened Hervia Bazaar is a must for anyone searching for something out of the ordinary. Stocking designer names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme Des Garcons, and local designer Henry Holland (who was there for its glittering launch party), it’s also the only place outside London to bag Michael Lewis’s range of fabulous footwear. With heels inspired by chess pieces, the Stockport-born designer’s “DIY Couture” is fast gathering a cult following.

Finally, finish your accessory shopping adventure at Muse womenswear boutique in the beautiful former mill town of Ramsbottom (15 miles outside the city centre). A favourite haunt of soap stars heading for the red carpet, this gorgeous little boutique stocks heavenly heels alongside its designer dresses. Following, rather fittingly, in the footsteps of the nearby Rossendale valley, a shoe-making hotspot in the nineteenth century. The perfect excuse to combine shopping with a spot of cultural sightseeing.

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the centre of attention 23 eateries | over 60 fashion emporiums | 16 health & beauty boutiques over 240 reasons to gravitate to the centre

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Bursting at the seams with the latest fashion, footwear, accessories, music and entertainment, Manchester Arndale is at the heart of the city's shopping district. Amongst its 240 plus retailers the centre boasts something to suit everyone. Home to flagship stores from Next and All Saints, this year the centre also welcomed Pandora, specialist jewellers known for their signature charm bracelet, mens and ladies shoe retailer Office, crystal jewellery and gift retailer Swarovski and the UK's only Helly Hansen outdoor wear store. Hot high street fashion names such as Topshop, Oasis and Warehouse complement cult independents like Superdry, G-Star and Pulp with the latest music and pop culture fashions. Indulge yourself at one of our many eateries or coffee shops such as Starbucks, Eat, Costa Coffee, Bagel Nash and Baskin Robbins. Or for a more leisurely dining experience, try Bella Italia, Est Caffe or Nandos restaurant. Our Foodcourt is also home to Pizza Hut Express, Subway, McDonalds and Wings, so there's something to suit everyone. MEN arena

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Centre Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 9am - 8pm Sunday 10am - 6pm Telephone: 0161 833 9851 (Individual retailer opening hours may vary)

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Changing with the times: The Beehive Mill The mills and factories of Ancoats were the first in the world to be driven by steam. They devoured a peaceful, open backwater of Manchester in the space of less than 50 years, laying the very foundations of the Industrial Revolution. Of the stunning factory buildings that remain here, one in particular - the Beehive Mill - gives a unique insight into this great city.

In 1824, Beehive Mill opened as a cotton processing unit for families of weavers to rent their own space. Its many mechanical looms (the devices used to weave cotton) would have been powered by a steam-fuelled drive shaft. Its workers, mostly women and children, would have grafted until late into the night because of a ‘cutting edge’ gas-lit interior. The building mimicked the other mills that came to populate Ancoats in that it was essentially a gigantic, incredibly noisy and frightening capitalist machine. It was one of the first in the world to be constructed with fire prevention in mind. This would have alleviated fears over stock (cotton is flammable and the factories were notoriously hot) whilst inadvertently offering some level of safety to workers. However, it still suffered from a number of fires in the mid 19th century. Its design of oversized cast iron beams supporting heavy stone flag floors kept it from burning to the ground. The Georgian mill was developed in a piecemeal fashion over a number of decades. It sits amongst some of the greatest structures of Ancoats, including the Murray’s Mills and the Royal Mills complex. There is no record of how it came to be named. The Bee had been chosen as the symbol of Manchester in the 19th century and it is most likely a tribute to this. The Bee exemplified Manchester’s industry and was a direct tribute to the working class. Beehive Mill was served by an extension of the Rochdale canal, which although long gone, is suggested by a hump in the road (a former bridge) on Radium Street. The canals in this area, coupled with the arrival of a large number of Italian immigrants, led to it being named ‘Little Venice’. The name still resonates today with Ancoats earmarked as a potential UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site – a status which would place it in the same category as modern-day Venice. When Manchester’s cotton industry began a slow decline in 1928, Beehive Mill became the home of John Sankey and Son Ltd. Sankey was a dry soap and match manufacturer whose father had originally set up business in 1871 on nearby Dale Street. Sankeys Soap, as it became known, was manufactured at Beehive until 1969 when the company dissolved. The ‘Sankey’s Soap’ logo still appears on two sides of the mill tower. A popular urban myth suggests that the two logos – one with a red background and one blue - were painted purposely to face Old Trafford (home to Manchester United) and Maine Road (the former home of Manchester City) respectively.

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In the mid to late 20th Century, as UK manufacturing wavered: the mills of Ancoats, once the beating heart of Manchester, fell into disrepair and decline. They left behind only traces and echoes of the city’s former past. As Manchester became invigorated by other pursuits, namely music and pop culture, it is well documented that its post-industrial landscape offered a breeding ground for artists looking for escapism. The Beehive Mill is no exception in this story. For over three decades the mill acted as a provisional rehearsal space for a number of iconic Manchester bands and touring artists who required a place to practice. It has seen rehearsals from the Smiths, James, Elbow, Simply Red and The Fall. In the mid 1990s it was surrounded by screaming girls when Take That arrived for song and dance practice. Other artists to practice and perform within its confines include Frank Black from the Pixies, Bjork, India Arie, Tony Christie, Papa Roach and John Martyn. In 1994, a nightclub aptly named Sankey’s Soap opened for business on the ground floor, offering an exciting, if somewhat gritty, clubbing experience in an isolated suburb of

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the city. Sankey’s Soap introduced the UK’s first live performance of Daft Punk and the first ever live performance by the Chemical Brothers. It was one of the last places where Michael Hutchence (of INXS) was seen out before his suicide in Sydney, Australia. The club owners were never certain if this was a positive claim, but it was still a claim no less. The present owner of the building is David Vincent, who was involved with the nightclub from its conception and took on the lease of the entire Beehive Mill in 2005, essentially to save Sankeys from the onset of potential developers. As well as the nightclub, Beehive Mill also accommodates a number of small creative businesses including a photography studio, 3D animation and interactive design studio. One of the buildings major draws is the rehearsal space, which attracts young practicing bands over seven days of the week. MCR:Music, a current occupant of the Beehive Mill, are taking control of the popular rehearsal rooms this year, in partnership with David Vincent and Sankeys. They aim to spruce up the rooms and create the best place in Manchester for new musicians to practice their performances.

Images courtesy of Sankeys

Sankeys hosts a range of nights throughout the year. Keep checking the website for up to date listings (sankeys.info). Here is a run down of some of its most established club nights;

Tribal Sessions Sankeys former Friday night event hosted by resident DJ Greg Vickers. Tribal Sessions enjoyed a stint of weekly parties for eight years and is now a special one-off night that takes place throughout the year. The name alone should give away the preferred genres; namely Tribal House, Deep House and Minimal.

Bugged Out! Described as ‘the jackinest, dirtiest, craziest, electro shindig on the planet’. Bugged Out is an award winning international club night that has been running since 1994 and started at Sankeys.

Almost 200 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine how this structure would accommodate musicians and performers. The fire-proof concrete blocks appear to have been an unintentional prediction of the future – they soundproof the entire unit and ensure that this Manchester mill can continue to make some noise. The contrast of Beehive Mill’s two centuries are emotive to say the least. Imagine the mill workers queuing in their clogs at the break of dawn on a Monday morning, then look today at the weekend’s clubbers queuing up in their fashionable clobber at midnight. Rooms which were once drowned in the sounds of an intense, mechanical production line are now pummelled by Sankeys notorious Phazon soundsytem or brought to life by those portable Marshall guitar amps.

Meanwhile, a frequently empty top floor with impressive cast iron beams and an open plan space, has found a number of purposes in recent times. It was the set of Stuart’s flat in the Manchester-based TV drama, Queer as Folk; has witnessed some innovative and truly awful concepts as the set of Dragon’s Den (a BBC show in which budding entrepreneurs attempt to gain financial backing for new ideas); and it has housed a number of photo shoots in the early nineties by Beehive’s resident page three photographer Jim Carter and more recently by famous fashion companies such as Boss.

Disco Electronica

Above all, Beehive Mill is ‘living’ proof that buildings can change with the times. Residents have come and gone, industries born and faded away, but Beehive itself will always be part of Manchester.

Garuda

Hosted by OD Muzique, this is one of Manchester's most successful events; it attracts glamorous crowds who like to party. House, electro and techno.

Kaluki A strictly underground house and techno event, programmed by Sankeys resident DJ Ellesse.

Religion Sankeys very own Drum and Bass and Dubstep night. Past guests include Fabio & Grooverider, Plastician, DJ Hazard, Coki, Chef, Youngsta and Bryan Gee.

This is Sankeys trance party and also a record label, by the award-winning and highly respected trance DJ, Gareth Emery. Expect the world’s greatest trance DJ’s at this regular event.

MANCHESTER IS ALIVE WITH MUSIC IN 2010 Find out what's in store at visitmanchester.com visitmanchester.com

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Manchester Voices

Peter Hook Peter Hook was a founding member of the iconic Manchester band, Joy Division. He played bass for the group when they reformed as New Order following the death of lead singer, Ian Curtis and continued to do so up until 2007. In January 2010, he opened a new live music venue, Fac 251 – The Factory, in the building that once housed Manchester’s legendary music label, Factory Records. Here, Peter talks about his passion for music and tells us how he’s doing his bit to find the next New Order.

So how are things going with the new club?

Your first visit to the building must have brought back a lot of memories?

It’s going really, really well. It has surprised all of us actually. We’ve been at capacity nearly every night - which is absolutely unbelievable. I’m very flattered.

The memories it brought back were very mixed. I always thought the building would make a much better club than it did an office. It was cavernous as an office and much too big for the number of people that were involved in Factory.

Tell us a bit about how the idea for the club came about? My business partner, Aaron, and I are obviously very interested in music and we’d talked about doing something together, clubwise, for a very long time. When the old Factory Records building on Charles Street was put up for sale because the owner (who had hoped to develop the building into luxury flats) had gone bust in the recession, Aaron and I thought it was the perfect opportunity.

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When Factory went bankrupt I used to frequent it a lot as Paradise Factory (another iconic Manchester club that used the space). It was my ‘busman’s holiday’ from The Haçienda on a Wednesday and Thursday. So, I’d been here a lot, but it was funny to see it run down, broken down. It was weird. Despite the nods to the past with the graphic design, you’re very much looking to the future with the club. How will it be supporting Manchester’s new music?

You have to balance reality with idealism. The Factory and The Haçienda were built entirely on idealism. I must admit, if New Order and Joy Division hadn’t written the great songs that they did, it wouldn’t have lasted five minutes. With the new club, working with a businessman, you have to jockey the idealism with realism. The thing is, I’d like to think that if people had an idea, or a band, they could come to us. As the Haçienda, we advertised for bands and the response was fantastic. Now it’s my job to sift through those and hopefully create the next New Order or Ting Tings. Starting-up a band isn’t easy. What are your memories of the early days in Warsaw? (The forerunner to Joy Division)

It’s very difficult. It’s very easy to get downhearted. When Warsaw began – which was in the days of Rafters, Fagins on Oxford Road, Squat and Electric Circus, it was very difficult to get any kind of gigs. It was a real struggle – I remember that. I know how it feels to sit there thinking that nobody loves you. What I learnt very early on, as Joy Division, is that you need to have the right people around you. It was the members of the band, Ian Curtis in particular, that were very good at picking us up by the scruff of the neck when things got too difficult. When you’re not looking after the club what else do you get up to? I still make a lot of music. This week I’ve been doing some remixes of Freebase – which I’ve been doing with Arthur Baker, which has been fantastic. I’m also working

on an LP of my own to go with a Haçienda DVD that we’re doing later in the year. It’s nice to keep the whole thing going. And do you have anywhere in particular in Manchester that you could recommend to someone visiting the city? Manchester is a great city and always has been – mainly because of the people. The scene in Manchester is always very bright, vibrant, very noisy and very healthy. I think the feel and the vibe is great. From Deansgate Locks to all the way down Oxford Road, it’s a great, bustling, noisy, and exciting culture to visit. Manchester’s in a pretty good way actually. I’m very happy about it. For an extended interview with Peter, check out: visitmanchester.com

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ALBUMS OFTHE NOUGHTIES We recently threw down the gauntlet to all Visit Manchester’s Twitter followers and blog readers to choose their favourite Manchesterrelated albums and singles from the past decade. The response was as you’d expect; passionate and forthcoming, with just a hint of friendly disagreement. Compiling a list of this nature is rarely an easy task: imagine sifting through a raft of quality suggestions from the public and then trying to choose between them - that was the mission in hand. This is by no means a definitive list and all the better if it generates a few raised eyebrows, but that’s the beauty of Manchester music: even today it manages to provoke a reaction.

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Main image: Pete Turner of Elbow, left page top: Badly Drawn Boy

2000

2002

Badly Drawn Boy, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast

Mr Scruff, Trouser Jazz

Damon Gough gave a nod to the new millennium with an album far removed from the Britpop era that Manchester became synonymous with in the 90s. ‘The Hour of...’ is melodic, folksy and somehow manages to be both uplifting and depressing at the same time. Not an easy feat. The album won the prestigious Mercury music prize in the same year, putting a number of alternative acts from Damon’s own independent record label, ‘Twisted Nerve’ under the spotlight.

The promotional posters claimed ‘It’s Jazz for your Trousers!’ and a quick skip through the tracks reveal that it certainly is. Mr Scruff rose to prominence with his Keep it Unreal album in 1999 and a long list of sell-out DJ sets up and down the country. He’s won the hearts of many a music lover with his passion for drinking tea, doodling and playing six-hour, eclectic mash-ups. This was Mr Scruff’s decade of glory and tracks such as ‘Ug’ and ‘Come on Grandad’ exemplified his musical quirkiness. His sellout Keep it Unreal events still take place on the first Saturday of every month in Manchester, now at Band on the Wall.

2001 Rae and Christian, Sleepwalking When Manchester and music are mentioned in the same sentence, it’s a fair bet that hiphop is rarely thought of. Yet the local scene has been burning brightly for the best part of this decade, championing some of the most exciting nights in the city. Sleepwalking by Rae and Christian is the perfect insight into the high quality productivity from Manchester’s excellent, but short-lived, Grand Central Records. It offers an inspiring fusion of funk, hip-hop and soul with collaborations including Bobby Womack, The Jungle Brothers and the Pharcyde.

2003 I am Kloot, I am Kloot I am Kloot personify a persistent approach to making music that could only come from their Mancunian attitude. Some would say I am Kloot are still waiting for their day to come but this album suggests it has already arrived.

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2004

2005

Ian Brown, Solarized

Tower of Love, Jim Noir

A true Manchester icon and a hero to many, Ian Brown has had a successful solo career for over a decade. ‘Solarized’ was his fourth studio album and encapsulates the Northern vibe with many of its tracks backed in full by a brass band. The first track ‘Longsight M13’ pays tribute to the Manchester suburb that Brown calls home. Ironically, he also bellows on this album; “Don’t need no I.D. round my neck” - a full five years before Manchester residents became the first in the country to be invited into a voluntary test scheme for the UK I.D. cards.

An album that allowed the youth of the noughties to reminisce about the 60s childhoods they never had. The simplistic, catchy beauty of tracks like Eanie Meanie (“If you don’t give my football back, I’m gonna get my dad on you”) launched Jim Noir into the spotlight. The album has provided backing music for plenty of scenes on TV and avid gamers will recognise ‘My Patch’ as one of the main songs to bounce around to in the Playstation 3 hit, Little Big Planet.

2006 Beautiful World, Take That

Above image: Ian Brown right page: Working for a Nuclear Free City

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Joining forces again for the first time since their split at Manchester’s Midland Hotel, Take That proved they could definitely do it without Robbie (Williams). With only a hint of nostalgia, this album supported their sell-out UK tour and showed that the four lads had grown into men with a more mature sound, compared to that which made a million girls' hearts soar more than ten years ago.

2007

2008

2009

Working for a Nuclear Free City, Businessmen and Ghosts

Elbow, The Seldom Seen Kid

Doves, Kingdom of Rust

The band who named themselves after Manchester’s status as the world’s first nuclear free city, have never failed to impress. Businessmen and Ghosts was their debut American release which joined the dots between earlier tracks and material. Offering no less than 29 songs, they made their mark with critics and music fans alike. The Times summed it up best - ‘it just sounds so damn good’. The locals loved them enough to include their song ‘England’ as part of a promotional video used to showcase Manchester around the world.

After 17 years of performances, Elbow finally achieved the recognition they deserved when they won the 2008 Mercury prize for The Seldom Seen Kid. Many would argue that previous albums are better but this album took them from a large niche audience and made them true British heroes. ‘One Day Like This’ almost instantly became an anthem for the entire country.

Originating from Wilmslow, Cheshire, the influence of the Northwest has long been a running theme in the Doves’ work. Recorded on a Cheshire farm, Kingdom of Rust was the Doves’ fourth album and whilst the band’s ability to write a corking anthem is not questioned, this was their first album that really got people’s attention. Preferring to shy away from the mainstream, the Doves proved that they could make it on the back of their musical talent alone.

Follow Visit Manchester on Twitter @visit_mcr or keep up to date with the blog at www.visitmanchester.posterous.com

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE by Caimh McDonnell

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a popular theory that when economic times are tough, comedy does well. The theory goes that when the news is grim, people need a good laugh more than ever, as a welcome relief from the stresses and strains of every day life. Whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason or not, what is unquestionable is that stand-up comedy has never been more popular in Britain than it is today.

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From big rating TV shows, massive recordbreaking tours, and stand-up DVDs outselling Hollywood blockbusters to top the Christmas charts – comedy is big business. Here, Manchester-based Irish comedian Caimh McDonnell explains why Manchester could make the case for being Britain’s, nae the world’s comedy capital. Here’s a question – what city in the world has per-capita, the most stand-up comedians living there and the most comedy clubs? London, New York, Montreal, Dublin? No, it’s Manchester. Admittedly, I’ve not done a detailed statistical analysis to confirm that but I’d be very surprised if anyone involved in the comedy circuit would disagree. It’s certainly true that Manchester has more comics and comedy clubs than say Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds combined. It punches well above its weight in the belly laughs stakes.

Quite why Manchester has become such a comedy mecca is something of a mystery – did the clubs produce the comics or did the comics produce the clubs? Whatever the reason, the area is certainly a production line of talented performers. Peter Kay is currently warming up for a world-record setting tour, playing to the kind of crowds no comic ever has, one man and a microphone packing out arenas night after night. While not on the same gargantuan stage, other comics from the region such as Johnny Vegas, Alun Cochrane, Justin Moorhouse and Jason Manford are already well known faces to British TV audiences. As well as producing so much homegrown talent, Manchester has attracted many others to come and live here. To name just three, Sarah Millican, Jason Cooke and John Bishop – that’s two of Newcastle’s finest and a Liverpudlian – that now reside here.

Those names may not be that well known to all but the hardcore comedy fan at the moment but give it a few years and they’ll be massive stars. Sarah Millican won rave reviews and the prestigious best newcomer gong at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, Jason Cooke’s brilliant one-man shows have seem him garner awards as far afield as New Zealand and John Bishop is probably the first person to wear the weighty tag of ‘The next Billy Connolly’ which such ease. Like Alan Carr before them, who also learned his trade in Manchester before going on to TV stardom – it’s a case of when and not if they will become household names. So why Manchester? Well it plays host to a diverse and vibrant comedy scene – from purpose built year-round clubs to rooms above a pub where new acts nervously ply their trade for the first time, you’ll find it all here.

Images: this page Johnny Vegas, left page Sarah Millican

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The world famous Comedy Store has been dubbed ‘British Comedy’s National theatre’ and it’s the club every budding comic aspires to play. Along with its sister club in London, there is nowhere finer to enjoy a night of stand-up. Wednesday to Saturday nights see performances from the finest comics from around the world. Sundays are the nights for those who like to see something a bit different. Two Sundays in every month are ‘New Material’ night, where punters on a budget can watch established acts roll out their new ideas – nowhere else can you see comics perform material for the first (and possibly last) time.

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Image left The Comedy Store, below The Frog and Bucket

DON WARD PRESENTS

ASERIOUS NIGHTOUT

THECOMEDYSTORE

Arches 3 & 4 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5LH T: 0161 839 9595 E: manchester@thecomedystore.co.uk www.thecomedystore.co.uk

Once a month ‘the Cutting Edge’ sees a team of top-notch comics thinking on their feet to produce topical comedy suggested by the audience – it’s an exciting experience, seeing what can often be that day’s breaking news turned into biting satirical comedy before your eyes or seeing a high quality comedian being turned into a quivering mass of jelly in the attempt. If you like your comedy gladiatorial then nothing beats the other Sunday treat – the legendary Comedy Store Gong show. See new acts attempt to battle their way to the five minute mark without being gonged off by the hard to please Comedy Store audience – heroes will be made, dreams will be broken – not for the faint hearted.

The other jewel in Manchester’s comedy crown is the Frog and Bucket – one of Britain’s longest running clubs. With fine comedy bills at the weekend, specialty nights and touring shows aplenty, not to mention it’s own ‘slightly’ friendlier version of the gong show called ‘beat the frog’ on a Monday night – there’s something for everyone. Those are just a couple of examples, check the listings and you’ll see numerous other comedy nights running around the city on any given night. If you consider yourself a true comedy aficionado, then treat yourself to XS Malarkeys – a club that happens every Tuesday out in the Fallowfield area.

A massive favourite amongst comics, the club is run by comedy fans for comedy fans and is a joy to play. Catch it on the right night and you never know who you might see, many of the biggest names in British comedy regularly perform there just because they like it so much! As for why comedy is such a big part of the fabric of Manchester, well your guess is as good as mine. Certainly Mancunians seem to share with the people of my native Ireland an innate ability not to take themselves or anything that seriously – maybe that’s the secret formula. Whatever the reasons are, Manchester is certainly the place to be for comedy. Laugh it up.

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Manchester Voices

Mike Halmshaw & Jayne Compton Manchester’s literary and musical talent isn’t limited to its established set. The next generation is already making its mark on the scene. Two such rising stars are Mike Halmshaw and Jayne Compton. We caught up with them to hear their thoughts on why young people are flocking to Manchester for their inspiration.

Mike, the winner of Manchester Literature Festival’s Jeffrey Wainwright Manchester Young Writer of the Year Award in 2009, has been writing for six years. After studying English and creative writing at Portsmouth University, he moved to Manchester were he now teaches English as a foreign language to non-English speaking communities. Mike explains. “Manchester has such a vibrant writing scene, with a real community of talented individuals who want to share work, support and encourage each other- it really is a great place for young aspiring writers.” “It goes without saying that inspiration is extremely important for any successful writer. Mine usually turns up at inconvenient times. I sometimes find myself awake in the middle of the night with a great deal of dialogue. When I’m out and about I carry a pen with me and make notes down my arm like an amateur tattoo artist.” Mike also enjoys visiting the local libraries to help with his creative flair. "I enjoy visiting Withington Library, they have lots of things going on there and it's really fantastic place to visit. I also love John Ryland's library on Deansgate. It’s a huge gothic monster of a building - I just love being near it.” Of course with inspiration comes creativity. “In order to keep my creativity fresh I read a wide range of sources and talk to a lot of people. I meet new people almost every day and this helps as I get to find out about peoples lives and experiences. Hopefully, I can steal details, personality traits and nervous tics, put it in fiction and keep it fresh.”

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Image left The Ting Tings, below Jayne Compton, left page Mike Halmshaw

For the last two years Mike has been working on his first novel, “It is about a combination of bad things happening in one guy’s life and a change that can happen to any one person. Hopefully it will prove to be a unique story and sell millions of copies, or maybe just my mum will read it.”

The Ting Tings launched their career with Switchflicker and it has given the label national recognition. “Switchflicker had an underground reputation in the Northwest and when we did Ting Tings it got us better known all over the world. We had people coming over to the shows and regular radio plays, so it worked really well.”

The Manchester Literature Festival takes place in the city every October. Mike says, “I like the whole notion and idea of the festival. It’s such a big thing and it encourages people to be interested in reading and writing and rewards those who do so.” The wealth of writing talent in Manchester has grown over the years with local Mancunians like Caroline Aherne writing The Royle Family and Paul Abott writing Shameless. Hopefully this will continue into 2010. Mike recommends Kamila Rymajdo. “She is a real die hard Mancunian writer who will have something coming up later this year.”

Jayne explains. “The Best of Manchester awards take place every year. The categories are for art, fashion and music and it looks at people in these industries doing ground breaking work. I got nominated for the music section for my work on Club Brenda and Switchflicker Records. Club Brenda is an arts, performance and music based club night and Switchflicker is my record label. Switchflicker started out as a little seven inch vinyl label which brought out a lot of local people. This included the Ting Tings, That’s Not My Name and more recently we’ve done Magic Arm and the next release is The Real Dolls.”

Along with the written word, Manchester’s music continues to make a huge impact on the world today. Jayne Compton, the winner of a Best of Manchester award for music in 2009, has been working in the industry for the last ten years.

For Mancunican bands to look out for in 2010, Jayne suggests, “Check out Magic Arm, he is bringing out his second album later this year. I also really like a Manchester based artist called Denis Jones and a band called Egyptian Hip Hop. They are all around 18 years old and are doing some really cool stuff.” For extended interviews with Mike and Jayne, check out: visitmanchester.com

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SNAP SHOT Spinningfields Monday 22nd March 11.03pm

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THE PEOPLE'S MUSEUM The Financial Times said of Manchester: “When it comes to the future, you can let it happen and then wonder what happened, or you make it happen. Manchester has decided to make its own future in the world.” A self-made city, populated with self-made men and women, there's one area in which this sound bite is particularly appropriate. That area is the campaign for social justice. Given that, it's no surprise that Manchester is home to the UK's national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation and study of material relating to the history of working people in Britain – the People's History Museum. Fresh from a £12.5 million re-development project, it stands today a striking home to one of the UK's most important museum collections. The People’s History Museum derives its origin from the Trade Union, Labour and Co-operative History Society. During the 1960s, the society formed a small collection that opened as a museum in Limehouse Town Hall, London between 1975 and 1986. Two years in storage followed, until the Greater Manchester authorities made a funding offer and created a new trust that allowed the museum to re-open in the city.

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Fast forward to May 1994, and new galleries for the museum were opened in the Pump House on Bridge Street - itself a building of significant historical value, being the only surviving Edwardian hydraulic pumping station in the city. In addition to supplying power to the warehouses that fuelled Manchester's economy at the time, the Pump House was also responsible for keeping the Town Hall clock ticking and for raising the curtain on cue at the nearby Opera House on Quay Street. And so the museum had found its home. A residence befitting its status as a national collection. That collection has been considerably developed and improved since the early days at Limehouse. Today, it boasts over 1,500 objects from 200 years-worth of organised labour movement, including the largest number of trade union banners in the world. There are significant poster collections relating to the Spanish Civil War and the Labour Party, and there are some 3,000 badges, political tokens and medals from a variety of organisations.

The museum's collection of 18th and 19th century political cartoons is also generally regarded as one of the finest outside the British Museum. And the collection keeps growing. Recent additions include items donated by the Department for Work and Pensions, the Oddfellows Friendly Society, the Co-operative and the Professional Footballers’ Association. Overleaf, we hear from Andy Pearce, the deputy director of the People's History Museum, about the redevelopment, plans for the future, and why Manchester couldn't be a more appropriate home.

Visitor Information The People’s History Museum is located on Left Bank in Spinningfields, Manchester city centre. The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The museum’s main galleries, changing exhibition gallery and community gallery are all free of charge. phm.org.uk

What’s the story behind the redevelopment of the museum? The People’s History Museum has been at the Pump House since 1994. It’s an old Victorian pumping station that supplied water to Manchester. But the museum outgrew the Pump House and indeed our conservation studio and archive in another location. The redevelopment project was to bring the two together – not only to utilise the historic Pump House site, but also to build a new building connected to it so that everything the visitor comes to see is all in one place.

Manchester Voices

Andy Pearce Deputy director, People's History Museum

How is the museum planning to add to its collection and grow from here? The museum covers the 200-year story of the campaign for democracy and people’s rights in Britain. It’s a story that everyone has quite a strong opinion about. Some museum comment books are all about how nice the museum or coffee shop was, ours seemed to be about people having a discussion about the story of the museum. So we tried to capture that in the new museum. You’ll find ways that you can add your opinion onto YouTube, you can write your comments down if you like, you can email, you can even go right back to the low-tech way of chalking them on a blackboard so that someone else can reply to them. So I think, in that way, this is a museum that is starting a debate about where we are now and particularly, if you think that fewer and fewer people are bothering to vote anymore – we hope this might make them think about it again. Why is Manchester an appropriate home for this museum?

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As a former of our chair of trustees used to say, ‘the vote didn’t fall off the Christmas tree’. It had to be won. And a lot of that story of winning the vote for ordinary people actually originates in Manchester. Think of the suffragettes and the Peterloo Massacre – there’s been a great deal of campaigning for rights for ordinary people that’s based in our radical city. What is it that you like about Manchester? It’s a great city. There’s so much to see and do. I love its culture, there’s a radical edge. I like the fact that it’s a very welcoming city. It’s a strange thing – there’s no massively distinctive accent here so wherever you come from you can become a Mancunian within a few years and that’s what I really like about Manchester. And what activity or attraction – other than the People’s History Museum, of course – would you recommend to a visitor to the city? That’s a really difficult one. I’d start with a wander round the Northern Quarter because I quite like it. I’m old enough to remember when there wasn’t any of that there, so I might start with a beer or a coffee there. I’d take in Manchester Art Gallery because it gives you a bit of a flavour of the city. Manchester’s an interesting place, we don’t have one museum that gives you the story of our city, we make sure you visit several of them – so I’d go in the Manchester Museum, I’d have a wander round the streets of China Town, I’d have a curry in Rusholme, I’d have a look round the Town Hall and I’d end up having dinner in the café at the People’s History Museum as it’s got the best riverside terrace in the city!

Discover the industrial heritage of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northwest

Your online guide to all the latest heritage attractions, trails, tours, itineraries and special events www.industrialpowerhouse.co.uk

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

MOSI, Manchester’s largest cultural attraction, is located on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station. Five listed buildings house many lively and inspirational galleries, showcasing the North West’s industrial, scientific and social achievements. Heroes of Transport 7 – 8 August Join us as we celebrate Manchester’s contribution to the world of transport with a range of exciting events and activities for everyone, and take a ride around MOSI’s historic site behind a replica of Stephenson’s 1830 Planet locomotive. Exciting Changes for the Autumn! An exciting new gallery, a brand-new entrance and reception area, bigger and better places to eat and shop, and a newly refurbished Experiment gallery are all due to open in the early autumn, as part of the £7 million refurbishment of the Museum’s Main Building – expect to be wowed! Admission to the main Museum is free to everyone! Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm www.mosi.org.uk

The People’s History Museum Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER T. +44 (0)161 838 9190 www.phm.org.uk

After two and a half years and a £12.5 million re-development, the museum is now open again! Make sure you visit the Pump House, restored to its former glory, along with its amazing new four-storey extension. There have always been ideas worth fighting for – come and find out more about the story of the fight for democracy in this country. CHANGING EXHIBITIONS Carried Away Until Sunday 10 October A photographic exhibition looking at protest over the last 100 years featuring people protesting and being ‘carried away’ by the authorities. Death and the working class From Saturday 23 October to Monday 2 May 2011 FREE entry. Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm (except 24, 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan)

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Winner Northwest Tourism Awards 09

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

The multi-award winning Imperial War Museum North is a great free day out for all ages. Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict, it reveals how war shapes lives through powerful exhibitions, the Big Picture (a 360 degree light and sound show), tours, object handling sessions, and family activities. Visit the cafe, shop and viewing platform offering views over The Quays. Winner - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Northwest Tourism Awards 2009. Open 7 days a week. 10am - 6pm (closes 5pm Nov-Feb). Free entry.

Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL T. +44 (161) 235 8888 www.manchestergalleries.org

Manchester Art Gallery is the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular gallery, with around 400,000 visitors a year. The collections include famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings, a Manchester themed gallery and contemporary art, craft and design. Visitors can have coffee or lunch in the cafe or restaurant, or buy gifts in the gallery shop. Families are very welcome too, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots for them to do. The exhibitions programme includes photography and digital art; more details are on the website. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. Free entry.

For all the city-region has to offer visitmanchester.com visitmanchester.com

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Manchester Voices

Toby Whitehouse Toby Whitehouse is a director of Gaydio - the UK’s first FM-licensed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community radio station. It’s quite a big deal, I guess. It’s the country’s first full time FM radio station for LGBT people and another thing to add to Manchester’s impressive ‘firsts’ list. What is it about the city that made you choose Manchester as a permanent base? Gaydio was born in Manchester, so it makes absolute sense for us to stay here. The online listener profile showed us that it wasn’t just people from around the UK that were tuning in. They were from all around the world. That really surprised us.

Can you tell us a little about the history of Gaydio? I believe you’ve had a number of short-term licences in recent years? Gaydio was originally formed back in 2006. The idea came from two other similar projects. There’s one down in Newquay, Cornwall. They used to do a short term radio station for their surf festival – so that gave us the idea for doing a two-week broadcast. In Melbourne, there’s a full time station called Joy FM, which I think was the world’s first, full-time gay radio station. These ideas came together and spawned Gaydio. We did a two-week broadcast around the Manchester Pride festival in 2006. A lot of people said that it was all well and good to do a radio station around a festival – that’s quite easy – but what about a dismal February in a rainy Manchester? And so we did a four-week stint in February 2007. That was a really successful broadcast and so we applied for a full time radio licence from Ofcom. (The UK’s independent regulator and competition authority for the communications industry)

There are a lot of internet radio stations out there. You can set one up in your bedroom nowadays. But the credibility of an FM licence brings kudos, I guess, to our web listing. Gaydio gives the rest of the country – and the wider world - a flavour of gay Manchester. It’s a kind of tricky situation that we’re in. We’re in Manchester - and that’s absolutely what we’re about - but we’ve got people listening from all over the world. The angle we’ve taken is that we’re broadcasting gay Manchester to the world. Why should a gay visitor tune in to Gaydio whilst they’re in the city? It’s interesting. Say gay Manchester to a lot of people and they think of Canal Street and the gay village. I guess that was made popular through the Queer As Folk generation. When that programme was made, that’s not what Manchester was like. It was very aspirational. But that programme was, in a way, responsible for some of the vibrancy that Manchester’s LGBT population is known. When I first came to Manchester for Europride back in 2003, I thought ‘wow – there’s something going on in this city’. There was a buzz about it. It’s so welcoming of LGBT people and so for us, making a radio station here – it’s absolutely the perfect tone for it because it’s so vibrant, it’s so lively and

we’re really looking forward to the opportunity of capturing that vibrancy and putting it into a radio station. What I’d say to visitors though is that it’s not gay subjects all the time, it’s just delivered in a familiar perspective to LGBT people. It’s a radio station that knows where you’re coming from. It’s just a gay slant on the world. The kind of subject material is really diverse, from LGBT stories on the national news agenda right to local scene listings. What are your ambitions for the station? At the moment we’re absolutely focussed on launching the service by late spring, early summer. It’s a big step making that transition from a series of month long broadcasts to going permanent. We’ve always been very ambitious, it’s the traditional Mancunian way in that we aimed high and set the bar higher each time we’ve done it. And finally, do you have any particular recommendations that you suggest a visitor to Manchester should do? I guess the first thing that any LGBT visitor to Manchester would do is to hit Canal Street – and you should absolutely do that. But don’t neglect the suburbs. I’ve just moved from Salford to Chorlton myself and I’m just starting to find a whole new scene over there. That’s what I’d suggest. Don’t just set your sights on the city centre – look a bit wider perhaps.

Gaydio will broadcast on 88.4FM. For more information about the station, visit: gaydio.co.uk For an extended interview with Toby, check out: visitmanchester.com

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Come dine with us The range of food and drink establishments in Manchester is nothing short of impressive. Foodies from across the UK are flocking to the city to sample the best of our region’s produce and we’re confident you’ll find plenty of menus to whet your appetite.

Deansgate, one of the main thoroughfares of the city, has a number of restaurants and cosmopolitan bars to choose from. Survey the scene from the exclusive surroundings of Cloud 23 in the Hilton Tower, or start the night with a drink on ‘the Locks’ – the line of bars hidden in the arches beneath the G-MEX Metrolink station. Neighbouring Castlefield boasts canal-side dining and a choice of traditional ‘old English’, real ale pubs, whilst over in Chinatown, you’ll find an impressive selection of Cantonese, Thai and Nepalese eateries.

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Just a five minute taxi ride from the city centre is the Curry Mile, Rusholme. Famous throughout the UK for its fantastic wealth of Indian restaurants, here you’ll find more than 70 outlets vying for your attention with the help of a lot of neon lighting.

Of course, the success of a city’s culinary scene is dependent on the nurturing of new talent to keep its offering fresh and relevant to the changing consumer palate. We caught up with three of Manchester’s rising foodie stars to see what they had to say about the city.

The Northern Quarter should be your first stop if you’re looking for independent outlets and down to earth watering holes. And if you’re travelling with the kids, check out the Great Hall at The Trafford Centre for an array of dining options to suit both young and old.

Michael Tate, Manchester’s ‘Young Chef of the Year’ 2009 began his career in the city. He currently works as a chef in the glamorous Second Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie at Harvey Nichols. “Manchester’s culinary scene is a lot more down to earth than anywhere I’ve ever been before.

There’s a lot of focus on the entire dining experience as well as good food, which really sets it aside. First time visitors to Manchester should try out the Lancashire hotpot: with all those fantastic flavours it really provides a feel for what Manchester cuisine is all about.” Michael’s top recommendation is Gonbay Chinese restaurant in Altrincham, “It has the best Chinese food I’ve ever tasted.” Many cities food and drink scenes are dominated by the desire for a ‘Sex and the City’ lifestyle – and Manchester is no different. Cocktails are most definitely the drink of choice in the trend-setting bars across town. Tom Lloyd is the current Manchester ‘Professional Bartender of the Year’. He began his bar tending career in Manchester whilst studying at university and now works in the cosmopolitan Obsidian Restaurant and Bar on Princess Street. Tom explains: “Manchester as a city has loads to offer and there is a great standard of bar tending compared with the rest of the UK.

For me, it’s at the forefront of the bar tending scene. My ultimate dream would be to own a nice little cocktail bar tucked away in the city somewhere.” For the best cocktails in Manchester, Tom recommends Cloud 23, “This is the perfect place to go for pre-dinner drinks and for a great view of the city, it’s especially perfect at night.”

range of fantastic restaurants and there are a large number of colleges now offering hospitality courses - this kind of support really makes a big difference.” For that perfect meal in Manchester Matthew suggests Gusto in Disdbury, “I love this Italian restaurant because the staff are always friendly and the food is consistently good.”

It goes without saying that quality of service is a deal-breaker for most diners. Matthew Dutson, winner of Manchester Young Waiter of the Year 2009, knows all too well about the importance of excellent service.

Over the page we’ve listed our pick of the best restaurants across the city centre for you to choose from during your stay.

Matthew decided he wanted to become a waiter at a young age in order to learn everything he can about the business. Matthew currently works in the River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel. He explains “The culinary scene in Manchester is fantastic - there is such a friendly environment everywhere you go which really provides a relaxed dining experience. There is a wide

For extended interviews with Michael, Tom and Matthew, check out: visitmanchester.com

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FOOD & DRINK LISTINGS From award-winning restaurants to cosmopolitan cafes there’s no shortage of good food and drink in Manchester and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here is a selection of some of the places to eat and drink in Manchester. For more information call the Manchester Visitor Information Centre on 0871 222 8223.

City Café

Albert's Shed

Gaucho

1 Auburn St, M1 3DG T: 0161 242 1000 cityinn.com/manchester/eating_drinking.htm Type of Cuisine: Modern European

Dukes 92 18 Castle St, Castlefield, M3 4LZ T: 0161 839 3522 dukes92.com Type of Cuisine: Bar and grill

20 Castle St, Castlefield, M3 4LZ T: (0161) 839 9818 albertsshed.com Type of Cuisine: Modern Italian

2a St Mary’s St, M3 2LB T: 0161 833 4333 gauchorestaurants.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Argentinean

The Alderley Restaurant & Bar

Glasshouse Bar and Restaurant

Alderley Edge Hotel, Macclesfield Rd, Alderley Edge, Stockport, SK9 7BJ T: 01625 583033 alderleyedgehotel.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Crowne Plaza, Manchester City Centre, 70 Shudehill, M4 4AF T: 0161 828 8600 cpmanchester.com Type of Cuisine: British

Alto

Grado

Radisson Edwardian Manchester Hotel, Free Trade Hall, Peter St, M2 5GP T: 0161 835 8903 radissonedwardian.com/manchester Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Grill on the Alley

Beluga Restaurant 2 Mount St, M2 5WQ T: 0161 833 3339 belugaonline.co.uk/manchester.asp Type of Cuisine: Modern European

Bem Brasil Deansgate King St West, M3 2GQ T: 0161 839 2525 bembrasilrestaurants.com Type of Cuisine: Brazilian

Bem Brasil Northern Quarter 58 Lever St, M1 1FJ T: 0161 923 6888 bembrasilrestaurants.com Type of Cuisine: Brazilian

Blue Nile 403 London Rd, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 6AA T: 0161 487 4490 bluenileindianrestaurant.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Indian

Carluccio's The Great Hall, The Trafford Centre, M17 8AA T: 0161 747 4973 carluccios.com Type of Cuisine: Italian

Chaophraya

New York St, Piccadilly, M1 4BD T: 0161 238 9790 heathcotes.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Spanish

5 Ridgefield, Deansgate, M2 6EG T: 0161 833 3465 blackhousegrills.com Type of Cuisine: Steak and Seafood

Hard Rock Café Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, Exchange Square, M4 2BS T: 0161 831 6700 hardrock.com Type of Cuisine: American

Isinglass English Dining Room 46 Flixton Rd, Urmston, M41 5AB T: 0161 749 8400 isinglassrestaurant.co.uk Type of Cuisine: British

Las Iguanas The Great Hall, Trafford Centre, Trafford, M17 8AA T: 0161 747 6119 iguanas.co.uk Type of Cuisine: South American

Linen – Manchester235 The Great Northern, Watson St, M3 4LP T: 0161 832 3927 manchester235.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Malmaison Brasserie Malmaison Hotel, Piccadilly, M1 3AQ T: 0161 278 1000 malmaison.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Above Sam's Chop House, Chapel Walks (off Cross St), M2 1HN T: 0161 832 8342 chaophraya.co.uk Type of Cuisine:Thai

Michael Caines at Abode Manchester

Choice Bar & Restaurant

MC Cafe Bar & Grill – Manchester

Castle Quay, Castlefield, M15 4NT T: 0161 833 3400 choicebarandrestaurant.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Modern British

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ABode Manchester, 107 Piccadilly, M1 2DB T: 0161 200 5665 abodehotels.co.uk Type of Cuisine: European

ABode Manchester, 107 Piccadilly, M1 2DB T: 0161 200 5665 abodehotels.co.uk Type of Cuisine: International

The Modern Bar & Restaurant

The River Bar and Restaurant

Urbis, Floors 5 & 6, Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG T: 0161 605 8282 themodernmcr.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Modern British

The Lowry Hotel, Dearmans Place, Salford, M3 5LH T: 0161 827 4000 thelowryhotel.com/dining Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Mr Thomas's Chop House 52 Cross St, M2 7AR T: 0161 832 2245 tomschophouse.com Type of Cuisine: British

Room Manchester 81 King St, M2 4AH T: 0161 839 2005 roomrestaurants.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Ning 92-94 Oldham St, Northern Quarter, M4 1LJ T: 0161 238 9088 ningcatering.com Type of Cuisine: Malaysian and Thai

Sam's Chop House Chapel Walks, M2 1HN T: 0161 834 3210 samschophouse.com Type of Cuisine: British

Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar 108 High St, M4 1HQ T: 0161 832 7115 tnq.co.uk Type of Cuisine: British, Modern European

Sapporo Teppanyaki 91 - 93 Liverpool Rd, M3 4JN T: 0161 831 9888 sapporo.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Japanese

Oceans Tr235ure The Great Northern, Watson St, M3 4LP T: 0161 832 3927 manchester235.com/ocean-treasure.htm Type of Cuisine: Chinese

The Olive Press 4 Lloyd St, off Deansgate, M2 5AB T: 0161 832 9090 heathcotes.co.uk/olivepress Type of Cuisine: Italian

Opus One Bar and Restaurant Radisson Edwardian Manchester Hotel, Free Trade Hall, Peter St, M2 5GP T: 0161 835 8904 RadissonEdwardian.com/Manchester Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Second Floor Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral St, Exchange Square, M1 1AD T: 0161 828 8898 harveynichols.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Slattery Patissier & Chocolatier 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6GE T: 0161 767 7761 slattery.co.uk Type of Cuisine: British

Tampopo 16 Albert Square, M2 3PF T: 0161 861 8862 tampopo.co.uk Type of Cuisine: East Asian

Podium Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

Taurus

Hilton Manchester Deansgate, 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ T: 0161 870 1600 hilton.co.uk/manchesterdeansgate Type of Cuisine: Modern British

1 Canal St, M1 3HE T: 0161 236 4593 taurus-bar.co.uk Type of Cuisine: International

RBG Restaurant Bar & Grill 4 Cheetham Hill Rd, M4 4EW T: 0161 832 6565 manchester-victoria.parkinn.co.uk Type of Cuisine: Steakhouse

Ramsons Restaurant 18 Market Place, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9HT T: 01706 825070 ramsons-restaurant.com Type of Cuisine: Pan Italian

Red Bar and Restaurant 75-77 Market St, Westhoughton, Bolton, Lancashire, BL5 3AA T: 01942 818123 Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Tempus Bar and Restaurant The Palace Hotel, Oxford St, M60 7HA T: 0161 2881 111 principal-hayley.com/thepalacehotel Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Velvet 2 Canal St, M1 3HE T: 0161 236 9003 velvetmanchester.com Type of Cuisine: Modern British

Yang Sing 34 Princess St, M1 4JY T: 0161 236 2200 yang-sing.com Type of Cuisine: Cantonese

Redhouse Farmshop & Tea Rooms Red House Farm, Red House Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 5RL T: 0161 941 3480 redhousefarm.co.uk Type of Cuisine: British

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SNAP SHOT Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s China Town Thursday 4th February, 3.57pm

With buses making the 20 minute journey from the city centre on a regular basis, it couldn’t be easier for you to discover all that the area has to offer. Here’s a run down of what not to miss!

Chill Factore Enjoy winter all year round with this amazing real snow indoor ski slope. At 180 metres long and 100 metres wide, it’s the UK’s longest and the world’s widest slope. Ski and snowboarding lessons are offered to beginners, whilst experienced visitors are encouraged to enjoy the thrill of the big slope. If skiing isn't your thing then why not check out the indoor climbing wall (12 metres high) for an alternative adventure experience. For fun activities there’s a 60 metre Luge ice slide inspired by the Cresta run, a thrilling snow tubing activity which is great for all the family and a Snowplay area for those aged 2-10 years. If you need to refuel between sessions, the Alpine Village has a wide range of bar and restaurants on offer to satisfy all tastes. chillfactore.com

Airkix Airkix Indoor Skydiving Centre is the latest addition to Manchester's exhilarating offering. The state-of-the-art wind tunnel 14ft in diameter and 39ft in height - is the UK's biggest indoor skydiving tunnel by volume. Imagine a wind tunnel that could be used for testing the aerodynamics of an F1 racing car, turn it upright, gently lean into the airflow and you are skydiving. Airkix works simply and safely and there is an instructor there to help you get into a neutral flying position. If that doesn't convince you then check out Airkix Flix on their website to see how truly amazing it is to fly. airkix.com/Manchester

Playgolf

TRAFFORD QUAYS LEISURE VILLAGE Just six miles south of the city centre you’ll find a haven for lovers of adrenalin pumping sports activities and relaxing retail therapy - the Trafford Quays Leisure Village.

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This spectacular golf facility is home to 64 driving bays, four state-of-the-art video teaching studios, a relaxing café bar and an American golf superstore. They hold the title of the UK's largest golf teaching centre, with over 1,000 pupils every month, so beginners are most definitely welcome. This is the perfect activity for those who want to improve their swing or simply have some fun. And with special deals on offer every day there is no reason not to have a go. manchestergolf.co.uk

David Lloyd fitness centre This fitness centre provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Facilities on offer include: a swimming pool, spa, hair and beauty salon, gym, children's area, bar/ restaurant and racquet facilities.

For those who need their daily fitness fix or want to relax in the spa, you won’t be disappointed with David Lloyd. If spending time with the family is your preference, then check out the family dining area and theme nights on offer. Not only that but you can enrol the kids in the children's club, junior tennis and swimming programmes guaranteed to keep them entertained. davidlloyd.co.uk

Powerleague, Trafford SoccerDome When most people think of Manchester, they usually think of sport. So if you're here for the ‘footie’ then this soccer dome is definitely the place for you. Whether you’re United or City, Trafford SoccerDome wins hands-down with their state-of-the-art football facilities. With all-weather floodlit pitches on offer you can play anytime. They also accept single and block bookings, so you don't necessarily need to be with a large group to enjoy it. powerleague.co.uk

The Trafford Centre If you prefer retail therapy to sporting activities then a day at The Trafford Centre is a must. With over 200 stores and a delicious selection of over 50 restaurants and cafés you are absolutely spoilt for choice. Why not spend the morning browsing designer stores such as Selfridges, DKNY Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange and Vivienne Westwood? If high street is more your thing, then check out Zara, Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Mango for all the latest trends. For afternoon dinning and entertainment stroll over to The Great Hall, and choose from the large selection of restaurants on offer. Also check out the ODEON cinema for the latest blockbuster. traffordcentre.co.uk

Premier Inn With so much to see and do at the Leisure Village, it can be hard to cover everything in one day; so why not make a weekend of it and stay at the Premier Inn. Starting with Premier offers fro £29 per night, and conveniently located next to The Trafford Centre, staying there couldn’t be easier. You can definitely expect value for money from this outstanding hotel; with everything from comfy beds and Wi-Fi, to a fully licensed restaurant and bar open 24/7. They are also ideally situated ten miles from Manchester Airport and just six miles from Piccadilly train station, taking that extra strain out of your onward journey. premierinn.com For more information, visit: traffordquaysleisurevillage.co.uk

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Manchester a footballing tradition Manchester is a true powerhouse in international football: a football mad city that boasts two of the most famous clubs in the world and two of the best stadiums in Europe. It’s also nurtured some of the game’s greatest players, form George Best to Wayne Rooney and as a Candidate Host City, it’s playing a major role in England’s bid to stage the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Both Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and Manchester City’s City of Manchester Stadium are earmarked for a string of matches if England do get the nod when FIFA make their final decision in December. In all, it’s hoped that around 12 matches will take place in the city, including a quarter final and a semi-final. And with typical Mancunian swagger, some are even suggesting that Old Trafford, and not Wembley, should get the final, too! Old Trafford is already set to host several games in the 2012 Olympic football tournament, while Sportcity, of which the City of Manchester Stadium is part, now has the largest concentration of sporting facilities in Europe. It attracts over 4.5 million visitors a year and these facilities are attracting athletes from several countries to run training camps in the city in the lead up to the London Olympics. As Ian McCormack, Manchester City Council’s 2012 co-ordinator, explains: “Wherever you go in the world, when you say you’re from Manchester an immediate response is often: "Ah, Manchester United!" With Manchester City too, football is still the city's dominant sport and that’s not a bad thing. It’s deeply rooted in our local culture and it’s a unique and powerful asset.”

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The city’s proud footballing heritage stretches back to 1888, when the Football League, the oldest football competition in the world, was created in Manchester’s Royal Hotel. It was the start of the city’s love affair with the ‘beautiful game’. Nineteen years later, another Manchester hotel, the Imperial, staged a meeting of the players themselves. Led by Billy Meredith, a player who had excelled for both Manchester United and City, the first Players’ Union was soon born. Since then, the likes of George Best, Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have helped to turn Manchester United into one of the world’s most successful clubs, with the Reds dominating the English Premiership and winning three European Cups.

CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM RESIDENTS

Manchester City

YEAR BUILT

2002

CAPACITY

48,000

PAST GLORIES

Venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games

LIKELY 2018 Some groups games, with INVOLVEMENT an outside chance of a quarter final. STADIUM TOURS 0870 062 1894

However, perhaps the biggest challenge to their pre-eminence is now coming from within Manchester itself. In 2008, Manchester City was bought by investors from Abu Dhabi and became one of the richest clubs in the world overnight, giving matches between the clubs a new intensity.

“Manchester is a fervent footballing city, full of knowledgeable fans who have a true love of the game. It is a city with huge experience of hosting world class football including the Euro ’96 fixtures, England internationals, regular Champions League and Europa League games and European finals.

And of course, within the boundaries of Greater Manchester are two other teams in the top flight of English football, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.

“Another major positive for Manchester is that it has successfully built on the legacy of the brilliant Commonwealth Games staged here in 2002. There is a real professionalism about the way Manchester stages major sporting events, whether it’s one-offs such as Usain Bolt running here last year, or the regular international cycling events that are staged at the Velodrome.

One man who’s no stranger to Manchester is Andy Anson, the chief executive of England 2018 and former commercial director at Manchester United. Anson, who was born in Oldham, just a few miles up the road from the city centre, regularly watched Manchester United as a boy, although he has also confessed to having trials with the blue half of the city. “Obviously I know Manchester well, having grown up here and spent several years with United,” he says. “The city has two world class stadiums, two great teams and a rich footballing heritage and this was impossible to ignore when it came to deciding on the host cities.

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“There’s a sense of fun and enjoyment when it comes to sport and football in Manchester and that passion shared across the country is one of the most important elements of our bid.” Manchester is a city with football in its blood, so it’s apt that next year the National Football Museum, which has relocated to the city, opens in the old Urbis building, just a few hundred yards from where the Royal Hotel once stood.

WEBSITE

mcfc.co.uk

OLD TRAFFORD RESIDENTS

YEAR BUILT CAPACITY

PAST GLORIES

Manchester United

1910 76,000 although it’s like to have grown by the ly time 2018 comes around . Hosted matches dur ing the 1966 World Cup and European.

LIKELY 2018 Group games are a cert, INVOLVEMENT wit h a strong chance of a semi final, too. STADIUM TOURS 016 1 868 8000 WEBSITE manutd.com

The Manchester Store Buy online at visitmanchester.com/giftshop

Rachel wears I Love MCR t-shirt ÂŁ10.95

Also available at The Manchester Store

The Manchester Store

Piccadilly Plaza, Unit 45-50 Portland St, M1 4BT (opens mid June)

161 Upper Mall, Peel Avenue The Trafford Centre

Terminal 2 Manchester Airport

SNAP SHOT Eastlands: The City of Manchester Stadium Wednesday 24th March 7:38pm

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Manchester Voices

Andrew Flintoff Everyone who knows sport in Manchester knows that there are two Old Traffords in the city-region: one echoes to the chants of ‘United, United’, the other to the whack of bat on ball. And while Manchester United may be one of the greatest and most instantly recognisable names in world sport, Lancashire’s Old Trafford cricket ground – little more than a meaty slog from the football stadium – has an equally illustrious past.

fizzed and completely bamboozled the then England skipper Mike Gatting.

In 1884, it became only the second ground in England to stage a test match, and over the next 100 or so years became synonymous with some of cricket’s greatest matches. In 1956, Jim Laker became the first person to take all 10 wickets in a test match innings; in 1981, Ian Botham trashed Australia to all corners of the ground, and then in 1993 the Aussies took their revenge when the mercurial Shane Warne bowled ‘the ball of the century’, which spun and

Flintoff retired from test cricket last summer after helping England to win back the Ashes from Australia, but when he’s fit, he’s still raring to play in the shorter forms of the game. Born in Preston in 1977, Flintoff joined Lancashire as a schoolboy. “I regard Manchester as my second home,” he says. “I moved to Chorlton (close to Old Trafford) at the age of 16 to start playing cricket for Lancashire and I’ve lived there ever since.”

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One man at home at Old Trafford for both Lancashire and England is Andrew Flintoff, the larger than life former England captain.

Lancashire has always been one of cricket’s better-supported county sides, possibly due to the make-up of Manchester, with its cricket-mad Asian population. “I’ve always liked the fact that Manchester is multicultural,” he continues. “From my own perspective, I’ve been very lucky to play, and become close friends with, Wasim Akram and Muttiah Muralitharan, who both came to Manchester knowing very little about the place and ended up loving it.

“At Lancashire we have always done our best to make our overseas players feel comfortable, taking them out for meals and making sure they don’t get homesick during the early days, but Murali and Wasim loved it so much they ended up living here for years.” Although he now spends much of his time in Dubai, Flintoff relishes his role as an official ambassador for Manchester. “I’ve always enjoyed talking up Manchester to people around the world. There’s always plenty of banter in the dressing room, particularly between the northerners and southerners, and I will always stick up for Manchester and what it has to offer. “The more I’ve travelled, the more I realise just how well-known Manchester is around the world. It obviously has industrial links historically, but I believe it’s best known these days for its sport. Everywhere you go in the world they have heard of Manchester United and Manchester City. You even see kids wearing their shirts in India, which is much more of a cricket-loving country than anywhere else I’ve ever visited.” Flintoff is currently recovering from yet more surgery on his troublesome knee, and will miss the second year of his contract with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But he’s a firm believer that the razzmatazz of this form of cricket can succeed in England – even within the hallowed boundaries of Old Trafford. “It is definitely something that should be embraced either with IPL matches being played in England or in the England Premier League. The way I would like to see it done, however, is through City cricket. I know this idea was rejected a year or so ago, but I think it would be fantastic for Manchester to play against Birmingham or London. I am sure it would create a much better rivalry and create something very different for what is a very different type of cricket.”

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ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Nestled between Manchester and the Yorkshire Moors is the borough town of Oldham. Famous as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it is perhaps less well-known that Oldham boasts some of the Manchester region’s most picturesque countryside. Just a short drive from the city centre and you can escape the stresses of everyday life and explore the villages, woods, reservoirs, moors and meadows of the Peak District National Park. There are Countryside Centres located in Strinesdale, Brownhill, Daisy Nook and Tande Hill. Here you can find out more about the year-round programme of events taking place and details of a whole host of activities that you can enjoy. Saddleworth Moor, with its high rolling moorland and ever changing dramatic landscape, is an absolute must. A four mile walk – known as the Saddleworth Circuit – takes in the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, country lanes, weavers’ cottages and Saddleworth church before returning through the village of Uppermill. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can try the seven mile Saddleworth Cycle and Horse Riding Trail and wind your way along the Roman Roads and pack horse trails.

Whilst you’re in Uppermill, check out the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in an outbuilding of the 19th century Victoria Mill. The museum boasts an intriguing collection of objects from the past and tells the story of the people who have created Saddleworth’s landscape and character. The art gallery exhibitions change every six weeks and showcase the best local and regional contemporary art. Admission to the art gallery is free and most of the artwork is for sale. For more information, check out: visitoldham.com

ÂŠ NASA / ESA / JPL / Arizona State University

Image The Crab Nebula

Jodrell Bank By Dr Tim O’Brien

Twenty miles south of Manchester, in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, is an icon of science and engineering. The towering white structure of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank has stood as an incredible technological landmark for more than fifty years. Ninety metres high and weighing 3,200 tonnes, it’s visible from miles away. Yet it still has the power to surprise when you approach, disappearing from view then suddenly reappearing, looming above the hedgerows and nearby farm buildings. Since it was completed in 1957, it has stared into space, its giant dish collecting radio waves from the edge of the observable universe. When it was built it was the world’s largest telescope. It is still the third largest and, after several major upgrades, it is more capable than ever. Its first act was to track the rocket that launched Sputnik I into space, the only instrument in the world capable of doing so. It went on to play a major role in the Space Race through the 1950s and 60s working with both the Americans and Soviets. In July 1969 one of the telescopes at Jodrell Bank was used to track the Apollo 11 Eagle Lander carrying Armstrong and Aldrin onto the surface of the Moon. At the same time the Jodrell scientists were using the Lovell Telescope to track the unmanned Soviet spacecraft Luna 15, its audacious mission not well-known even today. The plan was to land on the Moon, collect samples of lunar soil and rock and then return to Earth to scoop the Americans. The signals intercepted by the Lovell Telescope revealed how it orbited the Moon before crash-landing onto its surface just a few hours before the Americans successfully lifted off. The Lovell Telescope is named after its creator, and the first Director of Jodrell Bank, Sir Bernard Lovell. Now 96, he lives just a few miles away and still regularly spends time in his office at the Observatory. He recently revealed that whilst the attention of the public was focused on its work in space missions, it had a much more secretive role.

In the early 1960s and throughout the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Lovell Telescope was on standby as the UK’s only early warning defence against nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. But all this was actually only a small part of the work at Jodrell Bank. Its main purpose is, and always has been, radio-astronomy. For thousands of years, humans have looked to the skies and wondered about the Universe. Four hundred years ago we got a clearer view following the invention of the telescope, but all we knew was what we could see with our own eyes. Founded in 1945, Jodrell Bank pioneered the exploration of the invisible universe using radio waves instead of visible light. Our horizons were suddenly expanded. The new radio telescopes discovered previously undreamt of things – quasars, powered by gigantic black holes and shining brightly across billions of light years; pulsars, the spinning collapsed cores of exploded stars flashing like cosmic lighthouses; gravitational lenses, massive objects bending and distorting light itself; the cosmic microwave background, the fading glow of the Big Bang allowing us to see back in time almost 14 billion years to the origin of the Universe itself. Part of the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Manchester, Jodrell Bank is a world leader in astronomy research and technology development. Our research programme now ranges from the discovery of planets orbiting other stars to the study of the origin of the Universe in the Big Bang. Recent achievements include our discovery of the first double pulsar, an orbiting pair of dead stars; this has provided us with the

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best-ever test of Einstein’s theory of gravity, General Relativity, showing that he is at least 99.95% correct!

more than 15 countries. Construction is planned to begin in 2012 with full operation around 2020.

Later this year watch out for the first images from e-MERLIN, our new ultra-powerful telescope array. We’ve used optical fibres to link together seven radio telescopes stretching 217 km across England from Jodrell to Cambridge. Working together as one giant telescope, e-MERLIN is like a powerful zoom lens through which we will see the birth and death of stars in distant galaxies.

The impact of Jodrell Bank has not only been felt in science. Doctor Who, played by Tom Baker, fell to his death from an alien machine based on the Lovell Telescope, regenerating as Peter Davison. In Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Jodrell Bank unfortunately missed the arrival of the Vogon spaceships on their mission to destroy Earth because the astronomers were too busy enjoying a nice, relaxing cup of tea. The cover of Doves’ Hacienda classic Space Face (originally released by their earlier incarnation Sub Sub) featured the Lovell Telescope, and Peter Saville’s iconic sleeve design for Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures is based on recordings of signals from pulsars. The Telescope has also provided a backdrop to music videos from bands such as D:Ream and Placebo.

We should also soon see more results from the European Space Agency’s Planck spacecraft. Launched in May 2009, the spacecraft is fitted with unique low-noise amplifiers designed and built by our engineers in the Jodrell Bank laboratories. Planck is now four times farther away than the Moon and steadily making progress on its mission to produce the best-ever picture of the fading glow of the Big Bang. Looking to the future, Jodrell Bank also hosts the global headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array (the SKA) – a €1.5 billion project to construct the world’s largest radio telescope consisting of thousands of dishes spread over thousands of kilometres. To be sited in either Australia or Southern Africa, the SKA is a worldwide endeavour being developed by scientists and engineers in

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Drawn by the landmark telescope (now a Grade I listed building) and its mission to explore space, over three million people have visited Jodrell Bank since we opened our doors to visitors in 1965. We’re planning a redevelopment of the visitor facilities so keep an eye on our website for opening times and details of what’s happening, including special events such as our famous stargazing nights.

Images: top Jodrell Bank control room above Sir Bernard Lovell with moon photographs

Of course it’s all very well reading about Jodrell Bank. But nothing compares to actually being there as the giant Lovell Telescope swings into action. Being there and watching as the huge dish moves to point towards strange objects far out across the Universe. And knowing that it’s collecting signals which have travelled for billions of years to reach the point at which you’re standing. Something that makes this a very special day out.

Visitor Information Jodrell Bank is open from 10.30am to 5pm. The last admission one hour before closing. The nearest railway station is Goostrey on the Crewe to Manchester line, which is approximately 2.5 miles away. If travelling by car, the centre can be found just off the A535 between Holmes Chapel and Alderley Edge, approximately six miles from Junction 18 of the M6. The post code for a Sat Nav system is: SK11 9DL. jodrellbank.manchester.ac.uk

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Manchester Voices

Sue Woodward A warning: Sue Woodward’s enthusiasm for the Sharp Project, Manchester’s new digital content centre, is highly infectious. Discuss it with her for ten minutes, and chances are you’ll want to get out there and start talking it up yourself.

In Woodward, the city’s digital and creative sector has found its ideal champion. She is smart, passionate, tenacious and possessed of a down-to-earth directness that couldn’t be more Mancunian. She answers the phone herself, works out of a portakabin on the site and doesn’t stand on ceremony. People interested in commericial space at Sharp are invited by for a “cup of tea and a chat”. Currently taking shape in a 225,000-squarefoot warehouse in East Manchester, the Sharp Project will provide digital content companies with affordable work space and superfast broadband. It evolved from the city’s desire to strengthen its already formidable digital content sector after the BBC’s move north got the go-ahead (the BBC moves five departments into Media City at Salford Quays in 2011). As Woodward explains, “The BBC is coming – this is something any city in the UK would be falling over themselves to have. So, having got them here, let’s widen the opportunity.”

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Woodward is very clear on Sharp’s role within the city-region’s media landscape. She describes it as a “grow bag” for start-ups involved in the creation, manipulation or distribution of digital content. “We’re not really attracting the people who will want to be at Media City. We’re attracting the people who may want to supply them,” she explains.”We will be the centre that innovates. Then we’ll take those innovations and sell ‘em to the guys down the block.” The importance of high-speed internet to the project cannot be overemphasised. Woodward points out that most creative firms can’t afford superfast broadband, and that stifles innovation. But access to the Internet exchange at Manchester Science Park – one of only two transatlantic pipelines in the UK – will give companies at Sharp a powerful market advantage. It will also enable Sharp to create a virtual super studio – a global network capable of digital content production by joint teams in different time zones.

Internet aside, creating a commerical space with optimal conditions for innovation is a tall order. And it was clear that the warehouse had to have room for high-end, established broadcast studios as well as the low-cost spaces best for companies just starting out. “The design for this building has been forged in much heated debate by people who have a phenomenal passion for making this work,” Woodward says. “This is the industry looking at itself, saying, ‘What do we need? What have we learned to our cost in digital business? What would this look like if we were going to build it ourselves?’” Because it is a not-for-profit venture, owned by the city but managed by a private sector partnership, the team could ditch the “we need to charge £X per square foot” mindset and get creative. It’s just this sort of thinking outside of the box that got them into the box; namely, the humble shipping container – cheap, durable and widely available – which will be used as Sharp’s standard office unit.

With such a flexible setup it’ll be easy for growing companies to expand, but they won’t be locked into a punishing lease if the business fizzles out. And at £45 pounds a week for a single unit it’s no surprise they’re flying out the door. But Woodward says interest is just as keen in the larger office blocks – more than half of the first phase has already gone – and in Sharp’s two 30,000 square foot spaces. “Once people have come to the site we don’t really need to say any more. They get it,” Woodward says. “They’re asking ‘where do I sign up?’ People want to be part of it.” It’s easy to see why. Great transport links mean Sharp will have much of the convenience of the Northern Quarter, a Manchester neighbourhood favoured by creatives, but at rents unheard of in the city centre. A Metrolink tram station opening there in early 2011 will get people to Victoria Station in 7 minutes.

The venture is taking a hands-on approach to building the city-region’s creative economy from the bottom up. The Sharp Project will foster close ties with schools, including the city’s new specialist academies for communications and creative media. Woodward believes strongly that, as important as it is to create opportunities for young people, the real trick is inspiring them. “It’s about them being able to see this happening, not in some magazine or in some faraway part of the globe, but in a place that they go past on the bus every day,” she says. “It’s about them realising that they could have their own business – not just a job – by the time they’re 18.” An inspiring thought indeed. For more information about the Sharp Project, visit: thesharpproject.co.uk

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Southport - England’s classic resort Southport may be a classic Victorian town by the sea – but it also has a contemporary twist and is bursting with hidden gems. With exciting attractions, beautiful surroundings and an excellent choice of places to eat, it makes this family resort a great place to visit while experiencing England’s Northwest. Whether you’re looking for relaxing coastal walks, stylish shopping or fun for all the family, you definitely won’t be disappointed. One of the most unique attractions is the impressive Southport Pier, the second longest in Britain, which boasts fantastic views along the coast. Enjoy the mile-long tram journey to the pier end where you’ll find a pavilion filled with interactive displays, wildlife and coastline exhibitions, a café and a selection of vintage ‘penny slot’ machines.

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Just a short walk from Southport Pier is the Marine Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in England. Relax on-board the Southport Belle, a Mississippi-style paddle steamer and enjoy the sights of the elegant Promenade. Keeping with the water theme, don’t miss Dunes Splash World, Southport’s all-weather water attraction. The largest attraction of its kind on Merseyside, Splash World caters for all ages with its shallow water children’s area. Exciting water features include fast flumes, a lazy river ride and water curtains. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside as you can look forward to a tropical 84 degrees in Splash World, and a poolside café to watch all the fun. If you want something a little more tranquil, take full advantage of Sefton’s 22 miles of glorious coastline. Just a short journey from Southport is Formby Point, home of the National Trust’s red squirrel reserve.

Along the coast in Crosby is ‘Another Place’, the large-scale public artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Antony Gormley. Other popular attractions include the Model Railway Village, the UK’s only Lawnmower Museum and just outside the resort is Churchtown, a picturesque, historic village complete with thatched cottages, a village green and the Botanic Gardens. If shopping’s more your bag, then take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined boulevard of Lord Street – with its glass canopies there’s a real continental feel. From designer boutiques to High Street names, you will be spoilt for choice. The town hosts monthly Farmers’ Markets and an International Street Market in May and December. Wayfarers Arcade is a must with its statue in tribute of three times Grand National winner Red Rum, who was trained by Ginger McCain on the Southport sands.

Don’t forget your golf clubs as you’ll want to practise your swing by visiting some of the best links courses in the world on England’s Golf Coast. Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship no less than nine times, the last being in 2008. Round-off your day by enjoying a family meal in one of the town’s top restaurants or by taking in a show at Southport Theatre or Southport Little Theatre.

Getting there: Southport is easily accessible however you choose to travel. By car, follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then follow the signs to Southport. Northern Rail operates services to Southport from Manchester, as well as Bolton and Wigan; and Merseyrail operates a service from Liverpool. For more information: visitSouthport.com

Southport 2010 event dates John Smith’s Grand National 8-10 April Southport Food & Drink Festival 13-16 May Southport International Jazz festival 27-30 May Tour Series & Cycling Festival 8 June Southport Charity Fun Festival 11 & 12 June Veterans Day Carnival 26 June Ricoh Women’s British Open 29 July – 1 August Summer Classics – Music in the Park 30 & 31 July

Woodvale International Rally 7 & 8 August Southport Flower Show 19 – 22 August 24 Hour Yacht Race 11 & 12 September Southport Air Show 18 & 19 September Salsa Kingdom 24 - 26 September British Musical Fireworks Championships 1 – 3 October Southport Comedy Festival 22 – 30 October North West Racing Masters 20 & 21 November Southport Christmas Lights Switch On & Parade 21 November

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Backwell Arts & Crafts House

Cumbria - The Lake District One of the UK’s most spectacular national parks and easily accessible from Manchester, the Lakes provide a wonderful opportunity for a memorable day trip, or a longer stay. If asked to think about Cumbria – the Lake District, most people will conjure up a picture of beautiful countryside, stunning scenery and a tranquil environment. All of this is, of course, quite true. However, there is another side to Cumbria which proves that the region has much more to offer today’s visitor than just the riches of the natural environment. Did you know, for example, that Cumbria is one of England's top five regions to visit for Michelin-starred dining or that Cumbria has more galleries, museums, festivals, events and art centres per capita than any other location in England’s Northwest? So far this year, Cumbria has already hosted more than half a dozen key festivals including the 2010 prelude of the Lakes Alive

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series of predominantly free outdoor performances, Welcoming the Light in Carlisle. This was part of the Illuminating Hadrian's Wall event, which saw the entire length of Hadrian's Wall (84 miles) being lit from coast to coast for the first time in its history. Away from festivals, Blackwell Arts and Craft House overlooking Lake Windermere, which was originally built as a holiday retreat for Manchester brewery owner, Sir Edward Holt, is continually growing its fine collection of pieces from the Arts and Craft era and regularly hosts a number of ground-breaking exhibitions. Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s 400year old home and the Wordsworth Museum in the picturesque village of Grasmere contain the world’s finest and largest collections of Wordsworth’s works and

personal effects, each giving an insight into the life of the UK’s best known Romantic poet. Culture and adventure go hand in hand in Grizedale Forest near Hawkshead; as well as the forest's wealth of walking and cycling trails and the high wire adrenalin adventure Go Ape!, visitors can appreciate over 60 sculptures including works by Andy Goldsworthy, Richard Harris and David Kemp. The newest sculpture installation 'Boat Race' by renowned artist Keith Wilson was inspired by a section of the River Thames used for the Cambridge v Oxford boat race and was put in place in February to kick off the 2010 arts programme.

Here are some ideas for how to spend a cultural day out in the Lake District, Cumbria.

11:00 Visit Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere This beautifully elegant house and gardens has spectacular views across Windermere and has a growing collection of important pieces from across the Arts and Crafts era. An inspirational place to visit, Blackwell was originally built at the turn of the 19th and 20th century by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, as a holiday retreat for the Manchester brewery owner, Sir Edward Holt, Lord Mayor of Manchester from 1907 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1909. blackwell.org.uk, 015394 46139

12:30 Take a Windermere Lake Cruise Windermere is the largest lake in England at 10.5 miles long and up to 200 feet deep in places. Trips include cruises around the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s islands and between the many ports, including Brockhole, Fell Foot, Bowness and Lakeside. windermere-lakecruises.co.uk 015394 33522

13:30 Travel by 555 bus from Windermere to Kendal

Lake Windermere

14:00 Lunch at the Grainstore Restaurant in The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal The dynamic Brewery Arts Centre features everything from theatre and dance to cinema, galleries and literature. The atmospheric Grain Store Restaurant offers a menu to satisfy all tastes. breweryarts.co.uk 01539 725133

15:00 Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Abbot Hall, Kendal This elegant Georgian building is home to both a collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century fine art and the Museum of Lakeland Life, an award-winning museum that traces the history of the Lake District and its inhabitants. abbothall.org.uk/ lakelandmuseum.org.uk 01539 722464

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Eat and sleep Should you wish to stay for longer than a day, the Lake District is well-served by an excellent range of hotels and restaurants with rooms. Here are a few to whet the appetite in Windermere:

The Angel Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere A chic, Lake District retreat that is familyowned and run, with the philosophy of offering great service, wonderful food, comfortable accommodation and a good selection of wines and beers. the-angelinn.com

Windermere Suites, Windermere The UK’s current ‘Funkiest B&B of the Year 2009-2010’ as awarded by the AA, Windermere Suites offers eight spacious suites with flamboyant designer interiors. Bathrooms are big with double airbaths, underfloor heating and chromotherapy mood lighting. Rooms feature private terraces, superking handmade beds, solid black walnut flooring, in-wall TVs, dining areas, Philippe Starck furnishings and walkin wardrobes with well-stocked mini-bars, providing a ‘living showroom’ of designer furnishings available to buy, as well as highly comfortable, stylish accommodation. windermeresuites.co.uk

Storrs Gate House, Bowness-on-Windermere This bed and breakfast establishment sits within its own secluded gardens, opposite Lake Windermere. Rooms are spacious and striking, with features such as four poster beds, French windows and ‘Juliet’ balconies. For special occasions, treats are available such as fresh flowers, champagne and handmade chocoates. WINNER OF BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR AT THE 2009 CUMBRIA TOURISM AWARDS.

storrsgatehouse.co.uk

Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

Gilpin Lodge, Windermere

Enjoy a memorable dining experience at Holbeck Ghyll’s Michelin-starred restaurant, in one of the Lake District’s finest country house hotels, in a majestic location overlooking Lake Windermere and the Langdale Fells. holbeckghyll.com

The Northwest of England's current 'Small Hotel of the Year', Gilpin Lodge is set in 20 tranquil acres of private country gardens, moors and woodland. Accommodation is thoughtful, luxurious, and stylish and the garden suites are really special with glassfronted lounge areas leading to individual gardens with outdoor cedarwood hot tubs, enormous beds, walk-in dressing areas, large sofas, modern fireplaces, flatscreen TVs and sensual bathrooms. gilpin-lodge.co.uk

The Samling, Windermere Perched a few hundred feet above Lake Windermere, this beautiful hotel offers the ultimate in private indulgence with its luxurious Manmire Suite, a duplex cottage suite set on a raised deck. All rooms are individual and incredibly stylish, the food sophisticated and the wine list impressive. thesamling.com

For more information on places to visit, stay and eat in the Lake District, Cumbria, visit golakes.co.uk or to download Cumbria Tourism's new Culture Guide, visit golakes.co.uk/culture For information on rail services between Manchester and Windermere, visit nationalrail.co.uk

Images: above The Angel Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere below The Samling, Windermere

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Lake District Events Theatre by the Lake's Summer Season, Keswick 29 May – 6 November

Maryport Blues Festival, Maryport 23 – 25 July

Solfest, Silloth 27 – 29 August

A must for blues fans everywhere! Hit the road and head for the west coast to sample the best music from the UK and North America along with a selection of fine ales. Headlined by Grammy award winner Robert Cray and his band. maryportblues.com

Now firmly established on the music festival calendar this award-winning gathering offers up a ‘real’ outdoor music and arts event experience. This year’s line up promises to be, as always, bigger and better than ever featuring James and The Magic Numbers. solwayfestival.co.uk

Lake District Summer Music, countywide 30 July – 15 August

Mintfest - International Festival of Street Arts, Kendal 2 – 5 September

International opera superstar, Katherine Jenkins & legendary rockers, Status Quo are just two of the headline acts at this year's festival. Cookery demos from celebrity chefs, famous tall ships, air shows, military displays, and a spectacular overhead display from the Red Arrows will round off the weekend. www.thefestival.org.uk

One of the UKs biggest music festivals in one of the UKs most beautiful regions. An inspirational programme of events and classical concerts in a range of great Lakeland venues. ldsm.org.uk

An exhilarating kaleidoscope of companies and artists from across the globe take over the town of Kendal for a packed weekend of performance fun. lakesalive.org

Titanic, Lakes Alive, Carlisle 23 - 24 July

Levens Hall and its lovingly kept gardens attract thousands of visitors each year. It also hosts The Lakes Chilli Fest, an entertaining annual celebration of anything and everything to do with this versatile vegetable. chillifest.co.uk

Six plays in repertoire, from lively adaptations of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and Tennessee Williams' American drama, The Glass Menagerie to Joe Orton's fast and funny play, What the Butler Saw, the summer season at Theatre by the Lake should not be missed! theatrebythelake.co.uk

Whitehaven Festival, Whitehaven 25 - 27 June

A large-scale spectacular theatrical performance presented in the majestic grounds of Carlisle Castle. Tickets required. lakesalive.org

The Lakes Chilli Fest, near Kendal 14 – 15 August

The Great North Swim, Windermere 4 – 5 September Take to the water with over 2,000 other swimmers and challenge yourself to this one - mile open water course against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District National Park. greatswim.org

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What would you do with a little extra time every day? With over 15,000 spaces across 45 locations in Manchester

NCP will get you closer to where you need to be Find your nearest NCP at ncp.co.uk or call 0161 817 8900

park closer

Velvet Hotel

WHERE TO STAY Manchester would not have achieved its international reputation as a vibrant leisure and business destination without having an array of high quality accommodation to go with it. When you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Manchester, you can be assured that all of the accommodation featured in this section has been assessed by either Quality in Tourism, The AA or has recently applied for a rating and is awaiting assessment.

The list of symbols explains the range of facilities available at the various establishments featured in this guide. More detailed information on accommodation facilities are available online at visitmanchester.com

All types of accommodation including hotels and guest accommodation (B&Bs, guesthouses etc) are assessed to the same criteria and awarded one to five stars, the more stars the higher the quality. Budget accommodation, which includes roadside or lodge style accommodation, does not have a star rating.

The Manchester city-region has a huge variety of accommodation available from stylish five star hotels to trendy boutique hotels and traditional B&Bs. If you would prefer to spend your money in restaurants, shops and Manchester’s nightlife, then you should investigate the wide range of budget hotels and youth hostels available.

Ratings made easy

Price Bands

1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5 star

All establishments are listed within a price band, that shows the minimum charge per person, per night, based on two people sharing.

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

How to Book

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

Wherever you choose to stay in Manchester, you can be sure that the highest standards of service, facilities and comfort await you. For more information on star ratings go to enjoyengland.com

AAA AA A B C D E

Go to visitmanchester.com for a huge selection of accommodation in Manchester. Real-time 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 Unit 45/50 Portland Street Piccadilly, Manchester T. +44 (0)871 222 8223 E. touristinformation@visitmanchester.com

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

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Britannia Hotels www.britanniahotels.com Price Band: C/D

Britannia Hotels - has over 1500 rooms in 8 hotels throughout Manchester all offering excellent locations, comfortable accommodation and extensive facilities for business or leisure - including 4 with health clubs and pools. The Britannia Hotel Manchester & Britannia Sachas Hotel both enjoy city centre locations with a range of restaurants, bars, meeting & event facilities and comfortable, well appointed rooms. Sachas also boasts a health club with swimming pool and gym which can be used by guests at the Manchester hotel Each hotel is ideally situated at the heart of the city with all major entertainment and shopping venues, including the MEN Arena, close by. The hotels are served by excellent transport links with national rail, bus and Manchester Metro within walking distance.

The Britannia Ashley Hotel Hale & Britannia Stockport are located in leafy suburbs offering comfortable accommodation and, at Stockport, a health club with swimming pool. Hale itself offers exclusive shopping, bars, and restaurants whilst Stockport town centre hosts markets, theatre and museums. Both hotels offer easy access to Manchester and the scenic Cheshire countryside. The Britannia Airport, Country House & Stockport hotels are within a few miles of Manchester airport and offer ‘Stay & Fly’ packages as the ideal way to start your holiday early and relax before flying. The Britannia Country House Hotel also has an excellent health club complete with pool and gym. Again all 3 hotels are well positioned to give easy access to Manchester and its many attractions.

The Britannia Wigan Hotel is adjacent to J27 of the M6 and offers a light, airy lobby, comfortable bedrooms and a health club with pool and gym. The location means that the many attractions of the North West are easily reached from this welcoming hotel. The Britannia Hotel Bolton is just minutes from the M61 and has 96 well appointed bedrooms alongside a welcoming bar & restaurant. The hotel’s position means Manchester & Bolton are easy to get to as is the Trafford centre and the magnificent Lancashire countryside.

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 £160 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

Britannia Airport Hotel «««

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Britannia Ashley Hotel ««

Britannia Manchester Hotel

Britannia Country House Hotel «««

Britannia Manchester Hotel «««

Britannia Sachas Hotel «««

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City Inn Manchester «««« One Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street, Manchester, M1 3DG T. +44 (0)161 242 1000 www.cityinn.com Price band. B

City Inn Manchester is an award-winning, stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of the dynamic city centre of Manchester and opposite Piccadilly train station. Canal Street, the gay village, China Town, Piccadilly Gardens and shopping galore are all just on the doorstep. Our 285 guest rooms, including City Club and City Suites all come complete with a light, fresh design, floor to ceiling windows, personal bars, fabulous Apple iMac entertainment systems, complimentary wi-fi, bespoke toiletries, bathrobes, walk-in power showers, 24 hour room service, library of movies and music and of course the best of beds! The hotel also has two stunning bars - Piccadilly Lounge and Blue Bar - two fantastic spaces to relax and chill out. City Café is our critically acclaimed restaurant offering innovative, modern European food using seasonal, fresh ingredients. Or why not eat alfresco on our lovely, sunny terrace. And if all the food and drink is too much, then we have a really great gym on the first floor.

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Located opposite the Manchester Central Conference Centre (formerly known as the G-MEX), this modern hotel offers great value, with contemporary comfortable rooms and a fully equipped Fitness First on-site gym, which is free to all guests. The Premier Inn Manchester Central has a convenient city-centre location just a few minutes from Manchester Piccadilly Station. We can offer you an excellent standard of accommodation at very affordable prices with the option of; double, twin or family rooms that can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 16). Our all you can eat full English breakfast is available every day with children eating breakfast for free.

Premier Inn offers a unique no quibble Good Night Guarantee! We guarantee good quality rooms, friendly service and comfortable surroundings or your money back! Our hotel also accommodates a fantastic Table Table restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinner with free Wi-Fi access. Located next to our restaurant is our Costa Coffee shop serving Italian coffee as well as a selection of delicious hot and cold snacks. Located on the ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor are our meeting rooms and business lounge. Here you will ďŹ nd fully equipped meeting rooms to suit every need as well as a comfortable business lounge with full internet access.

Visit www.premierinn.com or call 0870 990 6444 to check availability.

The Radisson Edwardian Hotel The Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP T. +44 (0)161 835 9929 www.radissonedwardian.com/manchester Price band. AA

The acclaimed Radisson Edwardian Hotel on Peter Street, voted the city’s Best Large Hotel at the Manchester Tourism Awards 2007, Large Hotel of the Year in the North West at the Regional Tourism Awards 2007, and joint Silver at the Enjoy England 2008 awards, continues to be first choice for leisure and business visitors, offering the perfect fusion of luxury and city centre convenience. With 263 rooms, ranging from king-size doubles to a range of 23 newly refurbished suites, each room is dramatic and indulgent containing everything expected of an up market hotel. The hotel offers guests dining opportunities for every occasion from the newly redesigned Alto Restaurant offering guests a relaxing and inviting dining experience; to the dramatic Opus One restaurant, which continues to gain acclaim for its stunning interiors and honest British food. Sienna Spa and Health Club provides an urban retreat for guests, with five treatment rooms and two inviting relaxation rooms, as well as a swimming pool and full gym, sauna and steam room. Conveniently positioned for Manchester’s vast business, cultural, retail and night life, the 5* Radisson Edwardian Hotel offers the ultimate city break experience.

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«««««

Malmaison Manchester 1-3 Picadilly, Manchester, M1 1LZ T. +44 (0)161 278 1000 www.malmaison-manchester Price band. AAA

This one time elegant warehouse in Manchester is now a gorgeous boutique hotel with a very theatrical style. With its red and black décor, we think it’s reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge. It’s certainly stylish whatever colour you’re hoping to paint the town. With stunning rooms and suites, Mal Manchester is perfect for business trips or luxury city breaks. We offer elegant rooms and opulent suites, tranquil spa, a fabulous bar and a classy brasserie. So, whether you’re here to explore the shops or the trendy Northern Quarter, make it the Manchester Mal. You won’t be disappointed. Go on we dare you! That’s Mal Life.

Arora Hotel Manchester «««« 18 - 24 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4LY T. +44 (0)161 236 8999 www.arorahotels.com Price band. A - AA

Contemporary in design yet maintaining the unique character of its Grade II listed heritage Arora Hotel Manchester is located in the heart of the City. Only minutes away from the main business and shopping districts it is the perfect location. Boasting 141 beautifully furnished bedrooms with many unique design features including “Cloud 9” beds, broadband access, power showers and air conditioning combining a feel of style, space and comfort along with award winning hospitality – an Arora trademark!

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION ONLINE AT visitmanchester.com

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APARTMENTS

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a group or prefer your home comforts, serviced apartments provide an ideal option for your stay in Manchester. There is an array of properties across the city centre to suit every need and budget, allowing you more privacy and flexibility. Choose from five-star luxury, stylish boutique or simple contemporary, each one is equipped with all the essentials – it’s like a home away from home.

The Atrium «««« 74 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6JD T. +44 (0)161 235 2000 www.atriummanchester.com Price band. C

The Atrium by BridgeStreet consists of 116 4 star serviced apartments. Situated in the heart of Manchester, The Atrium is the ultimate ‘home from home’ experience.

Padhotels.co.uk Ltd «««« 74 Bridge Street Manchester M3 2RJ T. +44 (0)161 839 9654 www.padhotels.co.uk Price band. B

Set in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre, these contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom apartments provide the comfort, privacy & freedom of your own home with the services of a hotel.

StayDeansgate Apartments «««« Deansgate Quay, Manchester M3 4LA T. +44 (0)16974 76254 www.staydeansgate.co.uk Price band. A

Spacious city centre apartments with fully equipped kitchens, stylish leather and glass furniture, free wifi & phone calls. Private south east facing balconies. Leisure club option.

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The Manchester Store Buy online at visitmanchester.com/giftshop

Rachel wears I Love MCR t-shirt ÂŁ10.95

Ryan wears iManc t-shirt ÂŁ10.95 Also available at The Manchester Store

The Manchester Store

Piccadilly Plaza, Unit 45 - 50 Portland St, M1 4BT (opens mid June)

161 Upper Mall, Peel Avenue The Trafford Centre

Terminal 2 Manchester Airport

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 outside of London, Manchester Airport handles over 20 million passengers per year. Its facilities are world class with three terminals, two runways, over 250 check-in desks and 65 airline operators.

If Manchester is your gateway to exploring the many attractions in the North of England, 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.

The £35m transformation of Terminal 1 has seen 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.

When you arrive at Manchester Airport, head for The Station, a £60 million 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 upto-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 the city-region.

In fact, it has never been easier to fly to Manchester with a variety of competitive fares and direct scheduled flights offered by major US, UK, Middle Eastern and European airlines.

A train service from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly railway station operates every 10 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes.

Over 190 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 indeed Europe.

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Manchester Airport Scheduled Flights

DOMESTIC SCHEDULED FLIGHTS

Basel

Swiss International Air Lines

Lyon

bmi

Bastia

easyJet

Malaga

bmibaby, Jet2.com, easyJet, Monarch Scheduled, Thomson

Malta

Air Malta, easyJet

Marrakech

Thomson, easyJet

Aberdeen

bmi

Bergerac

Flybe

Belfast (Intl)

bmibaby

Billund

British Airways

Belfast (City) Bournemouth

Bordeaux

Flybe

Brest

Flybe

bmibaby Flybe

Bristol

Air Southwest

Brussels

Flybe, Brussels Airlines, Ryanair

Cork

bmibaby, Aer Lingus

Budapest

Jet2.com

Derry

Aer Arann

Calgary

Air Transat

Dublin

Aer Lingus, Ryanair

Cape Verde

Thomas Cook Airlines

Edinburgh

bmi, Flybe

Chambery

Jet2.com

Exeter

Flybe

Chicago

American Airlines

Galway

Aer Arann

Cologne

Germanwings

Glasgow

bmi, Flybe

Copenhagen

SAS, easyJet

Guernsey

Aurigny, Flybe

Crete

easyJet, Jet2.com

Isle of Man Inverness Jersey

Dalaman

Flybe

Doha

Flybe

Dubai

bmibaby, Flybe

Kibris Turkish Airlines, Jet2.com Qatar Airways Emirates

Kerry

Aer Arran

Dubrovnik

Jet2.com

Knock

bmibaby

Dusseldorf

Flybe, Lufthansa

London

Gatwick British Airways

Faro

Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled

Frankfurt

Flybe, Lufthansa

London Heathrow bmi, British Airways Newquay

bmibaby, Air Southwest

Funchal

Jet2.com, Thomas Cook Airlines

Norwich

Flybe

Geneva

Plymouth

Air Southwest

bmibaby, Jet2.com, easyJet, Swiss International Air Lines

Southampton

Flybe

Waterford

Aer Arann

Gibralter Gothenburg Gran Canaria

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULED FLIGHTS

Hamburg Hanover Helsinki

Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways

Alicante

Monarch Scheduled, Jet2.com, bmibaby, easyJet

Almeria Amsterdam Antwerp Avignon Antalya

Ibiza Islamabad

Monarch Scheduled KLM, bmibaby Air France Flybe Kibris Turkish Airlines, Monarch Scheduled, Thomsonfly, Thomas, Cook Airlines easyjet

Atlanta

Delta Air Lines

Barbados

Virgin Atlantic

Barcelona

Monarch Scheduled, bmibaby

City Airline Las Palmas - Jet2.com Lufthansa Flybe Finnair Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled Air Blue, Pakistan International Airlines

Monarch Scheduled

Milan

Flybe

Monastir

Thomsonfly, Jet2.com, Thomas Cook Airways

Munich

Lufthansa, easyJet

Murcia

Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled

New York (Newark) Continental Airlines New York (JFK)

Delta Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, American Airlines

Nice

Jet2.com

Orlando

Virgin Atlantic

Oslo

SAS

Paderborn

Air Berlin

Palma

Mallorca bmibaby, Jet2.com, Monarch Scheduled

Paphos

Cyprus Airways, easyJet

Paris

Air France, Flybe

Philadelphia

US Airways

Pisa

Jet2.com

Prague

bmibaby, CSA Czech Airlines

Rennes

Flybe

Rome

Jet2.com

Reykjavik

Icelandair

Rhodes

Jet2.com

Salzburg

Thomson, Jet2.com

Sharm El Sheik

Jet2.com

Singapore

Singapore Airlines

Sofia

easyJet

Split

Jet2.com

Istanbul

Turkish Airlines

Stockholm

SAS

Karachi

Pakistan International Airlines

Stuttgart

Lufthansa

Kos

Jet2.com

Tel Aviv

Jet2.com

Lahore

Pakistan International Airlines

Tenerife

Lanzarote

Monarch Scheduled, Jet2.com

Monarch Scheduled, Jet2.com, easyJet

Larnaca

Cyprus Airways, easyJet

Tolouse

bmibaby

Toronto

Air Transat

Tripoli

Libyan Arab

Vancouver

Air Transat,

Venice

Jet2.com

Zurich

Swiss International Air Lines

La Rochelle

Athens

Monarch Scheduled

Menorca

Lisbon Limoges Ljubliana Lourdes

Flybe bmibaby Flybe Adria bmibaby

For further details of the many airlines that fly into Manchester, visit: manchesterairport.co.uk

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Escape the kids from only ÂŁ11 With up to three trains an hour from London to Manchester and an average journey time of only 2hrs 8mins. Book in advance at virgintrains.com

Fare advertised is Standard Advance fare. Bookable until 23.59 day before travel, subject to availability on off peak services between 10:30 and 14:00 and again after 19:30 Monday to Friday with travel permitted anytime on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations compulsory. Customers must travel on the trains they reserve. Normal railcard and child discounts apply. Correct at time of going to print and according to timetabled journeys, Monday - Friday. For full terms and conditions visit virgintrains.com

GETTING AROUND THE CITY-REGION Manchester is one of the most accessible cities in the UK, thanks to its central location and excellent transport links. Manchester offers a wide-ranging public transport system, so once you’re in the city you should have no problems getting around using buses, trains or trams.

Buses Buses are a great way to see both the city and the wider Manchester region. A comprehensive network of buses offer frequent services to many destinations. When in the city centre, you can hop on one of the Metroshuttle buses. These are free and link to all the main rail stations, shopping districts and businesses in the city centre. gmpte.com or phone +44 (0) 161 244 1000

Trams Manchester’s Metrolink tram system has recently been developed to encourage easier and faster travel in the city centre and beyond. Running every five minutes, Metrolink is the perfect mode of transport for those who don’t require a strict timetable. Trams run from the early morning until late in the evening; don’t forget to purchase your ticket from the machine at the platform before you board. metrolink.com or phone Traveline on +44 (0)871 200 2233

Trains There are four key train stations in Manchester city centre – Deansgate, Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. Of these, Piccadilly attracts the most visitors and is the main arrival point into the city centre. With a fully-developed network of services to both local destinations and beyond, taking the train is an ideal way to travel on your visit. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly, taking just 15 to 20 minutes. nationalrail.co.uk or phone +44 (0)8457 484950

DaySaver System One Travelcard DaySaver is a Travelcard that is accepted by most bus, train and tram companies in Manchester. It allows you to transfer easily from one form of transport to another, as many times as you wish. DaySavers are available from Piccadilly Gardens, bus drivers, tram ticket machines and train stations. systemonetravelcards.com or phone +44 (0)8717 818181

For more information about public transport in Manchester, visit gmpte.com or phone Traveline on +44 (0)870 200 22 33 (open 7am - 8pm Monday – Friday and 8am – 8pm at weekends and public holidays).

Travelling further afield If you are venturing to another UK city, National Express operates from the modern Chorlton Street Coach Station. nationalexpress.com or phone +44 (0)8705 808080 Virgin Trains run a maximum of three trains per hour to London from Piccadilly, with frequent rail services to many other major UK cities available, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Newcastle. For more information: virgintrains.co.uk or tpexpress.co.uk Or phone +44 (0)8457 484950

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MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE

*(For costs see overleaf)

Bus Stn.

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

Exchange Square & New Cathedral Street

Home to all the high street favourites and a few independent surprises.

Home to the biggest names in fashion, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and lots more.

Unique atmosphere with restaurants, bars and clubs around the vibrant heart of Canal Street.

Deansgate, King Street & St Ann’s Square

Northern Quarter

Spinningfields

A host of prestigious designer stores.

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

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

Petersfield

Piccadilly

The Corridor

Home to Manchester Central conference complex, The Bridgewater Hall and Great Northern.

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

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

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

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The Gay Village

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

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MANCHESTER CITY-REGION

Marketing Manchester Carverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warehouse, 77 Dale St, Manchester, M1 2HG T. +44 (0)161 237 1010 F. +44 (0)161 228 2960 www.visitmanchester.com Designed & Published: Marketing Manchester, April 2010 Contributors: In addition to the authors of our features and Manchester Voices, Marketing Manchester would like to thank everyone that has provided editorial for this issue of MCR.

Cover Photography: The Manchester derby: Action Images Ltd Photography: Ian Howarth, Percy Dean, Carl Sukonik, Manchester City Galleries, Sarah Millican, Paul Jones, David Lake, Jonty Wilde, Jan Chlebik, Photolink, Cumbria Tourism, The Mersey Partnership, Manchester International Festival. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy in this publication, Marketing Manchester cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising from its use. As changes often occur after publication date, it is advisable to confirm the information given.

The information contained within this guide is copyright and no part of the guide may be reproduced in part or wholly by any means, be it electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publishers. Marketing Manchester is the agency charged with promoting the city-region on a national and international stage. Visit Manchester is the Tourist Board for Greater Manchester and is a division of Marketing Manchester. They are funded by 360 commercial members and the organisations below.

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And I am happy. Those two most modest of digits, one and nought, have revolutionised pretty much everything in the last 50 years and Manchester is well placed to take them and weave them into something that will be significant, distinct, and hopefully very profitable. We should embrace Binary emancipation and I do, but there are drawbacks to the clean cut distinction between one and nought. Apart from their outward appearance, one slender and svelte, the other rather rotund – Jack Sprat, and his wife who eats no lean – they are impossibly, intransigently stubborn. In computing they create a ‘logic gate’ and provided your real world requirements (like, for example booking a rail ticket from London to Manchester on-line) manage to comply and keep that logic gate open,no worries; your life will be quicker and easier and probably enriched because you can get on and do something more important. If however the logic gate slams shut - you become a binary misfit and the haunting words of Carol Beer come in to play;“Computer says no”.

THE LAST WORD Well, Britain’s pre-election future is being pinned on emergent industries - digital and environmental are where we’re told we’ll make up ground on our European counterparts - during our lost years of liberating the banking system in pursuit of the never ending number nirvana. European counterparts that, bizarrely, still actually make things. And I should be pleased - Manchester’s well placed to exploit the emergence, or should I say the maturation, of the digital age – after all this is the City that practically invented the computer, the city that gave birth to ‘Baby’ and has a history of technological innovation as long as your arm. What with the BBC heading to Media City, with award winning digital entrepreneurs and the long hard work the city put into everything electronic when it clocked that it wasn’t just music that that could be made on a keyboard.

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It’s not just rail tickets. In the forthcoming post-recessionary decade, as companies try to marry efficiencies measures with new technologies, we will increasingly find that if your requirements are not black and white then progress will not be made. Binary logic and the drive for efficiencies is creeping into every walk of life. Duties are being siloed and individual responsibility stripped, so try reasoned argument and it doesn’t wash, computer might be replaced with person, but the answer is still “No”. And that’s what’s liberating about Manchester and the city-region. It may be where the computer was invented but it isn’t wont to being bound by binary logic to solve problems and exploit opportunities in relation to its future - it never has. So, as the political pendulum swings from liberating people who thought (think) they were (still are) masters of the universe by generating huge numbers that proved to undermine rather than underpin the very economic stability we so craved, then Manchester and this great city-region will be better built on a binary bedrock of those two most humble numbers on which the foundation of digital culture rest.

Nick Johnson Chairman of Marketing Manchester and regional representative of CABE - the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

The Manchester Store Buy online at visitmanchester.com/giftshop

Rachel wears iManc t-shirt ÂŁ10.95

Also available at The Manchester Store

The Manchester Store

Piccadilly Plaza, Unit 45-50 Portland St, M1 4BT (opens mid June)

161 Upper Mall, Peel Avenue The Trafford Centre

Terminal 2 Manchester Airport