MCR 14

MCR Manchester City Region Magazine

14

Autumn/Winter 2014

Manchester Christmas Markets | Friday 14 November to Sunday 21 December | #MCRchristmas

This season’s best transfer Alright, we’re talking trains not football, but we can get you from London to Manchester in just 2 hours 9 minutes.

With scenic views of the great British countryside, friendly staff and comfy seats there really isn’t a better way to travel.

For our best fares, book in advance at

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First Words dedicated preview of HOME, a brand new cultural centre for Manchester. HOME will open in 2015 and builds on the strengths of Cornerhouse (Manchester's international centre for contemporary visual arts and independent film) and the Library Theatre Company.

Elements of Manchester’s growth and renovation can be experienced this year in the reimagining of The Whitworth (formerly the Whitworth Art Gallery) to be revealed on 14 February 2015 and in Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, which has just reopened to the public and is included in our ‘Saved for the City’ feature.

Our last issue was underpinned by a theme of renewal and it very much continues in MCR14. There is a complimentary word that can be identified with this issue; ‘growth’. It’s a word that we hear a great deal these days.

With confidence in the economy slowly returning, ‘growth’ rings out like a well-versed mantra for politicians. And to cities like Manchester the term is particularly well suited.

Those who are planning a trip here in the coming months will see examples of the city’s growth in many different guises. The most obvious being the Metrolink tram network which has more than doubled in size and now connects directly with Ashton, Oldham, Rochdale, Didsbury and Chorlton to name but a few.

During the shelflife of this issue, trams to Manchester Airport should also be running - a year ahead of schedule with work on-going in the city centre to prepare for a second central crossing (please bear with the disruption it will be worth it).

With this improved connectivity, we thought it would be a good time to focus on some of Manchester’s immediate suburbs for this issue, many of which can be reached by tram.

We also look at the growth of the creative industries which continue to transform the city’s economy. Exemplified once again by the fantastic artworks which decorate the magazine, our creative focus is also complemented with a

Marketing Manchester Churchgate House, 56 Oxford Street Manchester, M1 6EU T. +44 (0)161 228 1111 marketingmanchester.com visitmanchester.com Designed & Published: Marketing Manchester, September 2014 Photography: David Lake, Ben Page, Craig Easton, Joby Catto & VisitEngland Part of Manchester Growth Company

Supplementing these fantastic attractions, we have a number of new hotels opening. What could be a better marker for growth? We’ll have the new Hotel Football in Trafford, Innside by Melia opposite HOME, Hotel Gotham and King Street Townhouse in the retail district.

Of course the true marker of success for tourism is visitor numbers and we’re currently seeing year-on-year increases in that respect, including a sharp upturn in tourists from the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), something that Bonnie Yeung touches on for The Last Word.

If you’re reading MCR for the first time, we hope you will be inspired to visit Manchester soon and see first-hand why the city continues to grow in popularity. Whilst if you’ve already been here before, we’re delighted to welcome you back – chances are that a lot will have changed since your last visit.

Indeed there are a number of good reasons to visit over the next year, not least for Manchester’s wonderful festive offering and further down the line in summer 2015 the highly anticipated return of Manchester International Festival. See the what’s on pages for much, much more.

Enjoy the read!

Andrew Stokes Chief Executive, Marketing Manchester October 2014 marketingmanchester.com | @marketing_mcr

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.

Manchester Growth Company. 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.

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, and is part of the

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Contents Features

What’s on

04-06 What’s new?

News and updates from the greatest city in the world.

12-14 Exhibitions Pedal Power, wedding dresses, Siberia and Playtime.

17-21 A new HOME Previewing Manchester’s new cultural centre.

32-34 Music and theatre Warehouse Project, Kasabian, The Lion King and Scuttlers

25-27 Saved for the City: Elizabeth Gaskell House Janet Allan explains the historical significance of the author’s former home at Plymouth Grove.

35-39 Outdoor exhibitions A look at the Northern Quarter’s thriving street art scene.

42-45 Print the legend: Manchester Myths A look at some classic Manchester myths.

49-53 Cottonopolis: street style Four Manchester street styles and how to get the look.

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LGBT History Month, Queer Contact, Sugar & Spice and the Great British Bear Bash 66-67 Festivals Manchester Science Festival, Chinese New Year and Sounds from the Other City 78-79 Sport Taekwondo Grand Prix, WWE Live, Chill Swim and National Squash Championships 83

61-65 Creative evolution Mapping out the city’s magnetic pull for creatives.

68-69 Manchester - European City of Science Recognising the city’s rich history of innovation.

73-75 Food matrix: cheap eats The best places for good eating on a budget.

84-88 Secret spots of suburban Manchester Rhonda Carrier on Manchester’s leafy suburbs 98-101 Discover North Wales A captivating region within easy reach of Manchester.

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The last word Bonnie Yeung on the rise in Chinese visitors.

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LGBT

Expos and fairs Ski and Snowboard Expo, Whisky Sessions and Winter Wonderland

89-91 Greater Manchester Bringing Hatting Home, Generation NOISE, Tudor Child and One Man, Two Guvnors

snapshots 08-09 10-11 30-31 46-47 76-77 96-97

MCR14 Snapshots explained Bryony Jackson Jake Beds Julie Cochrane Mary Ashcroft Alex T Frazer

Contributors

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Helen Nugent Helen Nugent is a journalist who has worked for most of the national newspapers, The Big Issue in the North and as a broadcast journalist for the BBC. She is founder and editor of the Northern Soul webzine, a celebration of Northern culture and enterprise. northernsoul.me.uk | @nugehelen

Daniel Cookney

MCr Voices 22-23 Akram Khan One of the world’s most celebrated dance artists on his new exhibition at The Lowry.

40-41 Biopolar Sunshine Mancunian singer, songwriter, music producer and former member of Kid British.

Daniel Cookney is a writer, designer and lecturer based in Manchester.

He has previously contributed to publications including The Guardian, The Independent, i-D, Dummy, Manchester Evening News and Creative Tourist. @danielcookney

Katie Popperwell

80-81 Jade Jones British taekwondo athlete and Olympic gold medallist.

Katie Popperwell is a freelance journalist based in Manchester.

She is North West correspondent for Emerald Street, and has had work featured in Stylist Magazine, Citylife, The Big Issue in the North and Flux Magazine. She also works as a consultant on a range of cultural projects in Manchester for clients including Selfridges and Cornerhouse. @ktpop

92-93 Martin Purdy Author, historian and frontman of ‘electro-folk’ trio Harp and a Monkey.

Rhonda Carrier

56-57 James Eden Entrepreneur and owner of designer menswear brand Private White V.C. 70-71 Michael Caines MBE Award-wining chef and co-owner of the Abode Hotels group.

Useful stuff 103

Manchester Map Use our handy city centre map to navigate your way around the city.

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Transport information

Didsbury-based Rhonda Carrier writes about UK and international travel for major newspapers, magazines and websites including The Guardian, National Geographic Traveller and takethefamily.com. rhondastravels.net | @rhondylou

A guide to Greater Manchester’s transport network.

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Airport information Direct flights from over 200 destinations around the world. Save time, fly direct!

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WHAT’S NEW? Christmas Markets The world famous Manchester Christmas Markets stand to be as spectacular as ever this year. Over 300 stalls will offer an array of European delicacies as well as gifts, crafts, toys, jewellery and clothes. Albert Square plays host to the main market, complete with an intimate beer hall and all overseen by a gigantic glittering Santa. Sip a warming gluhwein or chow down on a hearty bratwurst as you peruse the delights of this enchanting international event.

The markets will run from Friday 14 November to Sunday 21 December. visitmanchester.com/christmas | @visit_mcr | #MCRchristmas

Restaurant openings This season will have some big names contributing to Manchester’s continuing restaurant boom. Northern Quarter favourite SoLIta has extended into the suburbs with a branch in Didsbury. The Avenue in Spinningfields continues its culinary revamp with unique rodizio-style eatery Fazenda recently opening and Nacho Manzano’s Madrid-inspired Ibérica joining later this autumn.

Manchester veterans San Carlo will soon open their fifth Manchester venue Fumo at the newly built One St Peter’s Square, while early 2015 will see critically acclaimed steakhouse Hawksmoor setting up shop in Deansgate’s historic Courthouse building. solita.co.uk | fazenda.co.uk | ibericarestaurants.com | sancarlo.co.uk | thehawksmoor.com

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Boutique hotels The coming year sees a number of boutique hotels in the pipeline for Manchester. Luxury destination Hotel Gotham promises to be lively, inventive and fun, with a restaurant, prohibition style bar and roof-top membersonly club. Nearby King Street Townhouse will provide a contemporary hotel experience while maintaining the individuality of the Grade II listed former bank that it will be housed in. The UK’s first Innside by Melia hotel will open in time for the introduction of adjacent HOME, Manchester's new cultural centre. And further afield, the highly anticipated Hotel Football besides Old Trafford is set to open on 8 December. bespokehotels.com | kingstreettownhouse.co.uk | innside.com | hotelfootball.com

Metrolink airport line Finishing a full year ahead of schedule, the new Metrolink line to Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport is due to launch by the end of 2014, providing a direct route with 15 new stops to the city centre. The line will join 77 tram stops on routes across Greater Manchester and will provide a more comprehensive transport network than ever before. Services will initially run between Manchester Airport and Cornbrook every 12 minutes. tfgm.com | @OfficialTfGM

New breweries There has been a flurry of new brewery openings and extensions across Greater Manchester over the past 12-18 months with a definite trend for railway arches.

Notable additions include Blackjack brewery’s brewtap (located under a railway arch in north Manchester) and the First Chop Brewing Arm (located under a railway arch in Salford and with brewery socials on the last Saturday of each month). Look out for Privateer Beers which are becoming widely available in local free houses; they operate from a brewery under a railway arch in the east of the city, ironically situated on Temperance Street. In Bury, the Clarence pub has reopened after a major refurbishment across its five floors, one of which houses the new Silver Street Brewery. In Stockport, another brewery under a railway arch is the Stockport Brewing Company which has recently launched to supply the town’s Crown Inn pub. @blackjackbeers |@firstchopale | @privateerbeers | @silverstbrewery | @Thecrowninn154

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Football tickets As many out-of-towns fans will attest, it can often be difficult to secure last minute tickets for key games taking place in the city. However, thanks to a new partnership with Ticket Bureau visitors can now purchase official match tickets and experiences for both Manchester United and Manchester City from the Visitor Information Centre at Piccadilly Gardens. Pop in to the Centre in person or call 0871 222 8223 to find out what’s available. International callers should use 0845 313 1190. ticketbureau.com | @TicketBureau

Free city centre WiFi Manchester's free WiFi network, 'freebee', provides 30 minutes' free internet access in key city centre locations. You can browse the internet, access services, use social networks and search for local businesses and destinations while on the move - and it's free.

You also have unlimited free access to Visit Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council websites.

Access 'freebee' using _FreebeeMcr on your WiFi settings. After the initial free 30 minutes, you can either disconnect or opt to pay £3 for unlimited access over the next 24 hours. You can also get free WiFi at t he Manchester Visitor Information centre. manchester.gov.uk/freebee | @ManCityCouncil | #freebeeMCR

Old Granada Studios With aspirations to be Manchester’s new cultural neighbourhood, visitors should keep a watchful eye on the area west of the city centre, formerly home to the iconic Granada Studios. As the space evolves in coming years, expect pop-up markets, vintage fashion fairs, food and drink festivals and special live music and arts events. Its already hosted the hugely successful Coronation Street the Tour and Buy Art Fair and rumours suggest there is something very special in the pipeline for Christmas 2014. oldgranadastudios.com | @oldgranadaMCR

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Manchester Visitor Information Centre supported by

Manchester Visitor Information Centre supported by NOMA

Piccadilly Plaza, Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4AJ Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm Tel: 0871 222 8223 Email: touristinformation@visitmanchester.com

MCR14 snapshots Following the success of our snapshot project in MCR13, in this issue we have again commissioned a number of young and upcoming Manchester based artists to create works based on their own interpretation of what the city means to them.

Mary Ashcroft Mary Ashcroft’s work consists of experiments with collage, photography and drawing, with architecture as her main source of inspiration.

“This collage focuses on the parts of Manchester that are often overlooked in favour of the city centre, but to me are the most interesting. A short walk north of the centre will bring you to the area around Ancoats, which still has traces of a thriving textile industry. Alongside these relics has grown an ambitious regeneration project which has led to some more adventurous styles of architecture featuring interesting silhouettes and pattern work. In this piece I have deconstructed the architectural features which were of most interest to me and where the old sits alongside the new.”

Jake Beds Jake Beds is a freelance graphic designer, illustrator and printmaker.

“My piece is a three-colour Risograph (Teal, Pink, Yellow). With this piece I wanted to create a selective, sprawling map of Manchester made up of the buildings and structures that act as personal landmarks in the city. A lot of the places I chose to represent are significant to my personal relationship with Manchester, such as my first house and the first studio I worked in. I like the idea that somebody else’s city map would consist of completely different landmarks taken from their own relationship with Manchester, and yet it still be a place we all relate to and recognise.”

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Bryony Jackson Bryony Jackson is an artist who makes prints, drawings, paintings, sculptures and more.

“My image is a representation of the Manchester music scene, as one of my favourite things to do in the city is to go gigs.

There are so many great local bands and promoters putting on exciting events in the city. Venues such as Islington Mill, Kraak and Common are a few of my favourite places. As an artist living in Manchester there is always an opportunity to collaborate with musicians and create gig posters and album art work. The DIY music scene in Manchester is vibrant and welcoming, My image is a collage using my own hand printed papers and Indian ink.”

Julie Cochrane Julie Cochrane is a photographer who shoots exclusively in film.

“I love to explore the city with my camera, looking at Manchester’s architecture and public spaces, admiring its individuality and variety. From the regeneration of the area around the Hallé St Peters and the construction of the impressive new Co-operative building One Angel Square to the peacefulness of Manchester Cathedral and the conservation area of Parsonage Gardens, Manchester’s public spaces are rich with culture, history and individuality. For my piece I wanted to give a photographic tour of the spaces that I find a continued inspiration for my work.”

Alex T Frazer Alex T Frazer is an illustrator with an old soul, preferring to keep a traditional element to his work through whether it be the subject or the methods he uses.

“My inspiration came from all the people I know who cycle or walk everywhere they go, no matter the weather. I like that Manchester has a lot of different sections but is the right size that everything is easily reachable by foot, or bike or even public transport.”

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What’s on: exhibitions

© Paradise Row, London

Asia triennial Manchester 2014 Various venues Until 23 November 2014 Asia Triennial Manchester 2014 returns to Manchester for a third time with a vibrant showcase of contemporary visual art from across the globe including the largest exhibition of Chinese contemporary art in the UK to date with artists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Sited at some of Manchester’s finest galleries and architectural gems the Triennial will present a large number of beautiful and intriguing new commissions. asiatriennialmanchester.com | @TriennialMCR

© Gallery of Costume

something Blue: Wedding dresses – 1914-2014 Gallery of Costume Until 15 March 2015 Exploring the past hundred years of British bridal fashion this exhibition will display a selection of diverse dresses alongside their contemporary wedding portraits from the Gallery of Costume’s extensive collection. It will offer a unique insight into some of the individual stories of British brides, exploring the broad range of personal choices from classic, white gowns to unconventional dresses that have challenged the norm. manchestergalleries.org | @gallofcostume

Pedal Power Museum of Science & Industry Until 1 March 2015 Celebrating Manchester’s rich cycling heritage to mark the 20th anniversary since the opening of the National Cycling Centre, this family friendly exhibition fuses historical and contemporary cycling artefacts together with an array of bikes and exclusive interviews with stars of British Cycling. A must for cycling enthusiasts the exhibition brings to life the history, people and inspiring stories behind the nation’s much loved pastime and sport. mosi.org.uk | @voiceofmosi

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siberia: At the Edge of the World Manchester Museum 4 October 2014 until 1 March 2015 Manchester Museum's multi-disciplinary exhibition will explore the natural history and culture of Siberia, an immense territory that is one and a half times bigger than Europe. Combining stunning photographic images of its vast landscapes and diverse people with a selection of natural history specimens and cultural objects, it will look beyond the stereotypical view of Siberia. Highlights include the body of a baby Mammoth, preserved in the permafrost for thousands of years, and a Brown Bear, national symbol of Russia. manchester.ac.uk/museum | @McrMuseum

then and now at Plymouth Grove Elizabeth Gaskell’s House 5 October 2014 until 1 March 2015 Elizabeth Gaskell's House opens this autumn after a major restoration. This architectural gem was the home of 19th century novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, her husband William and their four daughters, from 1850. The launch exhibition reveals how the House was lovingly renovated using meticulous research including Elizabeth’s letters to bring the rooms back to life again. It will also reveal the fascinating items found during restoration along with the history of the House. elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk | @gaskellshouse

the sensory War 1914 – 2014 Manchester Art Gallery 11 October 2014 until 25 January 2015 The Sensory War 1914-2014 marks the centenary of the First World War, and explores how artists have communicated the impact of war on the body, mind, environment and human senses between 1914 and 2014. Drawing inspiration from Manchester Art Gallery’s renowned collection of First World War art, one of the most important outside London, the exhibition brings together works by artists such as Henry Lamb, CRW Nevinson, Paul Nash, Otto Dix, Heinrich Hoerle, Nancy Spero, Richard Mosse, Omer Fast. The exhibition will also feature works by the hibakusha; survivors of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima which are being shown outside Japan for the first time. manchestergalleries.org | @MCRartgalleries

Made in Manchester: the Art of Emmanuel Levy (1900-1986) Manchester Jewish Museum 24 October 2014 until 29 May 2015 Manchester Jewish Museum and Ben Uri, The London Jewish Museum of Art, have curated an exhibition to showcase the life and work of Manchester-born artist Emmanuel Levy. Levy studied locally at Manchester School of Art under Adolphe Valette together with LS Lowry and his work and career were closely associated with his native city. This exhibition explores Levy’s Mancunian Jewish heritage and his talents as a painter, writer and teacher. manchesterjewishmuseum.com | @manjewishmuseum

Akram Khan: one side to the other The Lowry 15 November 2014 until 1 February 2015

© The estate of Henry Lamb

Dancer and choreographer, Akram Khan (see page 22), curates an exhibition that brings together elements of performance and live installation work alongside sculpture, painting and film. Echoing his enduring fascination with essential oppositions - the exhibition explores the traditional and contemporary, the spiritual and the grounded, doubt and certainty, light and dark, truth and fiction. An Alice in Wonderland-like labyrinth of the artistic and cultural influences that inspire the dancer, the exhibition can be experienced at times as a guided tour or as an immersive personal journey. thelowry.com | @The_Lowry MediaCityUK visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Playtime Cornerhouse 22 November 2014 until 15 March 2015 With the celebrated and esteemed venue preparing to move to its new First Street location in Spring 2015 to become HOME (see page 17), Cornerhouse presents Playtime, an ambitious group show featuring new commissions by nine international artists, filmmakers and musicians who pay tribute to the triangular threestorey brick structure that Cornerhouse has called home since 1985. The exhibition will culminate in The Storming, a spectacular, one-off performance to close the venue by Manchester-based artist Humberto Vélez. cornerhouse.org | @cornerhousemcr

Cornelia Parker Whitworth Art Gallery 14 February until summer 2015 The Whitworth opens its doors again after its major development with Cornelia Parker, an exhibition by one of Britain's most acclaimed artists. The exhibition will be Cornelia Parker’s most extensive to date showing a range of work made during her career including her signature piece Cold Dark Matter (An Exploded View) (1991), a garden shed and contents blown up for the artist by the British Army, the fragments suspended around a light bulb. Ahead of her new exhibition, Parker has collaborated with University of Manchester scientists to make graphene from pencil drawings in the Whitworth collection from which she will make a new work of art. manchester.ac.uk/whitworth | @whitworthart

the Greater Game: Football and the First World War National Football Museum 19 December 2014 until August 2015 Revealing for the first time the extraordinary story of football and footballers during the conflict, this moving exhibition brings together personal mementoes and firsthand accounts from the players, alongside rare objects from the museum’s collections and from the major regimental museums. Separating the fact from the fiction of the famous Christmas truce matches and uncovering the courage of footballers on the front line, the exhibition commemorates the sacrifices of players from clubs across the land. nationalfootballmuseum.com | @footballmuseum

Election!

People’s History Museum 14 February until 28 June 2015 To coincide with the general election on 7 May 2015, the People’s History Museum’s next changing exhibition will be covering all things voting. Election! will take the visitor through the life of a vote, from the cross in a box to the first past the post system, to an MP taking their seat. Through the unique museum collections, the show will include an object from every general election of the 20th and 21st centuries. phm.org.uk | @PHMMcr 14

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23 October October – 19 April 2015 2015 Open daily daily,, fr free ee entry www.mosi.org.uk www.mosi.org.uk #3DMOSI #3DMOSI

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HOME MCR. ORG

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© Mecanoo Architects

A new HOME

By Helen Nugent

Manchester’s entrepreneurial spirit can be summed up in a quote attributed to the late Tony Wilson: “This is Manchester. We do things differently here.”

The idiosyncratic Manchester music impresario and founder of Factory Records hit the nail on the head when he uttered those now immortal lines, capturing the essence of a former industrial powerhouse and a city internationally famous as a cultural destination.

Now a multi-million pound initiative promises to echo Manchester’s past achievements as a trailblazing city. HOME is a new cultural centre for Manchester, an ambitious programme of bold contemporary visual art, theatre and film.

Opening in spring 2015, this merger of two of Manchester’s best-loved cultural organisations Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company - will, it is hoped, unlock the creative potential of the city.

Sarah Perks is artistic director: visual art at HOME. An international curator and producer, Perks has worked at Cornerhouse for the past 13 years.

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“Cornerhouse has always been edgy but still accessible,” she says. “I’m always surprised by the diversity of the audiences. HOME is about building on the spirit of Cornerhouse but building something new as well. HOME will feel like a different place and a new offering but it can combine the traits of the things that we love. We’ll really be able to place ourselves on a national stage.”

Walter Meierjohann, artistic director: theatre at HOME and former associate director at the Young Vic in London agrees that HOME will widen the scope of the cultural offering in Manchester. “We will be able to tell stories from all over the world. That will connect with tourists.”

He adds: “I’m really excited that we’ll be able to have three art forms in one building. It feels very modern to have a dialogue between the art forms.”

Meierjohann joined HOME over a year ago but work on the concept and what it could mean for Manchester has been in development for some time.

The genesis of the idea began as a practical solution to the expansion of Cornerhouse and the Library

Theatre, both housed in buildings no longer fit for purpose and both eager to extend their reach, as well as secure long-term financial futures.

As proposals to merge the two organisations gathered pace, Manchester City Council pledged £19 million to the project, Arts Council England awarded £5 million with the remaining £1 million met by fundraising. The council’s commitment to a major new arts centre for the city is remarkable, particularly given the dire economic conditions of recent years.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "HOME is already acting as a powerful catalyst to the regeneration of the First Street area. It will be a world-class cultural attraction, which is an important part of the mix of what persuades people to live, work, visit and invest in the city."

The appointment of a number of high profile patrons has also cemented HOME’s ambitions to be a regional, national and international presence.

Collectively the patrons will bring a wealth of visual art, performance, theatre and film expertise to the organisation. The star-studded roster includes Sir Nicholas Hytner, director of the National Theatre,

© Chris Payne

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celebrated artist-filmmaker Rosa Barba, Turner-prize nominated artist Phil Collins, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle.

[by the London-centric media]. There are people who are up for pushing the boundaries. It’s up to us to work out how to bring artists and audiences together.”

So, with just a few months to go before the official opening, what can visitors to HOME expect? Well, in a nutshell there will be a 500-seat theatre; a 150-seat studio space; a 500m2, 4m high gallery space; five cinema screens; digital production and broadcast facilities; a café and bars. Oh, and education facilities and an outside terrace.

Work has already begun on bringing an exciting new programme of works to tourists and residents alike.

Aside from the inaugural theatre show from HOME (more of which in a moment), staff at HOME have already laid bare their ambitions.

Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo and built by Wates Construction, the purpose-built centre will, on completion, provide a cultural hub and social space for Manchester. It is envisaged that HOME will become a byword for innovative work and will attract audiences of all ages and interests.

“People are very open to new ideas,” says Perks.

“The idea for HOME is to invite people who want to be challenged. Audiences here are underestimated

On the agenda is a commitment to three major artist commissions each year, and visual art exhibitions that are experimental, exploratory and provocative.

Meanwhile, the film offering across HOME’s five cinemas will include independent and international cinema, festivals and live performances.

Over in the theatres, HOME will provide a collaborative home for artists, a mixture of new and old, local and global, as well as productions that are thought-provoking and beautiful to watch.

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Š Graeme Cooper

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Meierjohann explains. “I think we need to find new audiences but you’re crazy if you don’t want the Library Theatre audiences as well. For the shows, quality is the only criteria that matters.”

© Mecanoo Architects

A taste of what to expect from HOME’s theatre programme came in the shape of Angel Meadow earlier this year. Like many of the Library Theatre’s recent productions, this piece of theatre was sitespecific; what some people call ‘immersive’ theatre.

Staged by ANU, a multi-award winning Irish company, Angel Meadow took place in a disused Manchester pub, chock-full of sinister characters and arresting dialogue. Audience members – of whom there were only eight at a time – roamed around an eerie building, required to participate in the unfolding story whether they liked it or not. It was fantastic: truly innovative, truly scary and an urban nightmare likely to remain in the memories of those who saw it for some time.

“I feel like we have made the transition [to HOME] already,” reflects Meierjohann. “Angel Meadow drew a new audience and was the biggest departure that the Library Theatre has yet seen. But we have got to surprise our audiences so there will be a mix of things going forward.”

Meierjohann isn’t joking. HOME’s second theatre show – and Meierjohann’s directorial debut for the company – is a large-scale production of Romeo & Juliet held in the Edwardian splendour of Victoria Baths (dubbed Manchester’s Water Palace). It’s an astonishing building and, if Angel Meadow is anything to go by, should make for an unforgettable experience.

Meanwhile, Cornerhouse is gearing up for its final hurrah and looking ahead to 2015. Its closing exhibition is Playtime, a group show featuring new commissions by nine international artists, filmmakers and musicians who will pay tribute to the 29-year-old Oxford Road home. It will culminate with Humberto Velez’s The Storming, when dancers will storm the main building, performing choreographed routines.

Manchester is saying goodbye to two much-loved institutions but it is also welcoming HOME. For more information: homemcr.org | @home_mcr

A day at HOME As the new must-see cultural attraction in the heart of Manchester, HOME is anticipating an estimated 500,000 visitors a year, many of whom will be national and international tourists.

Unlike other venues in the city centre, it will be possible to fill an entire day (or two) at HOME thanks to the diversity of activities on offer at the First Street address.

Visitors could kick off their visit with a brunch at the Cafebar followed by a browse in the bookshop.

Next up why not wander round the new specially designed gallery, home to the very best in international contemporary art. It’s four metres high with a huge footprint meaning that, depending on when you visit, it may be one single space or divided into any number of interlinked or separate areas.

Then you can take in a film at one of HOME’s five cinemas. The programme will be eclectic but you can be certain of finding international and independent movies and perhaps a festival or two.

Before heading off to one of HOME’s two theatres to see an innovative production, there’s an opportunity to recharge your batteries at the ground floor bar and perhaps to head back to the first floor Cafebar for a snack.

Sarah Perks, artistic director: visual art at HOME, says: “We are the only place where you will see the very new in a different environment and there’s also the fact that you can see several things in one day.

You can enjoy the ambience, wander into a new exhibition in the gallery, spend the afternoon in the cinema and then see a play. It will be a feeling that you can’t feel elsewhere.”

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Akram Khan MBE Akram Khan is one of the world’s most celebrated dance artists.

This winter he will be swapping the stage for the gallery with his new exhibition at The Lowry, One Side to the Other.

I like the extremities of opposites and the tension they create. To me, that’s where you’re the most alive.

There’s no tension in ‘the middle’ – nothing is happening.

The tension of pulling one thing apart creates a vibration - and vibration means movement, which creates sound.

In terms of the exhibition, it’s all about scale. If you see an adult as the opposite of a child – when a parent sees their own child, for example, they see a part of them in that child. In that way, they’re opposites – but they share a common denominator. That fascinates me.

In short, it’s very much an Alice in Wonderland-like labyrinth of the artistic and cultural influences that have inspired me throughout my life.

No-one has ever asked me to do something like Performer as Curator before. No-one has ever been crazy enough! But I was crazy enough to say yes. I was very curious. I just thought ‘what a wonderful change’.

I’ve been asked to curate dance festivals before, but never a visual art exhibition. I’ve worked with several visual artists throughout my career who have inspired me and transformed the way I see things. The idea that objects are as alive as the body of the human.

I’m working with a great co-director called Sasha Milavic-Davies for this project. She’s a great creative mind in her own right. I explained my thoughts and ideas to her and I said ‘take this and transform it into an experience that involves live performance’ and that’s exactly what she has done.

I’m not a specialist in creating visual art exhibitions.

I don’t have a wealth of experience; however, I do have experience of the connection between visual art and performance and that’s why I wanted a live performance element within it. It’s not an easy thing to achieve. It’s not like a performance where you come once, or perform every evening. The exhibition is constant. What we’ve devised is two experiences - one with the live performance and one without. Both will be unique in their own way.

It was absolutely essential to include work by Sir Anthony Gormley and Sir Anish Kapoor in the exhibition. I’ve always been fascinated by their work. It was through their work – and working with them - that I grew to love visual arts all the more. They understand the physical nature of material. Antony is fascinated by the human body – and as a dancer and choreographer, there’s a connection there. Anish, on the other hand, is very spiritual. People talk about spirituality a lot – but it’s hard to visualise it. It’s formless. He has managed to achieve that though. You can look at his work and say ‘yes, that’s spiritual’. It’s a very rare thing.

Another artist I’m proud to include in the exhibition is Darvish Fakhr. He’s an American / Iranian artist that painted my portrait for the National Portrait Gallery. It was important for me to ask him to contribute to this exhibition – we’re of the same generation and we share a lot of common thinking.

I’ve only ever heard great things about The Lowry.

Whenever anyone discusses art and culture in the North of England, The Lowry always comes up in conversation. It offers such great exposure and has a really good reputation. I had a lot of respect for the former artistic director, the late Robert Robson.

It’s never easy to provoke an interest in the arts – and Robert and his team achieved that. It’s a great honour to be a part of that story.

One Side to the Other, the second exhibition in The Lowry’s Performer as Curator series will run until February 2015.

For more information: thelowry.com | @The_Lowry

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Home or away, the essential insider’s guide to Manchester.

An independent guide to urban Manchester, from places to eat and hidden sights to days, nights and weekends in the city - brought to you by an award-winning team of style, travel and culture writers.

Discover the city you know; uncover the city you didn’t.

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Saved for the City: Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Saved by a 16 year campaign, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House has finally opened its doors to the public offering a fascinating insight into the way the author and her family lived. Here, Janet Allan, chair of the Trustees of the House explains its historical significance and the steps taken to restore it.

Tucked away in Ardwick, just minutes from Manchester city centre, is the former home of Elizabeth Gaskell, one of Manchester’s greatest writers. Built around 1840 when Plymouth Grove was an upmarket development surrounded by fields, no. 84 is a large Victorian villa.

In 1850 the Gaskell family moved in – Elizabeth, William and their four girls. They had five live-in servants, and kept a cow, a pig, hens and ‘pretty white ducks’. At this point Elizabeth was already the author of Mary Barton, a best-selling novel about the

troubled times of the hungry forties. She felt guilty that her family had so much when so many were still wanting and declared in a letter to her friend Totty Fox, ‘I must make the house give as much pleasure to others as I can’.

The pillared porch of the House leads to a spacious entrance hall with large drawing and dining-rooms, a morning room and a study that was used by William.

Downstairs the five servants had a large kitchen (now the tea room), servants’ hall and a laundry room.

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The servants slept above the coach house and with the family upstairs where there were four family bedrooms and three dressing rooms. There was one WC inside and an outside privy. Water came from a pump in the yard until mains supply arrived, and the only heating was from coal fires.

The House welcomed many guests including Charlotte Brontë, the author of Jane Eyre, who visited after the pair met in Windermere and became very good friends. Charlotte was very shy and it is said that at one point she hid behind an eight-foot high window curtain in the drawing room to escape a guest.

Other famous visitors include Charles Dickens, for whom Elizabeth wrote many stories to be published as serials, John Ruskin and also two American friends - Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and social reformer and author Charles Eliot Norton.

The House was full of music in the Gaskells' time and we will try to recreate that in the present day by inviting musicians to play on a piano very similar to the one that renowned conductor Charles Hallé taught the young Gaskell girls to play in the drawing room.

Of all her works Cranford is the most famous of Elizabeth’s books. Based on her childhood in Knutsford, a recent TV adaption stars Judi Dench, one of the Patrons of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

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Other novels have been recently presented on stage, TV or Radio, and are available worldwide in translation. They include North and South (set in Manchester and starring Richard Armitage on TV), Ruth (a tale of an unmarried mother which shocked Victorian readers), Cousin Phyllis (set in the Cheshire countryside) and her last and arguably greatest book, Wives and Daughters.

She also wrote the biography of her friend Charlotte Bronte and innumerable lively letters that have been used as a reference to help restore the House.

Elizabeth died suddenly aged 55 in 1865. Her Unitarian minister husband and two unmarried daughters lived on in the House, the last dying in 1913 after which the Harper family moved in; staying until 1960s when 84 Plymouth Grove became a centre for overseas students.

A chance visit to the house in the 1990s started the campaign for restoration. Little had been spent on maintenance for 30 years, and it was very run down, with structural cracks running along the walls, constant leaks from the drainpipe, dry rot, and falling plasterwork.

It had been painted in an unbecoming pink and purple but the core of this beautiful Grade II* villa remained - the outer structure was almost unaltered and much of the joinery and original window frames were still in place. It was a part of Manchester’s history, home of Manchester’s premier writer and architecturally significant. The House was too important to lose.

The Manchester Historic Buildings Trust was formed in 1998, with £400 from the Manchester Civic Society as its only funding. By 2004 the Trust obtained the freehold to the property with money from many other generous organisations and individuals.

The building had reached ‘tipping point’ in terms of its state of repair and urgent action was needed to halt its decline. The Trust raised enough money to restore the ‘shell’ including a new lead-covered roof, but this was unfortunately stolen resulting in water cascading down the front stairs. Undeterred the Trust installed a temporary roof and secured just under £2,000,000 from Heritage Lottery Fund to bring the building back to life and open it to the public.

When visiting the House guests will see the result of years of careful research. Paint colours and wallpaper designs are based on microscopic samples surviving from the 1860s; carpets have been specially woven in Halifax using mid-nineteenth

century designs; the chintz curtain material described by Elizabeth as ‘such a pretty design with roses and pinks’ - has been reprinted. There were 26 layers of paint on the window frames alone.

The furniture is of the correct period although almost none of the original pieces unfortunately survive, but this means guests are welcome to sit on the chairs! The books in William’s study are in keeping with what they had on the shelves, and visitors are welcome to browse. The garden contains the plants Elizabeth knew and loved.

We want people to enjoy the Gaskells’ home - to feel welcome and relaxed, learn more about their life and times and perhaps also enjoy some tea and cake in the tearoom.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11.00am to 5.00pm.

For more information: elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk | @gaskellshouse Images © Joel Fildes

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FOLLOW US TO MANCHESTER’S NEXT DESTINATION @noma53 facebook.com/noma53 noma53.com

noma53.com

What is NOMA?

So what’s happening?

NOMA is an evolving neighbourhood of new homes, shops and restaurants, hotels and cutting-edge new-build and refurbished offices right in the heart of the city - just by Victoria Station.

Over the next few months you will start to notice more and more happening at NOMA. Thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund, a new city square will open to the public in Summer 2015 and with it, a programme of exciting events and activities designed to keep everyone entertained.

Next year will also see work begin on Hanover - a building ready to be transformed in to fantastic characterful office and retail space.

How do I find out more?...

Just follow us to keep up to date with what’s happening at NOMA.

What’s on: music & theatre Warehouse Project

La roux

Store Street (Beneath Piccadilly station) Until 1 January 2015

The Ritz 16 November 2014

The Warehouse Project is back this September, returning to its former location on Store Street, for another twelve week series of cutting edge electronic music. Adults of all ages who enjoy house and techno will revel in the musical delights on offer under the arches of Piccadilly Station. thewarehouseproject.com | @WHP_Mcr

La Roux has recently made her eagerly awaited return with her new album Trouble in Paradise, released in July.

Acknowledged by fans and peers as an exceptional live performer, this synth-pop star is sure to give a superb performance at one of Manchester’s most historic and best loved venues. mamacolive.com/theritz | @TheRitzHQ

Paolo Nutini

shrek the Musical

Phone 4u Arena Manchester 6 November 2014

The Palace Theatre 2 December 2014 until 11 January 2015

Scottish singer songwriter Paolo Nutini will end his UK tour at Phones 4u Arena Manchester this autumn. His most recent album, Caustic Love, went straight in at number one, quickly reaching platinum status and this show will see a run through of tracks from Caustic Love, alongside earlier hits including Coming up Easy, Candy and 10/10. phones4uarena.co.uk | @phones4uarena

Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek the Musical is this year’s must-see show at The Palace. Join the unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. Shrek the Musical brings all the much-loved DreamWorks characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. atgtickets.com/manchester | @PalaceAndOpera

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© National Theatre

Boyz ii Men Albert Hall 7 December 2014 The most successful R&B vocal group of all time, with over 60 million albums sold worldwide, are set to headline the Albert Hall in December. Boyz II Men have been charming fans the world over since the 90’s, with smooth vocal harmonies, legendary number one hits and unmatched stage presence. With the release of 11th studio album, Collide, the group will embark on a three city tour of the UK, with their closing performance in Manchester. alberthallmanchester.com | @Alberthallmcr

the Curious incident of the dog in the Night time The Lowry 18 December 2014 until 10 January 2015 Winner of seven Olivier Awards, this highly acclaimed National Theatre production arrives at The Lowry as part of its first ever UK tour. Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, it tells the story of Christopher a 15-year old boy with an extraordinary brain, exceptional at maths but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. thelowry.com | @The_Lowry MediaCityUK

Kasabian Phone 4u Arena Manchester 12 December 2014 Following their triumphant Glastonbury headline appearance, Kasabian have announced they will hit the road again this winter. The band will be performing tracks from their latest album 48.13, including the lead single Eez-eh, alongside hits from their first four albums Velociraptor, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, Empire and 2004’s debut Kasabian. phones4uarena.co.uk | @phones4uarena

A View from the Bridge Octagon Theatre 15 January until 14 February 2015 In Brooklyn, New York, Eddie Carbone welcomes his Sicilian cousins to the land of freedom. But when one of them falls for his beautiful niece, they discover that freedom comes at a price. One of Arthur Miller’s greatest plays, A View from the Bridge is powerful, gripping, witty, and profoundly moving. octagonbolton.co.uk | @octagontheatre

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© Robert Romik

scuttlers The Royal Exchange 5 February until 7 March 2015 Scuttlers were Manchester’s original gangs – young mill workers who terrorised the streets of Openshaw, Gorton, Ancoats and Salford throughout the 1870s.

The play tells the thrilling and alarming story of young people trying to navigate life without respect; where their parents have let them down, homelessness is inevitable, and where a sense of place and purpose can only be found on the streets. Written by Rona Munro and based on real court reports, Scuttlers will have its world premiere in Manchester this winter. royalexchange.co.uk | @rxtheatre

the Business of Murder Hallé: thursday series Vaughan Williams, shostakovich and tchaikovsky The Bridgewater Hall 15 January 2015 Acclaimed violinist Henning Kraggerud plays Shostakovich’s Second Concerto. A late work of the composer, it grows from a haunting opening to end in riotous high spirits. The music of Vaughan Williams is particularly important to Sir Mark Elder who will conduct the composer’s ethereal Tallis Fantasia.

In his own words, Tchaikovsky put ‘more sincerity’ into his ‘Pathétique’ Symphony than anything he had composed before, resulting in possibly the most moving swansong in all music. halle.co.uk | @halle

disney’s the Lion King Palace Theatre 17 January until 22 February 2015 Disney’s The Lion King, based on the beloved animated film, tells the compelling tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King. Featuring songs including Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Be Prepared, the show has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide since its Broadway premiere in 1997 and played a sell out run of 166 performances at the Palace Theatre in 2012/13. atgtickets.com/manchester | @PalaceandOpera

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Oldham Coliseum 24 – 28 February 2015 Middle Ground Theatre Company presents Richard Harris' acclaimed psychological thriller. Stone, a humourless and dour man, invites Dee, a television playwright, over to his flat on the premise of discussing a script. Once there, she is surprised when Superintendent Hallett, the man with whom she is having an affair, also arrives for an entirely different reason. But nothing is as it seems and as the plot twists and turns the motive of their host, Stone, gradually becomes clear. coliseum.org.uk | @oldhamcoliseum Oldham Mumps

rigoletto Manchester Opera House 21 March 2015 Opera & Ballet International present an Ellen Kent Production: Verdi Rigoletto. The celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic return after their critically acclaimed tour of Aida, Nabucco and La Boheme. Vladimir Dragos stars as Rigolleto in this stunning traditional production, recapturing the decadence of Renaissance Italy with lavish sets and magnificent costumes. One of Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic masterpieces, Rigolleto tells a tragic tale centred around the salacious Duke of Mantua, his hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto's beautiful daughter Gilda. atgtickets.com |@PalaceAndOpera

Outdoor exhibitions Photographs by Rachel Billington

While Manchester isn’t exactly short of galleries, the city’s Northern Quarter is proving prolific as a home for new art. And as this work literally emerges on its streets, audiences needn’t be mindful of either opening times or admission fees within what’s quickly become a living, breathing exhibition space writes Daniel Cookney.

Once home to a thriving textile industry and boasting traders at both Smithfield Market and Oldham Street, the Northern Quarter’s post-war decline was quickly cemented by an increase in global textile production and the development of Market Street and the Arndale Centre as the city’s key shopping destinations.

Until the 1990s – when the area between Piccadilly, Victoria and Ancoats was regenerated and re-marketed as ‘The Northern Quarter’ – said area seemed to rely on only a handful of visitor-friendly spaces (Band on the Wall, Affleck’s Palace, Dry Bar) to halt its complete demise. Since then, it has become a hive of activity with the conversion of mills and warehouses into coveted apartments and the

influx of speciality retailers, independent restaurants and creative-minded organisations and entrepreneurs.

The Out House project is one such creative outfit working within the area. Co-coordinated by Tasha Whittle, it’s now in its fourth year of overseeing a number of canvas-like sites around the city.

Following Whittle’s involvement with street-artmeets-club-event Sketch City, Out House has established a regular programme that is far removed from graffiti’s often widespread associations with urban decay. In fact – with support from, city centre management organisation, CityCo – she is especially keen that such artwork is there to enhance or even improve the area.

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“I really admire art that works within the boundaries of its environment,” Whittle explains. “There’s something to be said for the kind of expression that doesn’t really care about authority, but it can be a little mindless. For me, it’s important to be bringing together work that is more considered: the kind that is elevated by the fact that someone has clearly thought about it.”

There are few restrictions imposed on the artists that Out House showcases. There’s a request that work refrains from nudity, profanity or drug references but, beyond providing a sketch outlining their plans, each individual is allowed to be just that: an individual. The subsequent variety of work that has been on display has proved refreshing – especially for those citizens that may have come to assume that ‘tagging’ is the epitome of street expression.

There’s also an argument that Out House has not only challenged such notions, but helped to raise the bar and provide a benchmark for those that really want to leave their mark on the city.

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Jonny Dub – a founder of Sketch City and one of the brains behind innovative club offering Hoya:Hoya – agrees that the council’s proactive approach to street art can only contribute to the development of the art form and notes how other European cities that have long supported such activity have led, globally, to work that is of a “higher standard”.

He comments: “In terms of recognition, I don’t feel Manchester is on the map for its street art to the level that it is for its musical output,” he adds. “Hopefully in time it will be known more widely as a hotbed of amazing talent and more people will want to surround themselves with that.”

However, there does seem to be recognition and respect on a local level. As the project has gained notoriety, it’s telling that new Out House work has become less likely to be tagged or defaced. (Anyone concerned that street culture may have become a little too gentrified can find more irreverent and illegal activity within a number of locations outside of the city centre).

But the real key to the success of the work within the Northern Quarter is what Whittle describes as “complete and utter community engagement”. This includes the encouragement of residents plus the support and assistance that has come from local businesses such as Fred Aldous, Soup Kitchen and Eastern Bloc. These elements have been essential – as has the cooperation of Manchester City Council – given that Out House isn’t actually funded.

“Although,” Whittle interjects, “I was with some volunteers and we did get given two quid each from a passing pensioner one day. They were clearly impressed by what we were doing to brighten up the area.”

“In fact, the only complaints I’ve had is when we’ve been painting over a piece in preparation for the next one,” she says. “People will ask why we can’t have something that’s been there previously. Then I have that difficult task of explaining why we can’t have, say, fluffy kitty-bunnies all the time.”

It’s that question of permanence that will also cropup when speaking to fans of a long-gone Manchester mural by Brazil’s lauded Os Gemeos. Or even those that query how some of the city’s pixel-oriented markings by France’s seminal Invader have similarly been erased. But surely part of this work’s vitality is somewhat related to its transient nature? There’s certainly an energy within what changes periodically in the otherwise blank urban non-spaces (disused toilet blocks and electric substations, for example) that is sorely missing from the sealed-behind-acrylic of the debatable ‘Banksy’ on Tib Street. Or, for that matter, the majority of the city’s permanent art collections that will spend a significant amount of their time in storage.

“In any case, there’s still a record of all the work long after it has gone,” Whittle observes. “Social media and the rise of the phone camera mean that each piece has been heavily documented. Importantly, it is work that continues to be shared.”

For more information: outhousemcr.co.uk | @outhousemcr

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LOCAL FACES Some of the regulars found hanging around the Northern Quarter’s walls...

Faunagraphic’s Birds So while Tankpetrol’s bird of prey might be a daunting prospect, it’s a blue tit by Sheffield artist Faunagraphic’s that truly dominates Newton Street. Using the side of the Hatters Hostel as its canvas, this winged beast follows on from smaller scale feathered friends that were previously located in Stevenson Square. Painted the size of a bus, you’d seriously know if its beak had been tapping away at your milk bottles. faunagraphic.com | @faunagraphic

Hammo’s Robots Like Transformers but without those mundane juggernaut/jet/tumble-dryer alter-egos, gleaming mechanical men stare down from the walls of Kosmonaut and the Koffee Pot. Within another work by artist, Hammo - an illustration titled Dad’s Going to Kill You - a towering remote control version named ‘Andy’ has laid waste to parts of the Northern Quarter as its child operators cower behind the main block in Stevenson Square. Meanwhile, down the road within a mural at ThoughtWorks, another of these giant robots straddles a number of Manchester landmarks to peer through the window of the company’s home in City Tower. thehammo.com | @yohammohammo

Tankpetrol’s Women The muses of a Polish artist who’s proved especially active in Manchester’s back streets, a veritable harem of stylised but painstakingly rendered ladies now occupy shutters on Spear Street, Oldham Street and Newton Street. Essentially Tankpetrol’s aesthetic is not a million miles away from that of, American artist, Shepard Fairey (in as much as you could also say that Stewy’s local stencil offerings are similar in style to those of Banksy).

And this kinship may have helped Tankpetrol find work on the other side of the Atlantic. However, right now his major output remains over here. The exterior of The Roadhouse has a particularly impressive example, in fact, with one of his beauties remaining coolly aloof as an owl comes in to land talons-first. tankpetrol.com | @_tankpetrol

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Adio Marchant aka Bipolar sunshine Mancunian singer, songwriter, music producer and former member of Kid British.

I’ve always been heavily influenced by the Manchester music scene. What I love the most about any kind of music is all those uplifting voices - and there have been loads from Manchester. Originally for me, it was Simply Red, the Smiths, even the Bee Gees who made me sit up and take notice. Nowadays there’s a host of superb acts still coming through. Independent performers such as Blizzard and Murkage, which has a ‘cartel’ of DJs who play every Thursday in South nightclub in the city centre.

There has always been a time when Manchester has had great music and it’s cool to be a part of that.

I don’t know what you would call this era now – I guess whatever era Oasis was in, we’re two decades beyond so... who knows; it would be great if it became known as the ‘Bipolar era’.

Bipolar Sunshine describes the highs and lows of emotions that I’ve felt at both ends of the spectrum.

Depression can be seen as a disease but it’s about experiencing those feelings yourself and how you get through it. The way I deal with it is through music; I find it therapeutic to share the experience with others, whether it’s with the lyrics, production values (or both).

My heritage is in the first generation of Afro-Caribbean people that came to Manchester. Being able to mix the music and culture together, listening to Morrisey at one point and then Garnet Silk the next has opened up a new ground for my music. That’s probably why people struggle to pigeonhole my style; I’m proud to be doing it differently. I don’t make genres, just music. The Bipolar Sunshine sound is one that is all about the different people in this country.

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The Etihad Stadium in East Manchester is what I like to call the ‘Theatre of Reality’. It’s my favourite place to go in the city; where I’ve seen some truly stunning performances from Manchester City FC, a team that has come to represent a new generation of Premier League football.

Longford Park in Chorlton is a great place for chilling.

I always go there, whether it’s just to enjoy a peaceful walk or go and play every kind of sport there is – they’ve got basketball and tennis courts, places to play football and even a zip wire for kids. There’s a good café there too which is open throughout the week.

My highlights performing live so far would have to be Glastonbury and Manchester Academy 2 both this year (2014). All of my local fans drove to Glasto which made it really special, whilst the gig at Academy 2 was simply a euphoric moment. It was packed and there was a real community spirit about it. I’m glad that happened in my hometown.

I work with a producer from Longsight called Jazz Purple and I taught myself how to sing. I’ve never had professional training in music. Believe it or not, I don’t go out all that often either. Although when I do, one of my favourite nightlife spots is Kraak gallery in the Northern Quarter. It’s a fantastic place for artists and art lovers, whether its photography, painting, music, or visual arts.

Bipolar Sunshine’s debut album will be released in 2015. bipolarsunshine.com | @bipolarsunshine

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Print the legend: Manchester Myths

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Like any metropolis worth its salt, Manchester thrives on significant pockets of myth and legend. This is summed up best by the quote, “When you have to choose between truth and the legend... print the legend”, as delivered by actorcomedian Steve Coogan in his role as the late and great Anthony ‘Manchester Man’ Wilson for the 2002 cult British film 24-Hour Party People.

So, in dedication to this quote – one that captures the cheeky spirit of Manchester’s people - we explore a handful of the many myths of Greater Manchester.

The Rain If you believe the hype, Manchester is home to a permanent rain cloud. It is the same cloud responsible for generations of scrunched up faces, random bursts of indiscriminate abuse and terrible jokes about the grim weather ‘up north’. It rains so much here that we’re all practically drowning in tropospheric urination. Although, wait for a slow news day or take a look at the UK weather charts and you will be reassured that this assumption is completely wrong. Last year, Manchester had less rain than Cornwall and in fact it doesn’t even appear in the top ten of rainiest UK cities. Which means you can definitely leave your umbrella at home. Definitely maybe.

Find out more about how Manchester's climate helped with the mother of all revolutions at MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry): mosi.org.uk

St. Chad’s During the Saxon era, when Gamel was Lord of the Rochdale area, he decided to build a church close to the bank of the River Roch. He gathered a workforce who prepared vast quantities of stone and wood before carefully laying the foundations of the church.

The following day they were shocked to find their hard work undone with all of the materials transferred to the top of the hill on the opposite side of the river. Gamel’s men carried the building materials back down to the original site and were astounded when the same thing happened again the next day. Gamel decided that to appease the unknown spirits at work, the church would be built

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at the top of the hill as they wished. The church stands on the same site today, with its one-hundred and twenty-four steps carved into the hillside to enable access from the town.

Visit Rochdale by metrolink tram:

metrolink.co.uk

The Gunpowder Plot There is a fifteenth century manor hall on the edge of Manchester city centre that is famed for its association with the Gunpowder Plot. It is said the famous plot of 1605 that conspired to bring down Parliament, was dreamt up by Guy Fawkes during a stay at the hall. In fact, the Hall was the setting for William Harrison Ainsworth's 1842 novel Guy Fawkes, which ‘printed the myth’ by amplifying an unconfirmed local legend. So without any real evidence, who knows, perhaps there is a truth in it?

Mab’s Cross One of Greater Manchester’s more interesting ghost stories concerns Lady Mabel of Haigh Hall, a country manor house in Wigan. Mabel was the wife of Sir William Bradshaw, who was sent to war in Scotland in the late 13th Century. Bradshaw failed to return and soon, Mabel was forced into a second marriage with a Welsh knight who took all the family-owned land, including the hall. Ten years later, Bradshaw returned unexpectedly and his wife’s new husband fled in fear. Lady Mabel was given penance for her ‘bigamy’. She had to walk barefoot from Haigh Hall to a stone cross in Wigan, once a week for the rest of her life. The stone, ‘Mab’s Cross’ still stands to this day and it is said that Mabel’s tortured, faceless spectre haunts the nearby land around Haigh Hall, which is today known as Lady Mabel’s Wood.

For more info: wlct.org/wigan/haigh/

For more on Ordsall Hall: visitsalford.info/ordsallhall

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John Dee’s dance with the devil Dee was one of Manchester’s first great scientists and mathematicians, arriving in the town (as it was back then) in the latter part of the sixteenth century. He was a close adviser to Queen Elizabeth I, who sent him north to protect him from growing accusations of occult practices. He became Warden at the Collegiate Church (today the Cathedral) but soon began to generate unwanted attention with his unusual experiments. It is said that he once summoned the devil himself and there still remains a burn mark supposedly from Satan’s hoof, in one of the table’s that Dee used for his experiments in Chetham’s Library and School.

For more on Chetham’s and Manchester Cathedral: chethams.com | manchestercathedral.org

Boggarts These mischievous creatures are popular in English folklore and there are tales aplenty about their antics in Greater Manchester. There is even a park named after one in Blackley, to the north of the city. ‘Boggart Hole Clough’ is the former site of an ancient forest that became occupied by a family of farmers.

Unbeknown to them, a Boggart had occupied the land for decades and was extremely unhappy with their arrival. The family were eventually driven away because of the Boggart’s malevolent behaviour, which destroyed their crops, soured the milk, frightened the farm animals and spread fear amongst the local residents.

For more on Manchester’s parks (beware of the Boggarts): visitmanchester.com

Jinny Greenteeth Similar in some ways to the Boggart, except Jinny Greenteeth is a being of the water rather than the land. She is known to drag people into the murky depths and drown them. Her story is likely to have been invented to keep children away from dangerous bodies of water. In Manchester, she is said to lurk around the Irwell. You certainly wouldn’t want to cross her path but if you do, it’s unlikely you will mistake her distinctive long green hair, sharp teeth and green skin.

Explore the River Irwell (with care): irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Destination

FASHION MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET CHESHIRE OAKS IS THE UK’S LARGEST DESIGNER OUTLET, WITH OVER 145 STORES INCLUDING FAMOUS DESIGNER FASHION BRANDS – ALL FOR UP TO 60% LESS. WE’VE GOT IT ALL From international boutiques and high street favourites to stylish homeware stores, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks is the one-stop shop for all the must-have labels.

But it’s not just about the shopping - you can take

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some time out to unwind at

Located just north of picturesque Chester, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is easily accessible from Manchester by coach, car, rail or bus and we’re just off Junction 15 of the M56 motorway.

one of the many cafés and restaurants. With ample free parking and family friendly facilities, whatever your plans you’re guaranteed an enjoyable shopping day out.

Your Autumn essentials Make us your go-to destination for the season’s key pieces, from pastel coats and luxe knits to leather handbags and statement jewellery.

DON’T GO HOME WITHOUT Stunning fashion finds from Hobbs, Barbour, Swarovski, French Connection, Ted Baker, Links of London, Joseph and many more

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CheshireOaksDesignerOutlet.com

Cottonopolis: street style

By Katie Popperwell

Walk the streets of any city for long enough and you’ll notice certain elements of style appearing again and again. Fingernails in Paris are always expertly manicured; shoes in Berlin are always flat, and you’ll never see a jacket in Milan that is less than immaculately tailored. Manchester has an eclectic mix of style natives - from art students and fledgling musicians to media high flyers and top barristers - but they all love to go the extra mile with a look, and that’s what makes this such an exciting place to shop. So here (with a pinch of salt) are our four key Manchester street styles, and how to get the look.

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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The rookie fashionista on a budget She loves having fun with accessories and keeping up with trends; team chunky platforms with retro prints and vintage accessories for urban chic with a playful edge.

A spending limit is no barrier to keeping up with the fash pack - not if you shop wisely and well. As the high street continues to shake things up with catwalk copies and designer collaborations, savvy shoppers can get the fashion blogger look with minimum spend. Creativity is key. Take a pick and mix approach to the high street chains and vintage gems to be found around Market Street and the Northern Quarter.

Standing guard over Piccadilly Gardens is fast fashion behemoth Primark, an Aladdin’s cave of frivolous indulgences like feather headbands and neon jewellery.

For up to-the-minute looks, H&M’s Divided collection can be counted on to cover the edgier end of the spectrum while Miss Selfridge tends toward a more feminine take on trends like A/W14‘s slow drift toward outsized knits and glam grunge.

The northern extension of the Arndale Centre conveniently houses River Island (best for sports luxeinspired streetwear), New Look (best for shoes) and Topshop (best for tailored coats). From there it’s just a short hop back to the Northern Quarter, where independent online retailer Boohoo.com has its base, and there’s no end of style inspiration to be found.

The NQ is a vintage lover’s paradise, and afternoons are easily lost hunting for pre-loved bargains in the myriad emporiums along Oldham Street. A more imaginative approach to sustainable fashion lies at the heart of Junk, a quirky NQ boutique where in-house designers specialise in one-off upcycled pieces made from striking retro fabrics.

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The stylish professional She’s a discerning shopper with a sophisticated capsule wardrobe and a love of understated luxury; show you mean business with sharply tailored separates and a serious investment handbag.

Getting the right work wardrobe means building your own capsule collection that favours style and fit over trends. There’s a perfect white silk blouse and classic court shoe combo for everyone, and you won’t have to go far to find yours.

Realising that COS is the city girl’s go-to brand for minimalist Scandinavian chic, clever old Selfridges expanded its concession in Exchange Square and moved it up to the top floor alongside ultra-chic French labels Maje and Sandro, while fashion house du jour Céline is the latest addition to the lower floor.

On King Street, Whistles and The Kooples rub shoulders with international design houses like Hermes - worldrenowned for its Kelly and Birkin bags and the rich-hued silk twill scarves that fill the window. Taking pride of place on Cathedral Street, fashion’s linchpin Zara sprawls over three floors, while Burberry flies the flag for British craftsmanship, ensuring the ultimate classic trench is always within reach. Harvey Nichols accessories floor is straight-up handbag heaven; new collections from Balenciaga and Chloe take centre stage while gleaming cabinets house jewellery by Valentino, Coach and Lola Rose. It’s not all about labels though - the Craft & Design Centre, housed in a beautifully restored former Victorian Market, is a unique destination full of beautiful pieces from local designers that will have everyone asking, ‘where did you find that?’

The glittering Armani flagship store housing the exclusive Collezioni label announces the entrance to The Avenue, where a trip to the Mulberry store to invest in classic Bayswater or Harriet clutch is a pilgrimage every stylish urbanite should make at least once.

The luxury-loving cocktail enthusiast It’s all about dialing the glamour up to ten for a night on the town. A glossy blow-dry, printed silk playsuit and the highest of heels say she’s ready to have fun.

If it’s a truism that Northern girls will brave the elements with bare legs long after our Southern sisters have packed away their pins for the season, it’s because we’re so enthusiastic about getting dressed up to the nines and having a great night out. Even better if it follows an afternoon boutique shopping with friends.

Original Mancunian fashion boutique Flannels has positioned itself at the heart of designer shopping in the city on The Avenue. Flamboyant statement pieces from Moschino and Kenzo tap into the nineties trend for A/W14, while the out and out glamour of Italian powerhouses Dolce & Gabanna take care of all your LBD needs.

On King Street, fashion’s perennial Northerner Vivienne Westwood’s hometown boutique allows you to step inside the world of a bona fide style revolutionary.

Westwood’s fashion forward attitude can be felt on the rails of gutsy Punk Chaos Chain tees, and the ornate mahogany display cases filled with flamboyant gold jewellery. Nearby, Agent Provocateur excel at sexiness without the sleaze, and concept store Hervia Bazaar stocks a fearsome edit of the next generation of the city’s high fashions rock ‘n’ roll mavericks like Henry Holland and Gareth Pugh.

To finish the look, the lavish beauty hall at House of Fraser is more than just a one stop shop for all things cosmetic, it’s a shrine to feminine artistry. Have your brows threaded nails polished and face made up, and you’ll leave feeling ready for anything.

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The man about town Stylish Manchester gents can more than keep up with the ladies when it comes to choosing threads.

From classic casuals to sharp suits, every outfit has an urban edge.

We’re hardly doing justice to the exceptionally strong selection of menswear on offer in the city centre with just one men’s look. In actual fact, there are more independent fashion boutiques in the Northern Quarter for boys than there are for girls - still, there is no question of where to begin.

Oi Polloi is the bastion of informed casual menswear in the city. Seasonal stand-out pieces include engineered parkas and expertly cut jackets from the likes of MHL Margaret Howell and Danish trendsetters Norse Projects. When it comes to quality menswear for contemporary urban life, there’s little to beat it. Nearby, other indie boutiques include the diminutive Wood stocking a capsule collection of YMC knitwear, Penfield shirts and Herschel bags - and Bags of Flavour, where you’ll find bespoke bags handcrafted in Manchester from recycled materials, alongside a carefully curated selection of high end vintage apparel.

If you need your kit sorted in a hurry, high-end department stores like House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges stock a comprehensive range of designer labels and make shopping a doddle. Flannels do a fine line in carefully selected Dior Homme and Dries van Noten, and offer bespoke tailoring and a personal shopping service. Dapper gents with more time on their hands should take a trip to Salford to visit the factory shop of Private White V.C., the renowned heritage brand featuring classic designs based on the wardrobe of Victoria Cross recipient Jack White.

Illustrations by Lauren Reyhani & photography by Emma Jay agencie.co.uk

James Eden James Eden is an entrepreneur and owner of designer menswear brand Private White V.C based in Manchester.

After the First World War, my great grandfather, having been awarded the Victoria Cross came back to Manchester and had to get a job in the local raincoat factory. In those days the banks of the Irwell were a hotbed of industrial activity. He secured an apprenticeship at the factory and then he moved up to become a junior pattern cutter, then a machinist, factory supervisor, general manager and then subsequently the owner.

I didn’t know anything about making clothes, let’s be clear. But there are people working for us who are just phenomenal. So many skilled individuals and fantastic novices that have an enthusiasm to learn and that’s what you need. There used to be about 20 people working at the factory five years ago and we were a big supplier for Burberry but it all disappeared incredibly quickly.

Fashion is a volatile industry. There came a point when the factory just fell off a cliff and that is why I took over the business. We’ve come a long way since then and we’re obviously very proud and committed to the work we do to keep on going. We have a fantastic vehicle - a great factory, even better people, superb skills and a unique position in that not only do we make everything here but we design everything too, do our own pattern cutting, garment tech and fabrications.

Prior to becoming Private White V.C. we had no website, no retail stores and no real purpose; we were just a contract maker, bottom of the food chain and a whipping boy for the high profile, prestigious brands who wanted to keep us under wraps. We’ve managed to transform that because we now have strength in our own brand and customers base. We’re not beholden to a larger brand that can come and go as they please.

We have a lot of people from the local area working for us and it’s very gratifying and rewarding to employ Mancunian’s in an industry-traditional to the area. It is incredible to be revitalising what is an honest and quintessentially working class industry. The halcyon days of garment making in Manchester are very much behind us but we still feel we can continue to grow, develop and become more attractive; not just for international consumers but for people of all ages that want, and have the passion and enthusiasm to work here.

The building has always been a Private White factory so when it came to producing our own brand there was always going to be some military inspiration; however, in terms of the look and aesthetic of the garment, it’s not overtly military. Military garments are there to serve a purpose - they keep you warm, they keep you dry and they’re durable. The way we design is through functionality and our products serve a purpose as well good, honest, beautifully made, well designed and well styled British casual wear.

I’ve grown to love the fact we make in the UK but I guess I’ve just continued what we’ve always been good at. It’s what I’ve always known and it seems unnecessary and foolish to try and re-develop elsewhere. My vision is to create a UK made product which is sustainable, profitable and is offered via retail, wholesale and online.

The response to us opening of the factory shop has been fantastic. Generally we get about one request a day for a tour and if someone has gone to the effort to make an appointment with us it is very likely they will understand what we’re trying to achieve and appreciate what we do. Our London store performs better than the one in Manchester but the one in London isn’t on an industrial estate. Not many people in Manchester know about it but that’s something we want to change and was part of our reasoning for opening the shop/factory up to the public.

We recently collaborated with the IWM North, to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. We carefully select partnerships with like-minded organisations and we believe that with the work the IWM does, people visiting the museum will appreciate the products we have provided. It’s a collaboration which is gratifying for us due to the importance of the event and with Private White’s history it made perfect sense.

Private White V.C. factory shop is located at Cottenham House, 1 Cottenham Lane; a short walk from Manchester city centre. Tours are available by appointment.

For more information: privatewhitevc.com | @PrivateWhiteVC visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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What’s on: LGBT Projecting diversity Various venues 15 – 28 February 2015 Projecting Diversity is a new LGBT cinematic event supported by the Institute of Humanities and Social Science Research at Manchester Metropolitan University. The series focuses on the cinematographic treatment of sex and gender diversity and will be shown at numerous venues throughout Manchester, including Contact. The event will have a specific focus on the pioneering role of German cinema.

sugar & spice Lesbian and Gay Foundation 7 – 8 March 2015 © Ranulph Redlin

LBGt History Month Various venues February 2015 LGBT History Month promotes equality and diversity for the benefit of the public, through raising awareness and advancing education of LGBT people, their lives, issues and experiences. This year LGBT History Month celebrates its 10th anniversary and will play host to ‘Manchester in Love’ over Valentines Weekend which will feature a two-day academic conference and fringe festival at venues across the city, including Contact, the People’s History Museum and Manchester Central Library. lgbthistorymonth.org.uk | @LGBTHM

Queer Contact Contact 5 – 15 February 2015 As part of Contact's ongoing commitment to diversity, Queer Contact develops work and presents events throughout the year for the LGBT communities of Greater Manchester. Each February, to coincide with LGBT History Month, the programming at Contact converges to form the Queer Contact Festival. In 2015 the festival returns for its 6th year with new theatre, music, dance, comedy, cabaret and much more from local, national and international talent. contactmcr.com/queercontact | @contactmcr

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Sugar & Spice is The Lesbian and Gay Foundation's annual celebration of International Women's Day for lesbian and bisexual women. This free festival features workshops, discussions, socialising, wellness activities, crafts, food and lots of fun. lgf.org.uk | @lgfoundation

Great British Bear Bash Gay Village 1 – 4 May 2015 Four days of furry, friendly fun held each May. The bears come out of hibernation and the Gay Village comes alive with club nights, parties and events catering for bears, cubs, daddies, chasers and chubs. The majority of programmed events will take place within the Gay Village with Friday and Sunday club nights taking place at Alter Ego and plenty of other events to keep bears busy over the course of the weekend. manbears-manchester.co.uk | @manbears

© Kevin Cummins

Creative evolution

By Helen Nugent

Manchester has always been at the vanguard of new technology. As the international centre of the cotton and textile industry in the 19th century to its status today as the second biggest cluster of digital businesses in Europe, this Northern city has spent centuries as an exciting hub of creativity and innovation.

While its nickname of ‘Cottonopolis’ now serves only as a historical term, the sobriquet encapsulates what Manchester was – and is today: a hard-working city with a proud industrial, cultural and musical heritage. It’s more than 200 years since the inventions of the cotton barons gave birth to the modern factory system, but there are more recent Mancunian creations that make up the fabric of the city’s rich tapestry.

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Music Aside from football, Manchester is perhaps best known for its music. Although Manchester had an impressive music scene in the mid-20th century (groups such as The Bee Gees, The Hollies, Freddie and the Dreamers and Herman’s Hermits all came from Manchester), it was the success of Manchester bands and music entrepreneurs in the 1970s that really put the city on the global music map (although Bob Dylan going electric at the Free Trade Hall in 1966 was pretty significant – the Grade II * listed building is now a five star Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel).

From the anarchic Sex Pistols and their flagrant disregard for authority to the legendary punk band the Buzzcocks, Manchester was ahead of its time.

One story goes that, in June 1976, the Sex Pistols played in Manchester to a tiny audience but present at that gig were key players in the city’s future music scene: Tony Wilson (the creator of Factory Records and a music impresario who made it his life’s mission to make Manchester globally famous for its music,

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nightlife and pop culture), founding members of Joy Division and New Order, Morrissey and Mick Hucknall of Simply Red. Music fans the world over spent the 1980s in thrall to The Smiths and Peter Hook’s Joy Division. As the decade drew to a close, a new type of Manchester music evolved, taking the music industry by the scruff of its neck. Dubbed ‘Madchester’ and still hugely popular today, a glut of groups emerged, emanating in part from the now legendary Haçienda nightclub. The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets and Happy Mondays (to name but a few) stormed the charts, later supplanted by the likes of supergroup Oasis, James and Take That.

And there was (and is) no shortage of music venues: from the 23,000 capacity Phones4u Arena to iconic smaller spaces such as Night and Day and Band on the Wall. When Prince recently played a number of secret gigs in the UK, the only place he played outside of London was Manchester.

Theatre But music isn’t Manchester’s only cultural legacy.

Theatre has a special place in Mancunian hearts - it’s a little known fact that Manchester has more theatres than anywhere else outside of London.

The Victorian Palace Theatre and early 20th century Opera House are still popular venues today, often premiering major musicals before they open in London’s West End. These stunning buildings were joined by a slew of other theatrical spaces as the 20th century wore on, among them the Royal Exchange.

Opened by Sir Laurence Olivier in 1976, this awardwinning theatre is housed in a former cotton exchange and is considered to be one of Manchester’s most glorious buildings. The theatre itself (an intimate in-the-round auditorium) is suspended from the four columns carrying the hall’s central dome.

In recent years, the number of theatre festivals across the city has grown. From the summer 24:7 festival focusing on new writing and untapped acting talent to the annual re:play festival organised by The Library Theatre Company (now HOME), the city’s theatre scene is more vibrant than it’s ever been.

Art Many Manchester venues aren’t content with simply putting on plays: a lot combine theatre and art, throwing in literature, music, food and chat for good measure. One of the best examples of this is The Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex named after one of Greater Manchester’s most famous sons, the artist L.S. Lowry (he was born in Stretford and lived in nearby Salford for most of his life). For the past 14 years, The Lowry has housed an unrivalled collection of L.S. Lowry’s paintings, as well as staging an innovative series of one-off exhibitions at a magnificent waterside location at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays, a 10 minute drive from Manchester city centre. The Lowry also plays host to a number of touring theatrical productions and has a special relationship with London’s National Theatre.

Last year’s run of the award-winning War Horse played to sold-out houses and returned in summer 2014.

Back in the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery houses one of the best collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world. This gorgeous Grade I listed building (finished in 1824 by Sir Charles Barry FRS who also rebuilt London’s Houses of Parliament and Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame) is free to all while, across town, the Whitworth is getting ready to reopen after a £15 million renovation to extend it into Whitworth Park.

Straddling all this endeavour is the Manchester International Festival. Launched in 2007, this is a biennial celebration of original, new work, much of which later tours around the globe. The New Yorker describes it as “probably the most radical and important arts festival today”. It returns in July 2015. visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Digital While the Manchester skyline used to be dominated by chimneys and factories, today the landscape is still as active but rather less visible. This is because Manchester’s 21st century burgeoning industry is digital.

Listen to what Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, has to say on the matter: “Manchester was at the heart of the industrial revolution and now we're in the vanguard of the information age. The city has the second biggest cluster of digital businesses in Europe. This is a city with a can-do, sometimes contrary, spirit which has led to worldchanging innovations from the first programmable computer to the discovery of graphene. From our world-class universities to our smallest start-up businesses, it's a place fizzing with ideas.”

The rise and rise of MediaCityUK has been one of the biggest boosts to Manchester’s digital and media economy. Located on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, the new home for the BBC, ITV, Coronation Street, the University of Salford and more than 150 commercial businesses, MediaCityUK has been designed around the specific needs of the media and creative industries. This bespoke community features one of the biggest HD studio complexes in Europe, commercial offices, residential apartments and a spectacular waterfront public piazza.

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Stephen Wild, managing director at MediaCityUK, says: “MediaCityUK is a major asset for Manchester with smaller creative businesses joining the likes of the BBC, ITV and SIS as part of a new digital destination. With the University of Salford, a new University Technical College and other academic players also on site, our aim is for MediaCityUK to play a key role in developing future talent and innovative ways of working.”

The BBC agrees. BBC North spokesman Paul Tyrrell comments: “This is a region full of storytellers and innovators, global soccer brands and massive music bands, world-famous orchestras and brilliant entertainers. The BBC is proud to be at the heart of it all now with 3,000 staff - our biggest technology and content operation outside London - in a brand new Media City home.”

But Manchester’s digital innovation isn’t confined to MediaCityUK. Over in the Northern Quarter, the city’s relatively new bohemian nexus, there’s a similar story. Vaughan Allen, chief executive of CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company explains: “The Northern Quarter has evolved into a thriving hub for small digital businesses. The concentration of creative companies in this part of the city supports a thriving community of independent bars, restaurants and shops giving this quarter a uniquely bohemian character.”

Be inspired: creativity² Music

Art

The Stone Roses, The Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division – Craig Gill, drummer with the Inspiral Carpets, has tour for anyone with an interest in Manchester musical heritage. manchestermusictours.com | @mcrmusictours

One of Northern England’s most active and successful organisations/agencies for developing emerging contemporary artists, Castlefield Gallery’s mission is to nurture talent, explore cultural trends and deepen audience’s relationship to contemporary art. castlefieldgallery.co.uk | @castlefieldgall

Theatre Whilst landmark development HOME will open in spring 2015 (see page 17), Contact is a wholly smaller affair with a mammoth vision to empower young people through creativity. contactmcr.com | @contactmcr

Digital A former shop in the Northern Quarter, MadLab is a unique space where ‘like-minded geeks, artists, designers, illustrators, hackers, innovators and idle dreamers’ can get together to create. madlab.org.uk | @madlabuk

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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What’s on: festivals Manchester science Festival

Manchester Beer and Cider Festival

Various venues 23 October until 2 November 2014

National Cycling Centre 21 – 24 January 2015

Play, create and experiment with your scientific side as Manchester Science Festival supported by Siemens comes to town for its 8th year. Bringing together a unique blend of art, make-it workshops, performances and big experiences, the Festival's playful and imaginative programme invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in science, ideas and innovation.

Events take place in cultural and unusual venues around the city and across Greater Manchester. manchestersciencefestival.com | @mcrscifest

Organised by the Greater Manchester Branches of The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), the festival will feature over 300 cask ales, 75 traditional ciders and perries, a selection of bottle conditioned ales and some of the best imported beers around. The Velodrome remains operational throughout and the festival’s 16 bars are placed inside the track and out on the surrounding concourse, so visitors are treated to a great view while enjoying their favourite tipple. manchesterbeerfestival.org.uk | @MancBeerFest Velopark

re:play 2015 Number 1 First Street 12 – 24 January 2015 re:play is celebration of some of the most groundbreaking, most talked-about new drama from the local fringe scene from the last 12 months. It was previously curated by The Library Theatre Company and in 2015 will form part of the site specific season for HOME, Manchester's new cultural centre. The 2015 festival will take place at Number 1 First Street, adjacent to HOME's new venue due to open in Spring 2015. homemcr.org |@HOME_mcr

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scarecrow Festival Tatton Park 14 – 22 February 2015 With a reputation for originality and surprise, this popular family event continues to be an annual favourite during the half term break. Tatton’s scarecrow design team (aka the gardeners and education team) will come up with an array of weird and wonderful scarecrows to entertain visitors whilst kids can also have a go at making their own mini scarecrows. tattonpark.org.uk | @tatton_park

Manchester irish Festival Various venues March 2015 This year, the 2015 Manchester Irish Festival celebrates its 20th Birthday. The ten day Irish cultural extravaganza with over 200 events at 100 different venues is now firmly established as Europe’s biggest Irish Festival outside of the Emerald Isle. The festival’s events are scattered around the city but the majority of the festivities are focused around Levenshulme, Fallowfield and Chorlton. manchesteririshfestival.co.uk | @MancIrishFest

sounds from the other City Various venues, Salford 3 May 2015 After the success of 2014's 10th Birthday Celebrations, Sounds from the Other City returns once again with a celebration of new music and performance. The festival brings together independent promoters, collectives and club nights with a selection of fantastic new music. It takes place across numerous venues in Chapel Street, Salford, and has previously had stages curated by Wet Play, Tru Love, Hey! Manchester and Now Wave. soundsfromtheothercity.com | @sftoc

Manchester international Festival Chinese New Year Chinatown, St Ann’s Square, Albert Square 16 – 22 February 2015 Manchester will celebrate the Chinese year of the sheep in February, with a week-long celebration centred around Chinatown and the city centre’s retail core. Food, drink, performance, art, and all the usual festivities will celebrate Manchester’s vibrant Chinese population and throw the spotlight on one of the largest Chinatowns in Europe.

The city will come together to make Chinese New Year even bigger and better and a must see event for visitors. cityco.com | @cityco

Various venues 2 – 19 July 2015 The world’s first festival of original, new work and special events returns to the city for its fifth outing in summer 2015. After a phenomenal 2013 with highlights including Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh, Massive Attack v Adam Curtis and Masque of Anarchy with Maxine Peake, the 2015 festival promises to deliver a further dose of ground-breaking and innovative work. Line-up announcements begin in late autumn. mif.co.uk | @MIFestival

FutureEverything Various locations 26 – 28 February 2015 Collaborative arts festival FutureEverything, brings together a variety of artists together to each present their visions and concepts of ‘the future’. FutureEverything festival uses digital culture, music art, and performance together to create something truly unique for the audience. futureeverything.org | @futureverything visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Manchester – European City of Science Recognising a rich history of innovation that has produced no less than 25 Nobel laureates, Manchester has been officially appointed the European City of Science until 2016 . It is a city with a true pioneering spirit, a place of ambition and investment, where the scientific, cultural and creative sectors thrive.

From the birth of the Industrial Revolution, to the first modern computer and the isolation of Graphene, the city is constantly innovating. Here is a selection of Manchester’s unique and remarkable scientific achievements.

1789 John Ferriar is appointed physician at Manchester Infirmary, where he became a pioneer of public health, introducing the concept of the isolation ward for serious infectious diseases.

1853 John Benjamin Dancer, working from 43 Cross Street, invented microphotography and microfilms.

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1803 1850

John Dalton’s atomic theory, the precursor of all modern chemistry, is published.

The first law in thermodynamics is discovered in Manchester by James Prescott Joule.

1830 The world’s first passenger railway station opens connecting Manchester to Liverpool by steam train. Today it can be found within the site of MOSI (Manchester’s museum of science and industry).

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1890

2015 The National Graphene Institute opens at the University of Manchester.

1908 The first British plane was designed and flown by Mancunian A V Roe.

1978 Louise Joy Brown, the world's first "test-tube" baby is born in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

1948 The first computer with a stored programme and memory, nicknamed ‘Baby’, is developed at The University of Manchester.

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1910

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1917 Ernest Rutherford discovers how to split the atom at The University of Manchester.

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2010 Scientists at The University of Manchester are awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for isolating Graphene, the world’s thinnest material.

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2014 Manchester is officially appointed ‘European City of Science’ until 2016. Manchester Science Partnership acquires Alderley Park, Cheshire to expand its research operations.

2016 1945 A radar transmitter and receiver is installed by Professor Lovell at Jodrell Bank, marking the beginnings of a leading international radio astronomy facility.

The EuroScience Open Forum – ESOF - the biggest general science conference in Europe comes to Manchester (taking place from 22 - 27 July 2016). www.esof2016.org

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Michael Caines MBE Award-winning chef and co-owner of the Abode Hotels group.

Those who haven’t been to my restaurant before can expect to find modern European cuisine with a focus on regional produce and great flavour. The executive chef at the Manchester restaurant, Rob Cox has been there since the beginning in 2008 and my signature dishes from two Michelin star Gidleigh Park are well represented. The menu is modern/contemporary and uses the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

I chose to set up in Manchester because it is a vibrant town and for culture, it is probably the most significant city outside of London. There is a very multicultural restaurant scene despite the lack of Michelin stars and it is still a great place to open a fine dining restaurant.

I would attribute the success of my Manchester restaurant to the loyalty of the customers who have frequented the restaurant over the last six years and the staff who work tirelessly to deliver and serve the food to highest standards possible. If I were to pinpoint what makes Manchester diners unique, it would be that the people are very different to, say, Londoners as the city has a more regular market of local residents and businesses which is really nice.

A lot of my food is locally sourced – we get our fish from Fleetwood, our lamb from Whitchurch in Cheshire, beef and pork is from Lindal in Furness in the Lake District, poultry from Goosnargh near Preston and 95% of our fruit and vegetables come from as close as Timperley and all around Cheshire, Lancashire and North of England. We also forage for a few key ingredients at the correct time of year such as wild garlic and sorrel in the spring, berries and flowers in the summer and wild mushrooms in the autumn.

I have three food heroes. Raymond Blanc for his passion and open-mindedness. He taught me all about the palette and the importance of using seasonal ingredients. Raymond is self-taught and this showed me to have no boundaries. Bernard Loiseau for his use of local, regional and seasonal produce and the importance of bringing out the full flavour of each ingredient, and Joel Robuchon for his discipline and technique. He was considered to be like a ‘watch

maker’ in the kitchen - his philosophy that every detail matters drove his passion for discipline and technique.

Great technique equals great flavour! I take a lot of inspiration from all three when I’m in the kitchen.

People often ask me what my favourite dish is and I’d say it would have to be roasted loin of deemster house lamb, fondant potato, onion and thyme puree, tomato fondue and tapenade jus. I love this dish because of the great use of local lamb and the fondant potato, onion and thyme puree and tomato fondue all work to maximise the flavour of the lamb.

ABode Manchester is a distinctive hotel. It has an interesting history as it hasn’t been a hotel for very long.

Originally it was a cotton merchants, then an arcade before being turned into a hotel by the Alias Group which was then taken over by ABode. It used to have a night club in the basement and it was a challenge to turn it into a fine dining restaurant – but it was worth it!

Manchester’s food scene has changed a lot since we first set up. The two biggest changes are the arrival of Aiden Byrne and Simon Rogan which has been very positive for the city. Their arrival has had an impact on our business as there is more competition but we put our focus on quality, service and opening hours. More competition means more people are coming in to the city and that’s really important.

The first time I visited Manchester was in the ‘90’s when the rave scene started and I recall going to the legendary Hacienda with friends. It took a long time, but we eventually got in. The city was a very different place back then.

If I were to give visitors to Manchester a tip on where to go I’d probably say the Museum of Science and Industry as it’s an amazing place. I also recommend the Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry. The truth is there’s always something to do in Manchester whatever your tastes are. michaelcaines.com | @michaelcaines

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO AT MANCHESTER’S WATERSIDE OUTLET PERFECT FOR GREAT DAYS OUT

WITH FANTASTIC EVENTS ALL YEAR ROUND

FOOD FESTIVAL

CHRISTMAS

LAUNCH

EVENT

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

MARKET

Up to 70% off outlet shopping lowryoutlet.co.uk

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visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

Cheap eats matrix We’ve never had it so good when it comes to good eating on a budget.

As Manchester’s culinary revolution continues apace, there’s an everincreasing jumble of independent foodie outlets making us rethink the humble sandwich lunch option. The choice is tough, so here we present some of the best places to fill your face for around a fiver.

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Cheap eats matrix AFriCAN

Nkono Bolton Lifestyle Market Alain Job is the delightfully eccentric chef, cooking with real passion and whipping up traditional Cameroonian curries from his base at Bolton Market, all served in a banana leaf. @joblijob16

Levenshulme Market Maize flatbread, stuffed full with a variety of fillings, this is Colombian street food at its finest. But instead of jetting off to Bogotá you can enjoy these doughy delicacies at Levenshulme Market. @ArepaArepaArepa

the Buttery Levenshulme Market Found at various artisan markets across south Manchester, Neil Buttery uses traditional British recipes and the top quality produce to deliver a real celebration of British cooking, from pies and puds to stews and sweets. @neilbuttery

Habesha

Pieminister

Gay village A great place to dine with friends and try something a bit different. Mouth-watering Ethiopian fare is served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, just off Sackville Street. habesharestaurant.co.uk

Northern Quarter These Bristol based pie supremo’s have set up right in the heart of the Northern Quarter, serving their full range of award winning pies, alongside a great selection of craft ales and ciders. @pieminister

Changos Burritos Oxford Street Changos Burritos: At this Mexican burrito bar on Oxford Road you choose a meat filling and all toppings and sauces are included. The result is a colossal burrito and a drink for around £5.50. @ChangosBurrito

Penelopes Kitchen

FUrtHEr AFiELd

Mozaic Ashton Under Lyne Do both your bank account and taste buds a favour and with a visit to Café Mozaic in Ashton-under-Lyne. Eat in or take away, this bona fide Moroccan deli is guaranteed to impress. cafemozaic.co.uk

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BritisH

Arepa, arepa, arepa,

MArKEts

CitY CENtrE

tHE AMEriCAs

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

Media City Based in the Pie Factory at Media City, Penelope’s Kitchen is a NYC style canteen, cooking a host of homemade, American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. @PenelopesMCR

Ashtons Fish and Chips Stockport Prepare for queues, but it’s well worth the wait. At this traditional Northern chippy Dave fries up the best fish and chips this side of the Pennines.

316 Buxton Rd, Stockport

Cheap eats matrix iNdiAN

oriENtAL

BEst oF tHE rEst

Chaat Cart

that’s Amore by Fabiola

Castlefield Market Levy Market, Chorlton Market Chaat is Indian street food, usually served from a roadside cart, thus Chaat Cart offers freshly made organic, vegetarian, Indian street food snacks at Chorlton, Levenshulme and Castlefield markets. @ChaatCart

Castlefield Market You can sample the most authentic Sicilian cuisine in Manchester at the monthly Castlefield Market. Chef Giacomo’s rich Sicilian delights, such as cannolo and arincina sell fast, so get down early. @thatsamorebyfab

Viet shack Arndale Market Authentic Vietnamese street food with a twist. There is massive hype surrounding this recent addition to the Arndale Food Market, and for good reason. @vietshack

siam smiles

this N that Northern Quarter Choosing your favourite ‘rice and three’ joint in the Northern Quarter is like choosing your favourite child… difficult, but there’s always a winner. Ours is This & That, a real Manchester institution with incredible curries.

Soap St, Northern Quarter

Chinatown Located in the basement of a Thai minimarket in Chinatown, Siam Smiles is a bit rough and ready but that’s part of the charm of this down-to-earth noodle bar. @SiamSmilesCafe

Lily’s Vegetarian indian Ashton Under Lyne Take a short stroll from Ashton-Under-Lyne Metrolink station and you’ll find Lily’s, a simple diner providing some of the best vegetarian Indian food in the country, let alone Manchester. facebook.com/realindianfood

CitY CENtrE

Katsouris deli Deansgate Katsouris Deli: You’ll be lucky to get a seat in this deli on Deansgate but the crowds are justified. The portions are enormous and the menu spans all day breakfasts, sandwiches, carveries, paella and continental sausages. katsourisdeli.co.uk

M&M’s Caribbean spice takeaway and Café

Kyotoya Withington A small and unassuming restaurant which maintains a cheap and extensive Japanese menu. The décor is no frills but the food something to savour.

28 Copson St, Withington

MArKEts

FUrtHEr AFiELd

Old Trafford Michael and Maureen have kept customers coming back to Old Trafford for 16 years with their fantastic array of homemade, West Indian classics. mandmscaribbeanspice.com

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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What’s on: sport World taekwondo Grand Prix

WWE Live

Manchester Central 24 – 26 October 2014

Phones 4u Arena 8 November 2014

Building on the enormous success of last year’s inaugural event, the WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix will bring together the world’s leading 250 athletes across three days of competition. The cream of British talent, including Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones (see page 80) and last year’s winners Lutalo Muhammad and Mahama Cho will be fighting for ranking points for Rio 2016. taekwondogp.com | @TaekwondoGP

WWE have announced that its unique brand of action packed entertainment is coming back to the Phones 4u Arena this autumn. Wrestling fans will be able to see their favourite WWE Superstars and Divas all under one roof including John Cena, United States Champion Sheamus, Demon Kane, Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett and Rusev. wwe.com | @WWE

Chill swim Manchester derby Etihad Stadium 2 November 2014 Manchester City and Manchester United battle it out in the Barclays Premier League for the first time in the 2014/15 season. This is bound to be an incredibly tense and thrilling encounter and a real must-see for any visiting football fan. On derby day the city splits in two, are you a red or a blue? mcfc.co.uk | manutd.com Etihad Campus

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Salford Quays 6 December 2014 The inaugural ChillSwim Salford took place on a cold December morning last year, in the heart of the Salford Quays and in 2014 this fun open water swimming event returns to the same location. The swim area is a 24m outdoor laned section of the dock and there are five races for people of all ages and abilities. Last year the temperature of the water was just under 7 °C and there are no wetsuits allowed. chillswim.com | @chillswim Salford Quays

UCi BMX supercross World Cup National Cycling Centre April 2015 The world-renowned indoor BMX track at the National Cycling Centre will be hosting the world’s premier BMX series for the third time following two successful events in 2013 and 2014. The event is part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series, which aims to bring seventy world class sporting events to the UK by 2019. bmxsuperx.com | @BMXsuperX Velopark

AsiCs Greater Manchester Marathon Trafford 19 April 2015 The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is a brilliant event in the city’s sporting calendar. It is the flattest marathon course in the UK, which makes for one of the most exciting and fast-paced events of its kind. The race is open to runners of all abilities but if you don’t fancy running why not join the thousands of spectators who come to cheer on those taking part. greatermanchestermarathon.com | @marathon_mcr

the British National squash Championships Manchester Squash Centre 9 – 15 February 2015 Run by England Squash & Racketball and Manchester City Council, the National Squash Championships return to Manchester for 2015. The event will feature the best of Britain’s squash talent, including several Team England Commonwealth Games heroes. nationalsquashchamps.net | @SquashMSA Etihad Campus

the Bike/run/swim/triathlon Expo EventCity 20 – 22 March 2015 Following the phenomenal success of recent years, the Bike & Triathlon Show will return to Manchester in 2015 as four new events: BikeExpo, RunExpo, SwimExpo and TriathalonExpo. With even more to see and do across all levels of cycling, running and swimming, there’s something for everyone. @TheBikeExpo | @TheRunExpo | @TheSwimExpo | @TheTriExpo

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Jade Jones Jade Jones is a British taekwondo athlete and Olympic gold medallist My granddad took me to taekwondo when I was young. I had started to get a bit cheeky and mischievous, so he took me down to the local martial arts club and by chance it was taekwondo, which I really took to. It’s a sport I love. I have a passion for it and I wake up in the morning and look forward to competing, that’s what drives me forward.

It was an amazing feeling winning gold at London 2012, especially because I had trained so hard beforehand. I put everything in to for the three years leading up to the Games and when I won there was this overwhelming feeling of relief more than anything I was just like ‘thank God’. It was incredible - all my friends and family were there to see it happen.

In many ways I still can’t believe it.

My training has changed since 2012 because the style of taekwondo has changed in recent years.

The training has become more modern in order to deal with the awkward styles of taekwondo that the taller opponents bring. We train two, sometimes three, times a day which is a mixture of taekwondo sessions and strength and conditioning work. We will also meet with our psychologist, coach and performance analyst to help maximise our performances.

Every competition I enter, I know I can win and get the gold medal. The World Taekwondo Grand Prix in October is no different. When we’re doing so many competitions it’s hard to know which ones to peak for but with this one being in Manchester I’ll definitely be going all out to get the gold.

I recently won a silver medal in the European championships in Azerbaijan and then there’s the World Championships in 2015 where I’m hoping to get another podium spot. I would like to stay at world number one in the under 57kg division, especially as at the end of 2015 the top six in the world automatically qualify for the next Olympic Games. It’s a long way off but my aim is to go there and retain my title.

I used to do the International Taekwon-Do Federation style of taekwondo in Wales, where I’m from then switched to World Taekwondo Federation style and began training at the GB Taekwondo Academy in Manchester. My coach trained at the academy and I’d heard about it from him since the age of 14 so it’s something I always wanted to be a part of. The academy is very professional; at a club you’re just training for fun but at the academy you’ve got to eat right and keep an eye on nutrition. Then there’s video playback so that you can analyse your individual performance. It’s a massive step up.

I think Manchester is really good for sport and has a lot to offer young athletes. It accommodates most sports and obviously I’ve benefited from training here, but there’s much more on offer - the National Cycling Centre where the GB cycling team are based, the Aquatic Centre and two massive football clubs of course.

There are also tonnes of amateur and local sports clubs in the area for people to go check out as well.

It’s nice to be considered a role model. I want to inspire kids to get up off the couch and try out a new sport or martial art. It’s great fun to train at a sport and even better to train and compete for a living. Here at the academy I’m currently training with Lauren Williams she’s junior world champion and is only 15, so has bright future ahead of her. She’s definitely one to watch.

When I’m not training I like to spend my time shopping. Manchester is a great city for shopping and I love the Arndale and the Trafford Centre. My ideal day in Manchester would be a bit of shopping followed by a visit to Old Trafford as I’m a big United fan, then I’d go out with my friends and let my hair down.

The WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix will be stages at Manchester Central, 24-26 October 2014. Tickets available at ticketmaster.co.uk/wtgp. gbtaekwondo.co.uk | @GBTaekwondo

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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Re Reveal veal your your Magical Magi Magi ag cal Christmas Christm ma as at at the the Mere From magical party nights to indulgent afternoon teas, festive getaways and luxurious gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make your Christmas and New Y Year ear truly special.

@LifeatMere @LifeatMere #MereXmas themereresort.co.uk | events@themereresort.co.uk | tel: 01565 830155

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

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

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

Room rates from ÂŁ160 including breakfast.

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

To make a booking, call us on 0161 827 4000

The Lowry Hotel

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

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

What’s on: expos and fairs ski and snowboard Expo

Victorian Christmas Markets 2014

EventCity 24 – 26 October 2014

Lowry Outlet Mall 4 – 7 December 2014

The Ski and Snowboard Show North will return to EventCity, Manchester, after its successful launch in 2013. Thousands of visitors will once again be able to enjoy apres ski style bars, alpine food, wine tasting sessions, resorts from around the world, chalet companies and tour operators, and over 200 stands showcasing the best of ski and snowboard! The Chill Factore will also be offering show only deals on their ski and snowboard lessons.

Skiandsnowboard.co.uk | @SkiSnowboardUK

Over 150,000 flocked to see the Lowry Outlet Mall’s Victorian Christmas Market in 2013. This year they have over 100 tempting Victorian stalls packed with quality food, gifts, mulled wine, warm cider and much more!

Soak up the atmosphere with live music from local brass bands and choirs playing festive carols.

Furthermore, there are a wealth of Victorian re-enactors and entertainers, interacting with the crowd to entertain and thrill. lowryoutlet.co.uk |@ lowryoutlet

the Whisky sessions

Winter Wonderland Manchester

Victoria Warehouse, Stretford 21 – 22 November 2014

EventCity 13 December 2014 until 4 January 2015

Making its first full festival debut in Manchester, The Whisky Sessions is a new two day music and whisky festival that will create the opportunity for music lovers to taste a wide range of world class whiskies, while enjoying a line-up of over 20 bands. Housed in the unique, industrial event space of the Victoria Warehouse and with performances from legendary home grown acts such as I Am Kloot, Gomez, Badly Drawn Boy and Tim Burgess this will be an unforgettable celebration of whisky and music. thewhiskysessions.com | @WhiskySessions

After the huge success in 2013, the UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme-park Winter Wonderland returns to Event City for 2014’s festive season. With huge attractions including the Sooty Show, a circus, a special visit from Santa and all the fun of the fair including over 30 rides, make the whole family’s Christmas wishes come true with a magical trip to Winter Wonderland. winterwonderlandmanchester.com | @wwmanchester

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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secret spots of suburban Manchester

By Rhonda Carrier

With such a compelling city centre to explore, there’s a risk that visitors will miss out on some of Manchester’s wider offering – especially its southern suburbs of Didsbury, Chorlton and Levenshulme and the town of Prestwich to the north. Discovering them is a must for anyone seeking to get under the skin of Britain’s second city.

© Rhonda Carrier

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© Rhonda Carrier

Starting in the upmarket suburb of Didsbury, life centres largely around the ‘village’ with its healthy quota of independent stores and cafés, including Evans the fishmonger and grocer, the Cheese Hamlet deli, the bookseller on cobbled Warburton Street and an old-fashioned sweet shop, Sweet Thought.

Crucially, many of Didsbury’s numerous pubs and cafés have open-air terraces over-looking the action and are perfect for enjoying the great peoplewatching opportunities on offer.

A few minutes’ stroll from the heart of Didsbury is the delightful Fletcher Moss botanical gardens where visitors can sign up for foraging walks, play tennis or just enjoy the pretty little café. Don’t miss the stunning rock garden with waterfalls and ponds surrounded by ferns, giant rhubarb and ornamental trees and shrubs including palms, redwoods and cypresses. Fletcher Moss also opens up into Stenner Woods for walks along the meandering Mersey.

Bohemian West Didsbury is Didsbury’s rebellious little sister, with largely indie shops, boutiques, cafes and tea rooms lining its main street, Burton Road.

They range from Junk with its upcycled fashion and Moth featuring chic homewares and jewellery to Milly Mog offering designer childrenswear and The Epicurean specialising in craft beers, ales and ciders.

If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with the last Sunday of each month when you’ll be treated to the delights of the Makers Market, featuring bountiful stalls that showcase the best local food, drink and art and design, all to the tune of local musicians and DJs. Aside from shopping West Didsbury also has an everevolving global eating scene. Crazy Wendy’s features an Elvis-impersonating Thai hostess, Greens offers award-winning vegetarian grub, Pomegranate does Persian, Modern British is represented at The Rose Garden and international tapas available at Volta.

The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon is a sweetly retro spot for cakes and afternoon teas, while Mary and Archie is an offbeat independent bar with a menu of home-cooked food.

In testimony of the fact that the area has well and truly become a destination in its own right, boutique cottage 129Didsbury reports that guests have compared Burton Road to a little Hampstead and regularly get to the end of their stay only to find that they haven’t left the area. A sign of things to come for other suburbs perhaps, although Didsbury Village already boasts the lovely Didsbury House and Eleven Didsbury Park.

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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A short Metrolink hop from West Didsbury, Chorlton has a similarly bohemian vibe. Again, there’s a big independent foodie scene here, centred on the Unicorn organic/vegan/wholefood grocery and workers’ cooperative and the Barbakan Deli as well as in restaurants including Yakisoba with its Far Eastern fusion cuisine, The Lead Station with its eclectic global dining, and The Parlour with its classic and more innovative pub food.

One-off bars, cafés, restaurants, delis and shops add to Chorlton’s unique ambiance, particularly around Beech Road. Quirky shops include Wowie Zowie offering vintage homewares and The Creative Recycling Gallery for sustainable arts and crafts.

Meanwhile, pubs, bars and cafés worth checking out including Electrik, The Bar, Oddest and the Horse & Jockey – the latter complete with its own micro-brewery and deli. But like Didsbury, Chorlton also offers up easy escapes into nature in the form of Chorlton Water Park and Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve with its woodland and meadow trails.

Unsurprisingly, Chorlton has a lively and eclectic events calendar, with the seasonal highlight being its Book Festival in November. There’s also a busy program of markets, many of them run by the Horse & Jockey, including craft fairs and a farmers’ market

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on the last Saturday of the month (except May and December). Saturday afternoons see a vintage market at the Beech Inn, while there’s a monthly Arts Market at The Post Box Café, with live music and a barbecue.

Back towards central Manchester, Levenshulme with its sizeable Irish community is an up-and-coming area best known for its daily-opening Antiques Village, bringing together specialist shops in the green-tiled 19th-century town hall building. A big draw at weekends is Levenshulme Market – a community-run venture held every Saturday from March to December with around 50 artisan producers selling local produce, street food, vintage clothing, homewares and much more besides. The social scene varies from traditional pubs including the Blue Bell Inn to modern venues such as M19 Bar. Lastly, Prestwich to the north of the city is another area with a strong identity focused on its villagey high street and with a large Jewish population that’s part of a compelling cultural mix championed by prominent residents including comic novelist Howard Jacobson, Guy Garvey of alternative rock band Elbow and Mark E Smith of post-punk group The Fall. Music fans might join them in a browse at Endless Music, north Manchester's only surviving vinyl record store.

© Levenshulme Market

Foodies flock to Prestwich to sample the tasting menus at Aumbry in a tiny converted cottage, created by chefs who had a stint at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck. But there’s other good eating to be had at Croma, a branch of a local pizza chain, and Panama Hatty’s, a grill-restaurant, lounge and bar with a menu inspired largely by the cuisine of Latin America, Mexico and the south-western United States. Quaint Time for Tea boasts its own teapot collection, or for fans of classic unreconstructed British pubs there’s The Forresters Arms and the Red Lion.

Again, Prestwich is more than just a fascinating urban space – it’s bounded to the east by Heaton Park. Manchester’s largest outdoor space has a boating lake, farm centre, apiary, woodlands, observatory, vintage trams and regular events, from concerts to firework displays.

Then there’s the vast Prestwick Forest Park, which incorporates Philips Park Local Nature Reserve, Prestwich Clough, Mere Clough, Waterdale Meadow and Drinkwater Park. Amidst the woodlands, reservoirs and grasslands of this wildlife oasis you can still make out remnants of the area's industrial past as highlighted by the Irwell Sculpture Trail, Irwell Valley Way and National Cycle Route 6.

Manchester’s efficient and ever-evolving Metrolink tram network embraces Didsbury Village, West Didsbury, Chorlton and Prestwich, while Levenshulme is linked to the city centre by local train. All are well served by local buses too.

For details, see tfgm.com.

visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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FIVE SUNDAy AFTERNOON HANGOUTS: Cuckoo, Prestwich A newcomer to the scene in 2013, this independent café-bar with its bare-brick walls has a neighbourhood feel and a busy events calendar including barbecues in its garden and regular open-mic nights. Drop in for anything from cocktails in the bar to pulled-pork sliders and other global treats in the café.

396–397 Bury New Rd, M25 1AW | cuckoobar.co.uk | @CuckooPrestwich

Trove, Levenshulme Minimalist but incredibly welcoming, this bakery and café lures you in with its aromas of fresh bread to dine at a large communal table designed to encourage visitors to meet and talk over home-made organic preserves, cakes, cooked breakfast, weekend brunches, sandwiches and handmade pizzas, all made from seasonal organic produce. You can bring your own alcohol, and there’s occasional live music.

1032 Stockport Rd, M19 3EX | trovefoods.co.uk | @trovefoods

The Art of Tea, Didsbury Loveably ramshackle, this independent café-bar is Didsbury’s most laidback spot, with cheerfully mismatched furniture and crockery, quirky posters and artworks by local artists, and a chalkboard menu of global dishes made from locally sourced produce. There’s a lively program of live music events, while a doorway at the rear of the cafe takes you right into the Didsbury Village Bookshop for some secondhand browsing.

47 Barlow Moor Road, M20 6TW | theartoftea.co.uk | @ArtOfTeaUK

© Rhonda Carrier

The Marble Beer House, Chorlton Wall-hanging radiators, antique cast-iron radiators and wood-panelled walls mean this atmospheric pub – converted from an old beer shop – couldn’t be cosier. Illy coffee, beers from the on-site microbrewery, snacks from the Unicorn grocery and a selection of board games all make for a civilized fashion to while away an afternoon.

57 Manchester Rd, M21 9PW | marblebeers.com/beerhouse | @MarbleBeerhouse

Folk, West Didsbury Café, bar and deli all in one, Folk endures on a street of rapid change. Amidst boho-chic décor including an old wooden gymnasium floor and gilded wallpaper, coffee, cake, drinks and globally inspired dishes including meze boards are served against a backdrop of jazz, reggae or whatever else takes the DJ’s fancy. Try to snag a seat on the large terrace with its palm trees and all-weather heaters.

169-171 Burton Rd, M20 2LN | folkcafebar.co.uk | @folkdidsbury © Rhonda Carrier

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What’s on: Greater Manchester revolution in the bedroom, war in the playground: video gaming 1979-1989 Gallery Oldham, Oldham Until 1 November 2014 Gallery Oldham's latest exhibition gives visitors the chance to explore the early years of the digital revolution - when video gaming became accessible for the first time. Those of a certain age can take a walk down memory lane and indulge in a little bit of nostalgia by reacquainting themselves with some heavily pixelated characters whilst a new generation can learn all about the delights of Space Invader, Manic Miner and more. visitoldham.com | @OldhamCouncil Oldham Central Š Fusilier Museum

Home Front to Battle Front exhibition Museum of Wigan Life Until 10 January 2015 This exhibition reveals the impact of the First World War on the people of Wigan. The show includes many objects on display for the first time from trench art, wartime souvenirs, munitions and shrapnel to uniform and even a prosthetic arm. Find out more about the hidden histories of women in munitions and other factory work, pit brow lasses and men in reserve occupations down the pit. This exhibition explores everything from bombing raids over Scholes to the German Prisoner of War camp near Leigh. wlct.org | @WiganMuseum

No Known Grave - Missing in Action Fusilier Museum, Bury Until April 2015 This new exhibition features the fascinating stories of two Lancashire Fusiliers, Pte Richard Lancaster and Pte Harry Wilkinson, whose bodies were found in 2000 and 2006 in a Belgium field not far from Ypres. Both were killed in a night attack on November 10th 1914, at the start of the war. The unique exhibition tells the story of how these two local men were identified, piecing together the evidence to solve the mystery surrounding their deaths. fusiliermuseum.com | @FusilierMuseum Bury visitmanchester.com | @visit_mcr

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© Gareth Lowe

Making Headway – Bringing Hatting Home Hat Works, Stockport Until 24 May 2015 This exhibition celebrates and showcases the work of 13 emerging millinery talents selected to participate in an Arts Council funded initiative through open competition.

Following a series of master-classes designed to further develop their millinery expertise, a fabulous couture collection of hats inspired by Stockport’s wonderful museum collections has been created. For the very first time at Hat Works the hats in the exhibition are for sale offering visitors a unique opportunity to buy a couture hat by an emerging milliner. stockport.gov.uk/museums |@SMBC_Museums

From street to trench: A War that shaped a region IWM North, Trafford Until 31 May 2015 This is the largest exhibition ever created exploring the North West of England during the First World War, unveiling extraordinary and surprising personal stories with objects never before seen on public display. The exhibition illustrates how the region was shaped by the conflict and how local people played a significant role in global events.

The free exhibition reveals more than 200 personal objects, films, sound recordings, photographs, artworks and letters - many on public display for the first time. iwm.org.uk/north | @I_W_M MediaCityUK

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© IWM North

Generation NoisE Central Art Gallery, Ashton-under-Lyne 1 October 2014 until 10 January 2015 Artists ‘The Owl Project’ will build human powered sound machines from wood where visitors can draw a sound wave and feed it into a machine to create their own noises. The space will be transformed into a huge sound studio where families can play all kinds of musical instruments. Funded by the Arts Council England, this is the first of four specially commissioned family-friendly exhibitions which will visit Central Art Gallery along with three other UK art galleries: Townley Hall in Burnley, Durham Museum and Art Gallery and Berwick Gymnasium Gallery in Northumberland. owlproject.com |@tmbc_culture Ashton-Under-Lyne

the tudor Child Ordsall Hall, Salford 12 October 2014 until 1 February 2015 This exhibition investigates how Tudor children's clothing demonstrated their place in society and signalled their growing maturity. It also explores the use of portraiture as source material for the reconstruction of historic dress. Originally a book published by The Tudor Tailor, The Tudor Child contains fascinating insights into the way in which Tudor children were raised, educated and of course clothed. A selection of the reconstructed children's costumes made for the book will be displayed alongside high quality digital images of the portraits which inspired them. salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk | @TheOrdsallGhost Exchange Quay

Winter Wonderland Bolton Town Centre 30 November 2014 until 5 January 2015 Winter Wonderland is packed with fun for 2014, with a Giant Ferris wheel, the ever popular outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, festive markets and Christmas Lights Switch On. A great line up of street entertainment for all the family takes place each weekend, during late night shopping each Thursday night and every day of the Festive Market in the lead up to Christmas. visitbolton.com | @VisitBolton

A Common Ground: ikuko iwamoto, Junko Mori and Kayo saito Touchstones, Rochdale 13 December 2014 until 7 March 2015 A Common Ground brings together the work of three UK-based, Japanese-born artists for the first time. They have a shared interest in the natural world as a source of inspiration for their work. Ikuko Iwamoto makes tableware and sculptural ceramics based on the repetitive patterns; Junko Mori’s metalwork consists of multiples of individually forged steel based on her observations of tree and plant matter; and Kayo Saito's jewellery is influenced by plants and organic forms. link4life.org | @Touchstones Rochdale Town Centre

one Man, two Guvnors The Lowry, Salford 12 – 17 January 2015 This award-winning production by the National Theatre is a glorious celebration of British comedy - a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners. Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother - who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.

Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers - but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple. thelowry.com | @The_Lowry MediaCityUK

shop floor to front line: the co-operative WWi experience Rochdale Pioneers Museum 28 March 2014 until 5 March 2016 Employees from the UK’s flourishing co-operative movement were amongst the first to sign up to fight for king and country in the First World War. Many of their stories found their way into the co-operative press, bringing the horrors of the front line to the attention of those remaining behind. Through personal stories and events this exhibition will explore and highlight the unique co-operative experience of WWI. rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop | @PioneersMuseum Rochdale Town Centre

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Martin Purdy Author, historian and frontman of ‘electro-folk’ trio Harp and a Monkey.

Somebody once said Harp and a Monkey sounds like a dodgy pub in the Pennines – the perfect compliment! We’re often asked where the name of the band name came from. Well, we use a harp in many of our songs and Andy, one of our members, has an old adage that everything in life goes better with a monkey.

You can’t really argue with that.

Storytelling is completely central to what we do.

In this sense we purvey a traditional take on the folk genre. Yet our sound is different to ‘pure’ forms of the music because we use backing tracks, electronics, programmed loops and that sort of thing. A couple of years ago, Steve Lamacq coined the perfect description for us on BBC Radio 2 when he described the band as ‘Manchester’s electro-folk-storytellers’.

I love the spirit of the people of Manchester. There is an inherent integrity, a humour and a soul that I just love about the city. If there was one thing I didn’t like about the whole ‘madchester’ thing, it was the playing up of that laddish behaviour, the working class swagger and arrogance, because whilst that exists there is also a pride and humility that is a lovely thing about Manchester which I really enjoy. Culturally we’re very quietly confident – as a rule, we don’t need to shout about things.

The stories in our music reflect extraordinary things achieved by ordinary people. With the WWI centenary underway, one of our most inspiring stories is how thousands of men from East Lancashire; from Stockport to South Manchester, Ashton to Oldham, Rochdale and Wigan, Burnley etc. became the first territorial army division to ever volunteer to serve overseas. We encapsulate this in the song ‘Gallipoli Oak’, which is about a tree that still grows on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey in memory of them. The territorials who fought at Gallipoli represented a perfect cross-section of society and local life. The idea of them going to battle as closeknit community groups, without knowing the horrors they would face, is truly inspiring.

Bury Met is truly special to us because it has an audience that really trusts the venue. It’s the kind of place where people are willing to sit down and really listen to the lyrics and stories in the music. Greater

Manchester has a lot of gems like this. There’s also a strong variety of folk-themed nights such as the Village Folk Club in Taurus on Canal Street, which is a great night out, and an irregular but very successful night called Folk Threads in the Briton’s Protection pub – it always sells out.

There are some cracking little folk clubs on the periphery of Manchester as well, in places like Chorlton, Sale, Altrincham, and Blackley, to name but a few. In Middleton, where two of us grew up, there is a club that meets weekly at the Oddfellows Arms. It’s attended by many of the great characters from the scene including some of the guys from the Oldham Tinkers.

Some really important and inspirational figures have come through the ranks in Manchester and Lancashire, such as Ewan MacColl, Mike Harding, Bernard Wrigley and Harry Boardman – they often came through a working men’s club / music hall tradition.

Since having a son, my eyes have opened to the fact Manchester is such a great family-friendly city.

It’s got some amazing public spaces. Heaton Park is the flagship of course, but the local parks generally are amazing. Places like Abbotsfield Park in Flixton and Springfield Park in Rochdale with their miniature railways and Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom, with the steam trains going past! You’ve probably gathered my son is mad on trains. Then there are so many museums and art galleries around that put on fantastic events for kids.

For those researching the First World War during the centenary, there are superb resources in Manchester.

I’ve written three books on the subject and I can testify the Fusiliers Museum in Bury, the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in Ashton and all the various local references libraries are truly excellent resources.

For me, our local reference libraries iare the great unsung heroes when it comes to researching local life and history. The new local history facilities at Central Library in Manchester bear testament to this; what a superb job they’ve done there.

For upcoming live dates and more: harpandamonkey.com | @Harpandamonkey For more about Martin’s books: thegallipolioak.co.uk

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

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34 Princess street, Manchester, M1 4JY t: 0161 236 2200 e: info@yang-sing.com w: www.yang-sing.com

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Š Crown copyright (2014) VisitWales

discover North Wales With Manchester’s excellent transport links, travellers can use the city as a base to explore a diversity of captivating regions.

Here we unearth how Manchester can serve as a springboard to discover neighbouring North Wales.

Chirk Castle and Llangollen Upon entering Wales one gets an immediate sense of the rich history of the country. The border between England and Wales has the richest concentration of castles in the world, with Chirk Castle a particular highlight. Built 700 years ago as part of Edward I’s ‘ring of steel’; it later became a Welsh stately home and is now in the care of the National Trust. The clipped yew hedges create a sophisticated look to the estate, where visitors can find a medieval tower and dungeon, a children’s play area, and giant-sized family puzzles on the lawn.

Nearby, just a few miles from the border, Llangollen is a handsome township built on a major crossing of the River Dee. White waters flow picturesquely through the town centre, often with expert canoeists showing off their skills. Anyone can try rafting and several companies run thrilling expeditions here, along with other adventure sports, wet and dry.

Snowdonia Travelling west, with wild landscapes and villages steeped in history, Snowdonia National Park is a breathtaking destination for activity holidays, short breaks or days out with family and friends. Home to Snowdon - southern Britain’s highest peak - it’s best known for hiking, but there’s plenty more to enjoy, from waterfalls and lakes to world-class mountain biking and a vintage steam railway.

Betws y Coed is Snowdonia’s main road hub, but this pretty town is much more than just a picturesque crossroads. It’s great for wandering around and there are pleasant walks up to Llyn Elsi, or down to the Swallow Falls. Adrenaline junkies can take their mountain bikes on the train down to Blaenau Ffestiniog, where Wales’s newest mountain biking centre has been carved from the slate-mining moonscape.

While there, be sure to visit Zip World Titan, the largest ‘zip zone’ in the world, and Bounce Below, a subterranean playground situated in a massive disused slate mine, home of the world’s largest underground trampoline. Onwards, the steampowered Ffestiniog Railway journeys down to Minffordd, the nearest station to Portmeirion, an extraordinary Italianate fantasy village that hosts the equally extraordinary Festival No.6 each September.

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Llyn Peninsula

Anglesey

Tucked away beyond Snowdonia’s craggiest peaks with the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, the Llŷn Peninsula has a distinctive, unspoilt character that’s all its own. With almost 100 miles of coastline, there are dozens of beaches and coves to choose from. The sunny southern coast offers the region’s best watersports, notably at Abersoch, while the wilder and more rugged north and western coasts are a haven for wildlife spotters.

Towards the tip of the peninsula travellers can stop for a walk on the ‘whistling sands’ of Porth Oer which squeak as you step on them, one of only two beaches in Europe with this special type of sand. Further on, Aberdaron or Pwllheli provide boat trips to the ancient pilgrimage site of Bardsey Island. Christians have been travelling here since the sixth century, but now the island is more widely known as a nature reserve, where grey seals bask on rocks at the water’s edge and manx shearwaters, fulmars and guillemots nest each spring.

North of Llŷn, Anglesey is a mini-country of its own, with beaches, castles, country houses and family attractions. An area steeped in history, Anglesey boasts standing stones, ancient burial mounds, the remains of a booming copper mine and a World Heritage listed castle. The island is easily accessible by two grand Victorian bridges, one of which, the Menai suspension bridge, is the first modern suspension bridge in the world.

© Crown copyright (2014) VisitWales

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Walking down the coast of the Menai straight you’ll pass the spectacular Plas Newydd country house, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Foel Farm. Down where the straight ends sits Llanddwyn Island, arguably Wales’s most romantic spot, with a lighthouse and ruined chapel dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of love.

Inland, those enticed by the prospect of kingfishers, woodpeckers and moorhens can head to the Dingle Nature Reserve, an ancient 25 acre wooded valley carpeted with bluebells in the spring.

© Crown copyright (2014) VisitWales ^ Images facing page: Llyn Peninsula; above: Anglesey; below Llandudno Pier

Conwy and Llandudno At the far north of the mainland sits Conwy, one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in Britain, housing Conway Castle amongst over 200 listed buildings dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. It’s a chic, likeable town, with a lively River Festival every summer. Just along the coast, the dramatic limestone outcrop of Great Orme’s Head is an excellent spot for climbing and walking, with the area boasting a visitor centre, cable cars, nature reserve, copper mine, pitch ‘n’ putt golf, play area, ski slope, and stunning views over Llandudno.

From here Llandudno is accessible via a charming old Victorian tramway, the only of its kind in Britain.

Upon arrival you can continue the theme with a visit to the beautiful Victorian pier, complete with traditional Welsh gifts, Punch and Judy stalls, arcades and retro stores. A town of true vintage charm, Llandudno was the holiday destination resort of Alice Liddell, the real life inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. An e-tour augmented reality app is planned to help guide visitors though the locations that inspired the classic tale.

© Crown copyright (2014) VisitWales

Whatever you’re planning, all of the delights of North Wales are easy to reach from Manchester. Trains from Manchester Piccadilly link with spots all over the region, including Betws y Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Minfford, Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula, Holyhead on Anglesey, and Llandudno Junction for Conwy and Llandudno. Driving is equally simple; all destinations are easily accessible by road, with the A55 Expressway connecting the length of the North Coast. visitwales.com | @visitwales

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Explore for less

g s ' r r e e t a s t e er wi h c n ma ney off train tick th ets. mo Buy in advance and you could save over 50%*

it pays to book direct.

tpexpress.co.uk *Subject to availability. First TransPennine Express Advance Purchase tickets only. Saving versus purchase on the day. For full terms and conditions please visit www.tpexpress.co.uk

Manchester Map To Heaton Park, Bury, Oldham & Rochdale approx. 10, 20, 23 & 47 minutes by Metrolink from Victoria (August 2013)

- FREE

1 Angel Square No trams call at Victoria, reopens by the end of 2014

ANGEL SQUARE

Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Job Centre

Urban Exchange

To Etihad Campus (approx 1/2 mile), Droylsden & Ashton approx. 8 & 20 minutes by Metrolink from Piccadilly Station

To The Quays, Chorlton, MediaCityUK, Altrincham, Eccles & East Didsbury approx. 15, 15, 21, 25, 28 & 31 minutes by Metrolink from Manchester city centre

(open Spring 2014)

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Manchester City Centre

Manchester’s compact city centre contains lots of exciting things to see and do. To help, we’ve colour coded the city’s diverse districts and included listings on the back. Explore and enjoy.

NOMA A newly developing neighbourhood of shops, restaurants, homes, public spaces, hotels and offices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manchester Business School West

Whitworth Building Whitworth Hall

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

Trains There are four main stations in the city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and Deansgate. Piccadilly welcomes the majority of visitors and is the main arrival point for those flying into Manchester Airport or travelling up from London (virgintrains.com / @virginTrains).

The city has direct rail services south to Birmingham, Bournemouth, Reading, Bristol and Plymouth as well as north to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Operators include: CrossCountry Trains (crosscountrytrains.co.uk / @crosscountryuk) First Great Western (firstgreatwestern.co.uk / @FGW), Northern Rail (northernrail.org / @northernrailorg) and TransPennineExpress (tpexpress.co.uk / @TPExpressTrains).

Bus & Coach Within the city centre, Metroshuttle provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service that links all of the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas. It runs every ten minutes from 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 6pm on Sundays.

Across Greater Manchester, Arriva (arrivabus.co.uk), First (firstgroup.com / @FirstManchester) and Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com) operate a comprehensive network to get you out and about.

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

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

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

Trams The city’s Metrolink network is one of the most successful light rail systems in the UK, carrying nearly 28 million passengers every year. With services every six to twelve minutes, it is great mode of transport to get you right across Greater Manchester. Don’t forget to purchase your ticket at the ticket machines on the platform before you board. metrolink.co.uk | @OfficialTfGM

Journey Planning Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the official public transport body for the city. Its website has a wealth of information to help you plan your journey, including details of Park & Ride services, accessible transport, bus service maps and a journey planner.

For service information, call: +44 (0)871 200 22 33 (10p per minute from landlines). tfgm.com | @OfficialTfGM

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

Manchester Airport - part of MAG With three terminals handling over 21 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the global gateway to the North of England. Sixty-five airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 200 destinations and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world.

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

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

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

Free Wi-Fi Stay connected to the outside world, with free Wi-Fi for up to 60 minutes, across all three terminals.

The Manchester Airport App Escape Lounges For those looking to start their holiday in style, or simply some peace and quiet to complete last minute business, the Escape lounges in Terminal 1, 2 and 3 offer a tranquil environment. Here you can also enjoy a host complimentary refreshments and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.

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

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For the perfect travel companion download the Manchester Airport app, it’s your one-stop guide for flight and airport information. Even better it’s completely free to download on your smartphone.

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

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

direct Connectivity There are direct flights from over 200 destinations worldwide including:

Europe Aberdeen Amsterdam Athens Barcelona Basel Belfast Berlin Bilbao Billund Bruxelles Budapest Cologne Copenhagen Cork Dublin Dusseldorf Frankfurt Gothenburg

Paris Pisa Prague Rennes Reykjavik Rome Shannon Stockholm Tel Aviv Venice Vienna Warsaw Zurich

Glasgow Hamburg Hanover Helsinki Knock Krakow Isle Of Man Lisbon London Lyon Madrid Malaga Milan Moscow Munich Murcia Naples Nice Oslo

Philadelphia Toronto Vancouver Washington

Middle East Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Jeddah

Asia Hong Kong Singapore

North America Atlanta Chicago Las Vegas New York

For a full list of direct flights please visit manchesterairport.co.uk

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Prices and information correct at time of going to press August 2014. Information produced by Greater Manchester Travelcards Limited (GMTL). †System One Weekender can only be used from Friday 6pm to Sunday midnight. Can be purchased in advance via the website and PayPoint shops.

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the Last Word concerned; if it doesn't come with chopsticks they probably won't eat it! It is usually only the independent travellers and those from more mature markets in Asia who will venture beyond Chinatown to experiment with ‘local’ cuisine. However, in Chinatown the exponential growth of this market has brought with it a unique set of problems.

The benefit of a relationship with China has long been the import of low cost Chinese manufactured goods; but instead of these goods it is now high net worth Chinese visitors coming into the UK. Mancunians have witnessed a meteoric increase of Chinese visitors in the city. For a number of years there have been organisations and forums helping to develop this market, paving the way to bring Chinese people here, to enjoy British goods and culture. But despite all this work we still seem to be perceived as traditional and conservative by many Chinese visitors.

There are those in Manchester keen to find ways of moving us towards a modern paradigm. Nevertheless, visitors can always be found taking snaps of the town hall; the library, the ancient statues that commuters walk past each morning with little notice. It is these precepts that stand us in great stead in the international arena. In Manchester many businesses and organisations do well trading on their reputation of quality and consistently high standards. The Manchester brand has grown from strength to strength - our industrial history spans centuries, our colourful cultural offering sets us apart and our musical heritage? Well the Manchester dance is after all, world famous.

However, the bright lights of the big city aren’t always the focus for visitors from Asia. It is the romantic rolling green hills of the countryside; the Peak District, Tatton Park and tree lined suburban avenues that often win the hearts of Chinese tourists. It is this contrast with the varying shades China's grey concrete jungles that bring Chinese visitors by the coach load. In Greater Manchester we have flora, fauna of every shape and size; living standards and air quality that some in China would give their right lung for.

Like the rest of the region Manchester’s Chinatown has seen unprecedented demand from Chinese tourists.

Chinese, not unlike the Brits abroad, have a penchant for the familiar, particularly where food and drink are 108

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Visa restrictions loom large, dampening growth and even threatening the very existence of some businesses. The lifeblood of a Chinese eatery is its creative force in the kitchen. At my family business, Yang Sing, our greatest adversity is the ebb and flow of chefs who are on visa restrictions or are enticed away by the job market in places like Hong Kong. But in the meantime visitors that do walk through our doors are interested and excited to see their culture mirrored and reflected; always pleased to see a little bit of the familiar, the same tongue and share discussions on the peculiarities of Manchester’s weather.

Along with Chinese food, one cannot fail to have noticed that shopping appears very high on the Chinese travellers list of priorities. The appetite for designer gear is simply astounding! For some stores in Manchester the Chinese shopper makes up for as much as 20% of their revenue and this, it transpires is because luxury goods are at least 40% cheaper. The savvy amongst the retailers have been increasingly turning their attention to Chinese shoppers in an effort to understand their profiles, buying patterns, and even celebrations. Chinese New Year in 2015 is set to see even greater investment and support from Manchester businesses – a long awaited and welcome move.

The Manchester-Chinese tourism market has performed incredibly well - the hard work and time invested into the sector has fostered positive perceptions of our city and boosted Manchester’s international profile in Asia, but there are bigger prizes to be won. The work of organisations such as the Manchester China Forum and the University of Manchester have nurtured ties with China, fostering bilateral trade, attracting exciting projects, new flight routes and continue to encourage Chinese travellers to frequent our shores. Manchester still has a lot of work to do, but with the number of outbound travellers from China increasing by over 700% since 2000 there’s plenty of opportunity for the future.

Bonnie Yeung heads up marketing and development for Yang Sing and is also an active member of the Manchester China visitor economy forum, the Manchester Chinatown community group as well as support of several cultural, charitable and commercial organisations.

The Greater Game: Football and the First World War New exhibition opens Friday 19 December

FREE ADMISSION OPEN DAILY Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG l @footballmuseum f /NationalFootballMuseum www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Šwesternfrontphotography.com – Mary Evans.

National Football Museum is a registered charity no 1050792