More to Manchester Than Meets the Eye

Once you’ve scratched the surface of the city of Manchester you’ll realise this modern city has a lot more to offer than you may first imagine. Its informal label as the cultural capital of the north only strengthens the force of this multi-faceted marvel.

Music has been a long standing part of Manchester’s heritage and many a musician with Mancunian roots has gone on to international fame. An accolade of well known names, including the likes of Mica Paris, Art Blakey and Courtney Pine have played at Band on the Wall, Manchester’s most famous live music venue, which is still going strong today and well worth a visit.

If you’re a big fan of your music then you’ll no doubt be impressed by Bridgewater Hall, Manchester’s ?42 million international concert venue which was opened by the Queen of England in 1996. Bridgewater Hall hosts more than 250 performances every year and since its opening has received ongoing acclaim from artists and audiences alike for its stunning design and marvellous acoustics.

Other musical landmarks on Manchester’s horizon include the annual Jazz Festival and for a blend of music and dance, the Urban Moves International Festival. Sticking to the arts and culture theme, Manchester is home to an ever growing array of art galleries and museums that pave the way to a city rich in cultural heritage.

From art house classics to modern day works, Manchester’s arts scene offers a world-class array of delights to provoke and inspire. For contemporary art lovers, a visit to the architecturally bemusing Urbis exhibition centre is an absolute must. The centre showcases contemporary art and design on five separate floors and with constantly changing exhibitions there is always something to suit everyone. What’s more, as Manchester has the second largest Chinese community in the United Kingdom, the Chinese Arts Centre is a key part of the city’s contemporary art scene.

If art is an interest you’ll probably already be aware that Manchester’s most famous artist is LS Lowry, his paintings exhibited in changing exhibitions at the aptly named Lowry Galleries in Salford Quays. If the continental Old Masters are more your cup of tea then head into the heart of the city where you’ll find Gainsboroughs and Turners at the Manchester Art Gallery, housed in an impressive neo-classical building.

Manchester’s museums are equally varied and if you feel like sneaking a peek into the past the award-winning Museum of Science and Industry should be on your to-do list. Manchester University’s museum is a strong contender as it houses over six million specimens and objects, and is an easy place to wile away an afternoon.

Centrally positioned at the heart of Great Britain, the city is highly accessible. If booking flights to Manchester, you’ll be pleased to hear that the trip into the centre is quick and easy, leaving you with even more time for exploration and escapades to this popular city.
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The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.