Youthful, diverse, energetic and bursting with character, Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK right now where everybody and anybody is very warmly welcomed.
Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. And today the city combines this heritage with a progressive vision to be a city that delivers surprise and delight in equal measures.
A calendar of world-class events and festivals, from the landmark Manchester International Festival to the enchanting Manchester Christmas Markets.
Sights and Tours
The 15 stop hop-on hop-off tour has been carefully planned to take you round some of Manchester’s key sights including Town Hall Manchester, National Football Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester United Football Club. English commentary by Lord of the Rings and Lost actor Dominic Monaghan. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from time of purchase if on the bus or from the date chosen if online and you can board any Sightseeing Manchester branded bus during this time. There is one main tour route with recorded commentary in English. For other languages there is a free app which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
Museum of Science and Industry
Manchester's rich industrial legacy is explored in this excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St Station, the oldest rail terminus in the world. The large collection of steam engines, locomotives and original factory machinery tell the story of the city from the sewers up, while a host of new technology looks to the future.
Manchester Art Gallery
A superb collection of British art and a hefty number of European masters are the highlights at the city's top art gallery. It's home to the best assemblage of pre-Raphaelite art as well as a permanent collection of pre-17th-century art, mostly by Dutch and early Renaissance masters. It also hosts exciting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The gallery runs a free hour-long highlights tour from 2pm to 3pm Thursday to Sunday.
Events, Festivals and Music
Venues like Gorilla Club, Sound Control, South, Soup Kitchen, Sankeys, Hidden and Antwerp Mansion play host to events ranging from cutting edge live music gigs, to underground dance music rave-ups and everything in between. Manchester has a long history of putting on legendary nights (The Hacienda anyone?) and you'll be glad to know that the city continues in this rich vein of form.
Caribbean Carnival of Manchester
Manchester Carnival has brought Caribbean culture to the forefront, annually for over 40 years, and is the North West's largest celebration of Caribbean music and carnival arts. A vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, theatre and costume. Taking place at Alexandra Park, enjoy the infectious rhythms of song and dance as the carnival procession winds its way through the crowds with steel bands, floats with DJ's, dance troupes with carnival queens and princesses, elaborate costumes and folklore characters.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival
Food lovers are advised to clear their diaries from 27th September – 8th October, as Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced it will be taking over the city and surrounds for the 21st annual Mancunian eating and drinking bonanza. The MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards will be happening on the 8th October. The North's highest profile and most coveted food and drink awards are back in 2018 with 20 categories presented from restaurant of the year through to best beer.
Food
It's well worth checking out one of Manchester’s many restaurants to fill up on a huge choice of cuisine including African food and English pub grub. Like shopping? Manchester is renowned for its retail options, from the Trafford Centre to the Arndale in the city centre - or make time for the independents in the Northern Quarter if you're after something unique.
Sports
If you are into sport, Manchester is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the UK and if you're not with the opposition, it's well worth checking out the grounds. You can also pay a visit to the Chill Factore which is home to the UK's longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope.
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