ACTIVITIES
With this year’s Conference being a hybrid event, Zooming into interesting – and not so interesting – events whilst doing other things is a real possibility. So turn the camera off, put the mic on mute and go looking round the city.
Visit a library
Inspired by the Pantheon in
Rome, Manchester Central Library (right) forms the
centrepiece of St Peter’s Square right in the heart of the city centre and is, crucially, right next to the Conference venue.
Those seeking respite from party members upset over the Planning Bill can escape to the imposing reading room to browse through texts ranging from the complete works of Elizabeth Gaskell to the Alan Duncan diaries.
In nearby Deansgate, visitors can book a free tour of the John Rylands Library.
The Victorian gothic architecture is more reminiscent of an ornate cathedral and
inside it holds the oldest known piece of the New Testament (insert right) and a 15th century edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Head to a museum or gallery
From the life and times of local hero
Alan Turing to the shirt Sir Geoff Hurst was wearing during the 1966 World
Cup Final, Manchester has every cultural enthusiasm catered for.
The Science and Industry Museum; the
People’s History Museum; the National Football Museum; the Whitworth
Art Gallery; or Imperial War Museum North should all pique interest.
But there is bad news for fans of Gail Platt and Roy Cropper. The Coronation Street tour, which includes a trip to the famous Rovers Return, will not be running again until spring 2022.
Get to a gig
Manchester and live music go together like Margaret Thatcher and Willie Whitelaw.
Venues including the Albert Hall, the Deaf Institute and the Castle Hotel hosted the likes of Oasis, The Smiths, and New Order during their early years. Manchester has a serious music pedigree.