Having a great time in Manchester!

Since arriving in Manchester on Tuesday, we have been very busy around the city enjoying all the architecture, shopping, eating and drinking. 
We also have finally met up with Paul and Kath on nb Lola who moored overnight in Castlefield.   Sorry we didn’t have more time to catch up guys but good luck with your mammoth trip of the Cheshire ring!  See you again.

It seems remarkable that Manchester planners and architects have managed to achieve such a pleasing contrast between old and new buildings (when other towns and cities have made such a hash!).  There is so much wonderful architecture showing the power and wealth of the city at it’s industrial peak – all in such a relatively small area.  The recent developments have achieved a spectacular and vibrant atmosphere.


Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  The photo doesn’t really give the full impact of this new building next to the John Ryland Library…


The front of the Ryland Library.

Manchester Cathedral.
On Thursday we were joined on board by friends Mike and Brian who came up from Worthing for a few days.  Together we visited the Town Hall (considered to be one of the finest buildings in the country).  It was completed in 1879 at a cost of £1 million and contains 4500 yards of marble flooring.  The hour bell in the clock tower weighs 8 tons and is the largest perfect clock bell in England (Big Ben is cracked!) – it’s worth standing in front at mid day and listening to it.  We can also highly recommend the coffee and wonderful cheese and chive scones they serve inside.

Front view of the Town Hall – didn’t have a wide enough lens on the camera!
On Saturday it was Manchester Pride and the parade through the city was led by the comedienne Pam Ann who we had seen on stage the night before!

Pam Ann!
The parade started a 1pm from Deansgate and went all around the city.

The next 2 shots are of some of the cast of Coronation Street on their float.



Even the (a) Queen got out and did a walkabout!
We finished up at Canal Street in the afternoon and evening, enjoying the bands and entertainment -  a great atmosphere!

Mike, Doug and Ian enjoying a beer or two!

Brian (who thinks he’s a fireman) in the spirit of Pride.

The very busy Canal Street.

On Sunday we took another wander around the city to enjoy more of the architecture.   Brian, Doug and Mike in front of the Mulberry window display..  which was art itself.

The new national football museum building due to open in 2012.

Our mooring in Castlefield Basin.
Mike and Brian left us on Sunday evening – we will be staying on for a few days more.  More photos of this super city to follow.