Love Manchester is keeping you up to date with all the exciting things going on in our city you can get involved with.
Allsorts to Do
Young Mancunians really do have Allsorts to Do over the school holidays this autumn – try a different activity to learn new skills or just develop those you’ve already got!
Whether you fancy yourself as a BMX pro, or just want to kick a ball about with friends, our wide range of activities should keep all age groups busy – you can even get involved in a Circus Skills workshop! There are disability sessions on offer too, and outdoor skills like orienteering and den-building. However, it’s not all high-speed, outdoors stuff, as our libraries have some fabulous craft sessions on offer too.
Find out more at http://www.manchester.gov.uk/allsortstodo
Win a Football Plus+ Season Ticket
You can win a Football Plus+ Season Ticket (retail price £35) at the National Football Museum. This gives you and your family access to all the interactive games in the museum, as well as a wide range of exclusive offers, including 10% discount in the museum cafe and shop! To enter, simply enter the competition in the current issue of Cascade.
Manchester Literature Festival
6–19 October
Imaginative writing has always been at the heart of Manchester Literature Festival, and we have a wealth of wonderful writers, poets and wordsmiths lined up for you this year. Highlights include Sarah Waters, Michel Faber and David Mitchell enchanting us with their long-awaited new novels. We also explore the legacy of literary icons, from Edgar Allan Poe and Anton Chekhov, to John Updike, Ernest Hemingway and William S Burroughs. Ticket prices vary, from free to £10, and can be ordered from manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk (external website).
Design Manchester
21–30 October
Now in its second year, Design Manchester is a ten-day festival celebrating creativity, collaboration and inclusivity in the worlds of art, design, film, illustration, animation and photography, and takes place in some of the city’s most iconic venues. The core festival day on Friday 24 October features internationally recognised and influential speakers. Hear from Michael C Place (Build) in conversation with Angus Montgomery (Design Week), Ross Phillips and Rejane Dal Bello, who give a personal insight into this year’s theme, The Science of Imagination. designmcr.com (external website).
Manchester Science Festival
23 October – 2 November
A burst of creation, experimentation and wonder – this is science, proudly produced by the Museum of Science & Industry. Join the 3D printing revolution, build the world’s largest fractal, discover a dress of glass and flame, and enjoy comedy, theatre, music and more. Manchester Science Festival fuses art and science to create stunning installations, experimental theatre and intriguing exhibitions. These will engage and inspire the most curious of minds across Greater Manchester. Most events are free – please check website for details at manchestersciencefestival.com (external website).
Bee Raphaelite Honey and River of Flowers
Thursday 23October, 6–7pm
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street
Following a glowing summer and early autumn, our hardworking rooftop bees have produced a bumper supply of honey. We’ve left them plenty for the winter, and the rest of this season’s Bee Raphaelite honey will be on sale on Thursday 23 October from 6pm, along with a new lip salve made from our beeswax.
As well as honey-tasting, there’ll be cider on sale from local producers Moss Cider, and free wildflower seeds from Seedball. There’ll also be a Q&A session with River of Flowers, Grow Wild and Moss Cider, celebrating the urban growing culture.manchestergalleries.org (external website).
Big Imaginations Family Arts Festival Programme
16 October – 2 November
Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road and The Edge, Manchester Road
As part of the national Family Arts Festival, Z-arts in Hulme and The Edge in Chorlton are once again bringing a brilliant lineup of Big Imaginations children’s theatre to Manchester. Come along with your family and join us to celebrate the magic of children’s theatre as we party on the moon, brave high-seas adventure and sing along to catchy toe-tapping numbers. Two siblings will use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess, a dog will learn circus skills, and you’ll discover what happens when a troll tries to eat your goldfish.
Big Imaginations is a group of north west venues and promoters dedicated to bringing brilliant children’s theatre to local venues at an affordable price to excite, amaze and enchant children. Enjoy this special programme of Big Imaginations performances assembled especially for the Family Arts Festival, and look out for monthly performances throughout the year. In addition to the Big Imaginations programme, Z-arts will be hosting Family Matters, a series of five monologues from spoken word artists on the theme of family.
To find out more or book tickets visit: z-arts.org/events/categories/big-imaginations-childrens-theatre or visit: edgetheatre.co.uk (external websites).
World-class taekwondo is returning to Manchester
24–26 October
Manchester Central
The 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 medalist Jade Jones and last year’s winners Lutalo Muhammad and Mahama Cho – will be battling for ranking points for Rio 2016, and your support could make all the difference! Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster – click here (external website) for a 15% discount, or call 0844 277 0700. For more information visit taekwondogp.com (external website).
Family Learning Week
27–30 October
Come and celebrate Family Learning Week from 27 October and join in Manchester Adult Education’s amazing story-making workshops by creating a story through words and pictures. It’s the perfect opportunity to be creative and have fun with your children. The events will encourage parents to learn while spending time with their children during half-term holidays. So if you’re a parent or carer of school-aged children, then this is perfect. For more information contact Anne Jacobsen: a.jacobsen@manchester.gov.uk
Longsight Library: Monday 27 October, 1–3pm
The Avenue Library: Tuesday 28 October, 11am–1pm
Longsight Library: Wednesday 29 October, 11am–1pm
Forum Library: Wednesday 29October, 1–3pm
North City Library: Thursday 30 October, 10am–12 noon
Afrovibes Festival 2014
27 October – 1 November
Contact Theatre, Oxford Road
Contact welcomes the return of the biennial festival that brings award-winning South African music, theatre, dance, photography and film to the UK. 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the New South Africa, 20 years since the ending of apartheid, and the beginning of democracy. The Afrovibes 2014 programme comprises work reflecting and celebrating 21st-century South Africa that is thought-provoking, energetic and exhilarating.
The festival includes free events, family workshops and the Township Café. Full festival line-up at contactmcr.com/afrovibes (external website). or call 0161 274 0600.
Manchester City Council’s Bonfire Celebrations 2014
For 2014, there’s so much on offer as part of our bonfire celebrations.
The is free entry to all bonfire events. Stay safe, and please do not bring your own fireworks, sparklers or alcohol.
At three sites across the city (Platt Fields Park, Wythenshawe Park and Heaton Park) will feature a range of stalls offering food and gifts from around the world. Wrap up warm, brave the autumn chill and stay safe at dazzling firework displays and bonfires across the city. manchester.gov.uk/bonfires
Pedal Power
Until 1 March 2015
MOSI
From boneshaker bikes and Empire Games medals, to contemporary track bikes and hi-tech kit, Pedal Power is a celebration of track cycling, technology and teamwork. Take a trip around our reconstruction of the Manchester Velodrome, explore the science behind Team GB’s recent successes, and pit yourself against Olympic greats on our time-trial bike. Discover the stories behind the city’s cycling legends, including Britain’s first cycling superstar Reg Harris, and 1928 Olympic Silver medalist Jack Sibbit. Pedal Power is a free, family-friendly exhibition celebrating everything that is great on two wheels. mosi.org.uk (external website).
Up to £1,000 available for Manchester International Women’s Day 2015
We have grants of up to £1,000 for groups to host an event or activity on the theme of ‘Breaking Through’ for Manchester International Women’s Day 2015. Do you work with any groups that would like to get involved? Women are overcoming obstacles to excel in sport, science, politics, religion, education, community activism, rights, health, media, legal and business affairs. Celebrate these achievements and apply for a grant. Closing date: 27 October. For more information or to apply, see manchester.gov.uk/iwdgrants, or email internationalwomensdayinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Age-friendly Manchester
Manchester City Council’s Age-friendly Manchester programme is all about improving the quality of life for older people in Manchester and making the city a better place to grow older. Manchester’s Age-friendly Manchester team is promoting events throughout October to celebrate the contribution older people make to our city. Find out more about the full programme of events – from lunch clubs and theatre workshops to film festivals and carers’ groups – at manchester.gov.uk/agefriendly
Join a Sky Ride Local to get cycling in Manchester!
The Sky Ride Local programme brings a range of free rides to Manchester – catering for all ages and ability levels. The Sky Ride programme offers three levels of led rides – easy (no Lycra needed!), steady, and challenging – ensuring that there is something for all. The rides are led by friendly British Cycling ride leaders who will take you around some of Manchester’s great green spaces and cycling facilities. To book onto a Sky Ride Local ride and to find out more go to goskyride.com/manchester (external website).
Other events/news:
27 September – 23 November
Art festival featuring exhibitions, films, events, talks and workshops by international and UK artists
All exhibitions and events are free
Based around the theme of Conflict and Compassion, and linking into the centenary of World War 1, more than fifty artists from 12 countries will be showing work at 12 venues in Manchester city centre, the Quays, Salford, Bury and Rochdale. Lots of the work in the exhibitions has been specially created for Manchester audiences, and some of it has never been seen outside Asia before. Exhibitions will include drawings, paintings, photography, textiles, film and video, sculpture, graffiti art, and more. asiatriennialmanchester.com (external website).
Harmonious Society
27 September – 23 November
An exhibition across six venues, the Harmonious Society showcases unique and unforgettable artwork by over thirty major artists from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Work has been created in response to the Asia Triennial Manchester 2014 theme of Conflict and Compassion. It will be the largest exhibition of contemporary Chinese art in the UK to date featuring new commissions and UK premieres. cfcca.org.uk/atm2014 (external website).
When domestic abuse cases are taken to court, survivors often have to hand in their mobile phones for several months as evidence. For many, that mobile may have been the only way they could summon help in an emergency. If you have an old personal working mobile phone you no longer need, you can donate this internally to be used to keep survivors of domestic abuse safe. We would ask that any phone being donated has a working charger and, preferably, instructions. Our domestic abuse co-ordinator is collecting reusable mobile phones. You can deliver your phone, charger and instructions directly to Edith Attoh or Lyndsey Thomason.
Heard the buzz? We’ve introduced free Wi-Fi across the city. Look out for the hotspots. Once you’re signed up you can browse free for 30 minutes a day – charges apply after that. Just select ‘_FreebeeMcr’ from your Wi-Fi list.
Mobile App for Members
Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives have launched a mobile app to put the library at your fingertips. Download the free app (external website) to your iPhone/iPad or Android device in order to instantly tap into library resources, anytime, anywhere. Search the library catalogue, check your account, ask a question, find events and more.
The app allows users to search Manchester’s extensive collection of books, ebooks and audiobooks from their smartphone or tablet. It can also be used to scan the barcode of any book to see if Manchester Libraries has a copy. If the book is in stock, members can then reserve it for collection from their nearest library.
Fines for returning books late could be a thing of the past, as members can quickly and easily renew their loans using the app. The app also tells users how far they are from their nearest library and provides quick links to view Manchester Libraries’ pages on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
Want to find out about your family history?
Records of baptisms, marriages and burials for the Greater Manchester area will be published online at Ancestry.co.uk (external website). The collections, dating from the 1500s to the 20th century, include church registers for Anglican churches in the Diocese of Manchester, including Manchester Cathedral. In partnership with Ancestry.co.uk, Manchester City Council has digitised the original registers and there is now a name index of over 6,000,000 records accessible on the web. Free access to Ancestry.co.uk is available at any Manchester City Council library.
Access to research information
Free access is now available to more than 1.5million academic articles at participating UK local libraries. Get in-depth information on topics including architecture, art, business, engineering, history, languages, mathematics, philosophy, politics and the sciences. This is ideal for small businesses, researchers and students, among others.
Customers can follow the link on anywhere.me from library PCs or go here (external website).
Staff can also use this link accesstoresearch.pls.org.uk (external website).
Did you know?
• 3% of all Manchester City Council staff have already signed up to the Pennies from Payroll Scheme
• They helped to raise over £35,000 during 2013/14 simply by donating only the pennies from their monthly pay
• Last year, the charity granted £26,000 in family holidays, giving 151 Manchester residents of all ages the opportunity to experience a holiday
• The We Love MCR Charity issued grants totalling £22,793 to 16 community projects across the city during 2013/14.
Imagine how many more Manchester people we could help if 10% of staff signed up. Signing up takes only 30 seconds by clicking here. Colleagues who do not have access to email can print the form and return it by fax to 0161 274 7192. To see how your kind donations are used, visit welovemcrcharity.org (external website) – give a little, help a lot.
Take notice: de-stress with art
Manchester Art Gallery
First Tuesday of every month
12.15pm and 1pm
Take time out of your busy day to take notice at one of our free 30 minute lunchtime de-stress sessions. Artist Andy Moseley will guide you in exploring specially selected artworks using mindfulness-based techniques. Mindfulness can be described as a state of active, open attention on the present moment. Recent studies have shown that practising mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve our ability to process information and lift our mood. Each session focuses on a different work and the particular sensory experience it evokes. Come to our lovely building to look at beautiful, interesting things and refresh your spirit. For more information, contact Louise Thompson, Health and Wellbeing Manager, on 0161 235 8844 or go to manchestergalleries.org (external website).
Manchester Art Gallery Friends
Join Manchester Art Gallery Friends and you’ll never be stuck for something to do. They have a great programme of exclusive events for you when you become a Friend. For as little as £2 a month you will receive invitations to exhibition previews, access to special events (such as curator talks) and a regular e-newsletter. There’s also a 10% discount in the gallery shop and café for just an extra £2 per year, a special welcome tour, and behind-the-scenes tours (Best Friends membership required). Manchester City Council employees get a special perk when they buy a membership – a voucher for a hot drink and cake in the gallery café (quote MCCEMP to take up this offer).
A Friends membership also makes a great gift idea for loved ones. They receive a welcome pack and all the fantastic Friends benefits. Support from our Friends helps us to run our learning programme, carry out essential conservation work on our collection,
and acquire artwork for local people and visitors to enjoy. For more information click here or contact Katie Athey by email
(k.athey@manchester.gov.uk) or phone 0161 235 8873. Join online at joinmagfriends.com (external website).
Day Delegate Rate at Manchester Art Gallery
When using Manchester Art Gallery’s three flexible meeting rooms, Manchester City Council’s internal departments can benefit from a 15% discount, taking advantage of the DDR packages. Terms and conditions apply. For further details on these and to check date availability, email eventsteam@manchester.gov.uk or call 0161 235 8862/8866.
There are lots of great reasons to use the new Manchester.gov.uk website. And here are the latest.
You can now check up-to-the-minute progress of many of your online requests. See confirmation of what you’ve asked for, what we’ll do and when we’ll do it. If you have already registered for an account, you can benefit from this feature straight away. Get your own online account to report problems, request services and make payments online. As well as the new progress-checker, you’ll get easy-to-use forms, a speedier response to your requests, and tailor-made information for yourself and your area. Go to manchester.gov.uk/youraccount.
To read more and to view the full calendar of unmissable events go to
manchester.gov.uk/mcrlive
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