THE CITY

Manchester is a city steeped in history, with a rich culture, and a cosmopolitan outlook. There are few cities in Europe which offer the broad range of experience that Manchester does. This vibrant modern city dates back to Roman times, came to prominence in the Victorian era and over the last fifteen years has become one of the most exciting and interesting destinations in the UK.

The name Manchester is of course synonymous with sport; there are two top division football sides. Treble-winning Manchester United, possibly the most glamorous football team in the world and Manchester City. Old Trafford Cricket Ground is home to one of the nation's great cricket teams, Lancashire and the host of regular Test Matches. In 2002 Manchester hosted the XIVth Commonwealth Games.

 ENTERTAINMENT

New and innovative multi-million pound developments have transformed vast areas of Manchester to provide top class entertainment complexes and public open spaces. The Millennium Quarter incorporates the brand new Exchange Square, the 14th century Manchester Cathedral, the Printworks, a futuristic 24 hour family entertainment complex, plus the new city park – Cathedral Gardens. Another newly developed area, the Conference Quarter, encompasses Peter’s Fields which has a wide range of bars and restaurants against the backdrop of chic piazzas and an open air amphitheatre. Deansgate Locks where upmarket restaurants and nightclubs appear to float on the City’s waterways, plus Bridgewater Hall, a spectacular modern building with perfect acoustics and base for the Halle Orchestra. The City of Manchester has long been a centre of musical excellence with two other full symphony orchestras and a large number of smaller musical groups. Manchester is also home of the best theatres outside London and many top West End shows start their run here. Just outside the city centre, the new Lowry Centre houses the world’s largest collection of painting by Manchester’s favourite son, L.S. Lowry.

Not many cities can boast of representing 30 nationalities of the finest cuisine and Manchester has a unique global feel and flavour which includes the largest Chinatown outside San Francisco and the famous ‘Curry Mile’, unrivalled anywhere in the UK for its exceptional choice of the finest Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city is easy as Manchester is surrounded by countryside, seven miles to the east of the city is Tameside, offering river valleys, country parks and Pennine moorland.

 HOLIDAYS

Participants can extend their stay by taking holidays in the Peak District, North Wales and the Lake District, all of which can be reached within 2 hours by car.