This is a very impressive museum full of artifacts and exhibits. We loved everything about this…read moremuseum and the best part was the entrance is free! They have artifacts from Egypt, Africa, and many locations. They have quite a bit of wild animal exhibits representing the different species in the UK. They have a nice cafe to sit and rest also. They have a lift. I definitely recommend this museum. So nice and so much to see.

Imagine it is 150 years ago, and you are a rich, white English dude. You travel the world and…read moresimply help yourself to whatever catches the fancy of your magpie little brain. You plunder flora and fauna, antiquities, important cultural objects from other peoples. You compete with other rich, white dudes to create the biggest collection of the most random things someone could think of. "I have one of every butterfly on each of the inhabited continents!" "Oh yeah, my stuffed 2-toed sloth is bigger than yours!" Fast forward to the present, and the current caretakers of this hodgepodge of objects of dubious provenance are tasked with creating cohesive exhibits for the public. There are some really interesting pieces in the museum. I was able to hold a 2,000 year-old carved stone perfum vial. See the cross section of a turtle skeleton (so cool how the spines follow the inner curve of the shell), admire a stuffed porcupine. It was fascinating to think about what caught the fancy of people in the past. I would have loved to have seen more discussion of how these objects came to be, and what that tells us about classism, racism, and the history of imperialism. Be that as it may, I'm glad to see that someone's past light fingeredness is at least entertaining and educating the public today, instead of collecting dust in a storage facility somewhere.

What an amazing and historic landmark! I would recommend anyone tour through the Library. The…read morearchitecture is beautiful and the rare manuscripts and artifacts they house are incredible. They are having a special display of one of Shakespeare's plays, one of the oldest New Testaments, even artifacts from King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They will all be on display which will be quite amazing to see. This is a must see in Manchester! Truly amazing how it has stood the test of time.

Love spending time in libraries while on holiday (vacation) Stunning late-Victorian neo-Gothic…read morelibrary , John Rylands Library opened at the turn of the 20th century and is a gorgeous remnant of Manchester. Potter-heads would appreciate the look and feel inside the library is inspired the design for Hogwarts. I'm not sure if the Factory Records exhibit is still on display, but I'm a huge fan of Factory Records bands (ie. New Order, Joy Division, Happy Mondays etc.) and bands that came out of Manchester, the Smiths, James, Buzzcocks, The Fall to name few. It was an experience seeing original handwritten lyrics, instruments played, old punk zines, photos and badges on display.

We only visited to see the Northern Ireland exhibition. It's a very light touch. I wouldn't…read morerecommend it to anyone seriously studying our horrible history. We lived through this civil war for about 30 years. There's no sense from this exhibition that the British Army murdered 13 innocent people in Derry and it took over 50 years for a British prime minister to apologise after failed cover up and repeated denials. There's nothing about State sponsored murders. There were no CS gas canisters on display although they were routinely used and impacted many innocent folks living in their homes. The rubber bullet on display isn't the first generation I saw used - the ones I saw were far thicker and larger and I saw them fired at head height which wasn't permitted. The murderous IRA and their loyalist equivalents aren't condemned either. Northern Ireland was a hopelessly divided place from its creation over 100 years ago and I'm not convinced it's changed much for the better.

Wow, I was thoroughly impressed with this museum. It wasn't somewhere I was particularly keen to…read morevisit, but it's free and we had some time to kill in Salford Quays, so we thought we would have a quick wander around. Well, to be honest, I didn't want to leave! The museum presents a history of war from World War I until present day Afghanistan. This is done in such an informative and interactive way it will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. I have to admit that I didn't even know how WWI started until I visited here (the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Serbia if anyone's interested). The items they have on display are fascinating and emphasise the written words immensely well. My favourite interactive item was the mystery smells from the trenches - uumm, is that mustard gas or smelly feet?! There were models of planes, tanks and barrage balloons. There was exhibits about the role of women in WWII, there was information on the Cold war, the Falklands war, the Gulf war etc etc. It was a little depressing to watch history repeating itself over and over again but in a world full of politics, religion and greed (and oil) this is consistently going to be the result. The shape of the building is also unusual so you never really know how far around the museum you are. The building design from the outside is beautiful and contemporary but at the same time fits well into its surroundings. They usually have a special exhibition - this one was on war correspondents, but unfortunately I ran out of time to look around. There is a coffee shop and gift shop at the end, and plenty of staff available if you need to ask any questions. Best of all, the museum is free to enter, they just ask for donations and you can also buy a guidebook with all proceeds going towards the running of the museum.

Launched just a few weeks ago as part of the Manchester International Festival, the Biospheric…read moreProject is years in the making, and like nothing you have ever seen before. The Biospheric Project is part urban farm, part research project and part genius. Built (and grown) in a disused mill in a sunny spot on the River Irwell in Salford, the Biospheric Project is a living laboratory investigating new ideas for farming and food production in urban environments. The project has taken over three stories in the disused mill, as well as the roof and surrounding land in a small and radical farming project. Using connected systems like aquaponics, hydroponics and forest farming, the project is combining radical techniques and inventing new technologies to farm food and feed the planet's growing needs. All of the different elements of the 'biosphere' are connected, as they are in nature, and you can see the entire ecosystem from start to finish - from the earthworms creating new soil to the produce being harvested and sold locally in the community. (They even have an indoor/outdoor beehive, and chickens on the roof!) The Project is wonderfully presented, with information boards explaining the different elements and ideas, as well as the researchers themselves who offer exceptional guided tours and explain their projects fluently and passionately. You are watching people's PhD projects unfurl before them, and it is hard not to get excited with them about the fantastic and groundbreaking research they are conducting. The Project is closed to the public for a few weeks whilst the team there take a break after unveiling their work at MIF. But never fear, the Project will be growing and developing over the next ten years, so there will be plenty of opportunities to take a look. Check their website for details of upcoming talks and tours. (There are also lots of activities for schools and groups).

Royal Northern College of Music is a bit of a jewel in Manchester's crown…read more Situated inbetween university buildings on Oxford Road, it's a well respected college where amateur singers, musicians, composers and conductors study to become professionals. What distinguishes it from similar facilities across the country is there's a big research centre within the building where students can learn composition, musicology and practise-as-research. Though one of the courses is keyboard and piano orientated, most of them revolve around classical music, jazz and opera. Handily, RNCM also has a large auditorium which doubles as a music and performing arts venue for students and professionals. There's special seasons devoted to particular composers or styles and one off concerts from visiting orchestras, jazz, soul and world music artists. Occasionally, the RNCM also host excellent spoken word events. I saw Chuck D waxing lyrical here many moons ago and was involved in a reading Armistead Maupin did for The Big Gay Read / Queer Up North. Both were sold out and had the audience on the edge of their seats. Handily, the RNCM also has a cute cafe-bar on the ground floor where you can have coffee, tea and snacks in the day and wine and beer at night.

So, you're a music buff. You want to watch important, intelligent music, or you want to become a…read moreBachelor of Music, a Master of Music, or become an instrumental or performing arts educator. Where else can you come but one of the most prestigious music colleges in the country? The college is divided into the schools of academic studies, composition, keyboard studies, strings, vocal and opera studies and wind, brass and percussion. There are also departments for conducting, jazz, period performance and an international chamber music studio. It's also a venue for some of the best music around, from recitals to operas, theatre to ensembles. Occasionally you get a non-music event though, and this was why I was at the Royal Northern College of Music. One of my most beloved authors, Bret Easton Ellis, was doing a reading, Q&A and signing here, and it was the perfect excuse for me to down a cocktail for Dutch courage but still end up giggling like an eleven year old schoolgirl. Oh well, you win some... you lose some. The theatre and space itself is more than impressive and I'd happily see any performance here.

I really like the new Home. The cinema rooms are much better than they were at Corner house, and…read morethe food is just fantastic. Home offers a range of discounts, including advance bookings made online, as well as ticket price reduction for members.

So HOME is pretty cool!…read more It kind of feels like the old cornerhouse in general vibe and outlook on life but in a big flashy new skin away from the rest of Manchester. In fact this does seem to be the new way of doing things by the council - let's build things on brown field sites and aim to create a new urban hub around it. With very little passing traffic, it's going to take a while to really become a mainstream destination but it is very easily reached with Deansgate and Oxford Road stations around 5 mins walk. On this occasion I was looking for somewhere to work for a few hours and sat upstairs in their cafe bar grabbing a couple of flat whites and a bacon bap . Not bad all round and pretty quiet on a Monday morning. It did get much busier at lunch time so it's good to see peeps really enjoying this offering! You can sit outside on deck chairs and tables and there's a cafe downstairs just selling drinks and cake.

This is fast becoming my favourite place in the Northern Quarter. What a sensational venue! I have…read morein recent history had the pleasure of going to two events, a stand up/live music gig and a Kino short film event. I've fallen in love with 3MT! The place has so much character with the walls adorning various art and posters of events past/present/future. The acoustics are incredible for music and it's just the perfect size for it to be called an "intimate" venue. I was so impressed with the gig I went to the first time, I recorded three of the songs and the response on Vimeo and Youtube has been incredible. Much of that is down to the incredible lighting and sound the call theatre creates. The Kino shorts event ( http://kinofilm.org.uk/category/kino-shorts/ ) was an altogether different affair. A brilliant networking event for film makers with some great films and some hilarious Q & As. The drinks selection at the bar isn't great but the size and nature of the menu makes up for it. I highly recommend you pay this place a visit and pick up a programme to see what's on. You won't regret it, and feel free to check out the video I posted of the first event I went to :)

Three Minute Theater? The name itself is so interesting that it caught my attention but after…read moreattending one of their events I was bowled! If you are a theater fan and would like to see some brilliant performances from locals in Manchester then this is something you should not give a miss. Run by some wonderful, creative people who have a passion for life, art and everything Manchester. It is a great place for budding actors, writers and directors too because this could you your platform to meet people from the same industry and probably get involved. The plays are short and sweet and so very creative. Its strange how independent bodies like this are not as popular as they should be, same with independent cinema I guess. The environment is so warm and non pretentious that you can go alone and watch a play if you have no one to go with because you will land up coming out of there with a new friend! Verdict: Highly reccommended for all art lovers!

We came down from Scotland to see a concert in the O2 Apollo in Manchester. Do I believe they get…read moregood concerts? Yes. Is it a pleasant venue? No. A long queue around the corner having to stand for ages before slowly getting in is not my idea of fun and neither was it for the older people in the queue. Inside it is a distinctly grubby place.

WARNING! I went to go see ricky gervais with my mum before I was grabbed and thrown to the floor…read morecausing for me to have a seizure and ending up in hospital. Then the security grabbed my mums bad wrist and wouldn't let her move making her terrified . Now she's refusing the house due to the fear of the threats of the security saying they'd break her arm.

Been here three times with my little brother begging to go back and enjoyed it each time myself…read moreA pilgrimage much needed for all hardcore footie fans, as soon as it was brought to the city of football I found myself migrating towards it and after visiting it for the first time I was not disappointed, an amazing experience and very interesting. Told my brother about it and he couldn't wait, and then wanted to go once again a second time! Loving the minigames throughout the building Thoroughly enjoyable for all ages. Also...free entry, how can you complain???

As a football ( soccer ) coach and fan, my wife and I stopped by here to check out some history. It…read morewas located in a nice area surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, and entertainment. There weren't too many people in when we visited so we had the opportunity to use the interactive exhibits (most of which were free, you just had to grab the ticket hanging on the lanyard next to the scanners to use). My wife and I had a great time and got a good work out in using the interactive exhibits such as the passing, shooting, and penalty blocker games. Great place to take the kids as they will be napping good after.

Slippery Belle is, without any doubt, one of the best night's out in Manchester…read more It's a burlesque affair, but instead of simply turning up and watching the acts, there's something slightly different about this. For starters, there's a vampish drag act that acts as compere for the evening who is worth your entrance fee alone. Then, girls who have been having burlesque lessons strut their stuff (often for the first time) in front of a very friendly crowd, all dressed to the nines in fascinators and sharp suits. That said, don't let the dressing up element put you off - if you turned up in any old gear no-one would mind. The fact that they have beginners on the bill makes the whole thing feel inclusive and warm, as opposed to lecherous and seedy. It's all good fun and by the time the professionals get up (both ladies and 'boy-lesque'), everyone is whooping and cheering, giving everyone grins so big that you feel like you may never stop smiling ever again. When the acts have finished, a DJ plays you out with saucy swing and hot rock'n'roll. It really is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Manchester. It's perfect in absolutely every way.

Slippery Belle is one of Manchester's few Burlesque nights, arguably, the best. Organised and…read morehosted by the lovely Bella Besame. Bella teaches the art of tease in workshops across the country and has helped a number of starlets along the way, many of whom go on to titillate us at the Slippery Belle. Last Sunday's event was the last monthly show to be held at M2 on Peters Street (previously Royales). The venue added to the atmosphere and the witty transvestite compare - with fabulous legs that turned me green with envy, Lady J would have you crying with laughter. Sadly, Lady J will not be but Slippery Belle returns in September With acts ranging from 50's glamour and pin-up style, Neo-burlesque to hard rock anthems, ballet Kate Bush-esque acts and a Cello playing corseted vixen singing dark humoured self penned ditties you only wish she'd release on CD, Slippery Belle provided a night of good old fashioned caberet entertainment you really would be pushed to find anywhere else. At £8 entrance fee (which you can pay just to get into a bog standard bar) it was truly money well spent. Boy-burlesque by the lovely Miles Away (my personal favourite) - picture the body of an Adonis dressed as a cowboy stripping to reveal boy nipple pasties and shaking his perfect behind in frilly rumba knickers better than Shakira! As an audience you simply provide Hip-hip Hurrahs! and Whoop each item on its way as the acts do their routines. Fantastic costumes, excellent choreography, props and titties and tassels. It's tasteful, attracts a good and appreciative crowd and will fill you with both admiration for the performers and an urge to sign up on the next Burlesque course/workshop if not, go home, put on The Stripper full volume and put on your own private show. Slippery Belle starts again 19th September (with a Friday night slot) at a new venue, with a new compare and a new but just as energetic line up and with Burlesque accessories, jewellery and trinkets on sale from In All Her Finery. You've been warned so book the night off, sort your transport and baby sitters and await a show to remember. I can't wait!