Head to Manchester for your next dose of culture

With increasingly more on the cultural agenda, Manchester is becoming one of the UK's urban hotspots. The city is the perfect size for a few-day getaway and provides all the amenities you could expect and wish for.

Events throughout the year

Music is an important part of Manchester's cultural scene and heritage. Did you know Morrissey and New Order found inspiration in their hometown? Concerts are a regular occurrence in the city with something for everyone. The Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Evening News Arena are just some examples of where to head to for a music fix.

The theatre is also alive and well in Manchester. The Opera House plays host to many travelling shows throughout the year. Some of the 2012 highlights include performances of La Traviata and Madama Butterfly. The Palace Theatre is where the musical-loving crowds flock to, and the locally renowned Library Theatre Company produces a mixture of contemporary drama and classics. Check out the 24:7 Theatre Festival that showcases some of Britain's newest talents.

Other festivals are also held throughout the year. The Parklife Weekender is a popular city-based music festival with six arenas hosting acts playing anything from drum 'n' bass sets to live rock. For the more sporty visitors, Manchester Rugby 7s Festival is defined as an "international rugby, lacrosse and music festival" and includes camping and parties. A slightly calmer option is the Beer 'n' Blues Festival that brings together fans of beer, and jazz and blues music. Arguably the most famous of Manchester's festivals is the International Festival held every two years in July. Featuring music, art and theatre, the event gathers a very diverse crowd. Manchester Science Festival is also worth a visit and is advertised as the arena "where art meets science".

Places worth visiting

Museums are plentiful in Manchester. If you are seeking something other than art, consider paying a visit to the Jewish Museum housed in a former synagogue and telling the story of the local Jewish community over the years. The MOSI or Museum of Science and Industry is free to enter and houses interactive collections interesting to visitors of any age. Kids and adults alike will also love the Greater Manchester Police Museum that looks back at what life was like for policemen in the city throughout history. More traditional art can be found at the Manchester Art Gallery and The University of Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery among other venues.

Platt Fields Park is a large park surrounding Platt Hall that houses the Gallery of Costume only recently reopened to the public after a £1 million renovation project. The park itself is a lovely green space to while away the hours in. Active visitors will be happy to hear there are BMX and skate facilities available, as well as a boating lake and basketball and tennis courts.

Where to stay

Choose a hotel in a central location that will let you make the most of the city without having to deal with daily transport issues and traffic jams. You can find a great hotel in Manchester just next to Piccadilly Rail station.
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