Services for Delegates: About the Venue
About the Venue / Travel Information / Access / Accommodation

Manchester - Sophisticated, stylish, stimulating, and streets ahead, Manchester is the original 24-hour party city. From fine dining and chic hotels, to cutting-edge clubs and bars and the world's most progressive music scene, Manchester is the place to see and be seen.

And the shopping is legendary. With exclusive independent boutiques in the funky Northern Quarter and prestigious designer stores lining the handsome architecture that is King Street, the city has grown to fill every corner with fashion and style.

The past, the present and the future are intertwined in this city that continues to astound. Historical landmarks compliment bold, contemporary structural design, surrounded by beautifully sculptured open spaces where you can reminisce, recuperate or simply have a rest away from the bustling crowds.

World-class live events, international sporting competitions, and award-winning museums and galleries make Manchester one of the most entertaining places in the world. Add to this the passion of two premiership football clubs, and an exceptional programme of drama, dance and comedy, and you'll discover why this is the place everyone is talking about. (England's Northwest 2008)

Platt Fields Park - Situated between Fallowfield and Rusholme and dating back to 1908, Platt Fields is one of Manchester's principal parks. In the heart of inner city Manchester, it serves a very large concentration of people living less than 15 minutes away- the sole open-air community space that is shared by all communities. The park is still seen as belonging to all and is used by all. There are over 43 languages spoken round the park!

The park has a variety of landscapes including: a large central boating lake, rich with birdlife; wooded glades; hilly areas; varied sports facilities; a popular skateboarders arena; a bowling green; children's play areas; a developing Eco-Art garden, a Shakespearean Garden and a costume museum (Friends of Platt Fields 2008)