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Manchester, United Kingdom

Home to one of the largest international student populations and university campuses in Europe with over 100,000 students across four universities and an additional 400,000 students at schools just outside of the city – Manchester is well versed in catering to young people and a fitting host for WYSTC 2009.


See Englandīs Northwest region in video

Innovation and inspiration

A city of firsts: innovation is at the core of Manchester. Its forward-thinking attitude inspired by a diverse mix of culture has provided the city with a rich and fascinating history highlighted by its stunning blend of confident architecture and contemporary structures.

As one of the catalysts of the industrial revolution, Manchester continues to lead the way and inspire. Motivated by its many peoples, the city’s cultural offerings reflect an eclectic mix of museums and galleries exhibiting everything from international masters to home grown talents, from ancient to modern.

Manchester continues to encourage and nurture the city’s young and creative talent. Its multi-cultural influences and international flavour are in evidence everywhere, from vintage fashion boutiques, multimedia music, pioneering record labels, urban art and dance, to hosting major sporting events, #1 football club and festivals.

It is no wonder why so many young people from around the world choose to visit Manchester each year.  

Check out these Manchester youth and student dedicated websites: www.manchester.com/student and www.manchesterad.com

For an alternative view of the city, here"s Manchester videos collected from YouTube:
www.manchesterad.com/media/video

 

Download a PDF map of downtown Manchester

Intense clubbing

Manchester has a deserved reputation as a musical Mecca, having produced talent such as Joy Division, The Fall, The Smiths and Elbow and the city still inspires its own to produce every musical genre imaginable.

100,000 students in the city make for a vibrant, ever changing nightlife, with little-known club nights springing up across the city constantly; check out Keys Money Lipstick at the kitsch, carpeted Star and Garter pub, and Mint Lounge’s Club Clique, both playing eclectic indie-electro and the place to dress up and dance. Recently emerging as another good area for a night out is Oxford Road, where a string of recently opened independent bars and clubs like Odder and Trof at the Deaf Institute makes it a popular choice with the city’s youth and student population.

Cutting-edge culture

Urbis is an exhibition centre about city life housed in one of Manchesters landmark buildings. Visitors can explore exhibitions about contemporary art & design, Manchesters music scene, urban life and the people who make our cities what they are. In Castlefield, MOSI (Manchester Museum of Science and Industry) is located on the site of the worlds oldest surviving passenger railway station, the interactive museum tells the story of the people and a region that helped shape the modern world. In contrast, Manchester Art Gallerys collection is made up of fine art - including paintings, drawings and sculpture but is probably most famous for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings on the first floor.

Making & breaking tradition

Manchester’s theatre scene is vibrant and varied, showing everything from West End productions at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, classic Shakespeare and drama at The Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre, through to experimental new performance at the Contact Theatre at the heart of the University campus.

 

Fashion & shopping

Everyone who visits Manchester can enjoy not only a diverse cultural scene but also shopping at its best, superb shopping and restaurants where you can eat your way around the world with over 30 types of cuisine and quality accommodation for every budget.

One of the most fashion-forward cities in the UK, Manchester is home to new design talent and unconventional retailers. Visit the Northern Quarter, the creative heart of the city that is home to most of the city’s independent businesses clothes boutiques, record shops, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. Gems to look out for include vintage shops Retro Rehab and Rags to Bitches, Vinyl Exchange and the regular Tib Street Fashion Market.  

The Craft & Design Centre is located in the quirky bohemian Northern Quarter and housed in the former Smithfield Victorian fish market. The two floors - crowned with a huge glass roof - comprise 16 studios where contemporary jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture and clothing design are both individually produced and sold.

Manchester city centre is also home to a square mile of shops, covering everything from the luxury Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, designer stores Agent Provocateur and Vivienne Westwood on King Street through to the Arndale, with over 240 high street stores including the world’s biggest Next, a flagship Topshop, Apple and Levis. The adjacent Market Street is home to more even high street stores including American Apparel and Urban Outfitters.

Accommodation

There are a total of 7,000 rooms in Manchester City Centre, and 15,000 in Greater Manchester meaning the city offers a wealth of choice and fantastic value for money. There are hotels and hostels to suit all budgets. Hostels Hatters and Hilton Chambers are situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter, and across the city at Castlefield there’s a recently refurbished 4-star YHA Hostel. Outside of term-time student halls are available to rent inexpensively, and are a short bus ride from the city centre. For a more luxurious experience, there are hotels and serviced apartments right up to 5-star Lowry and Radisson Edwardian, the new boutique Yang Sing Oriental and everything in between.

For more information, check out: www.visitmanchester.com

 

WYSTC 2009 Hosts