Local Information - Manchester
› About Manchester
Situated centrally in mainland Britain, Manchester has a population of 2.5 million - a city with roots in ancient history which is now wonderfully cosmopolitan with its own unique character.
The city's cheerful acceptance of newcomers makes each visit to Manchester a unique pleasure. Mancunian friendliness is legendary and an enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed!
If you intend to extend your stay in Manchester after the conference, you will find plenty of interesting and fun ways to spend your time to enjoy Manchester’s sport, music, leisure, and a unique industrial history.
› Travel to Manchester
With 190 non-stop routes flying into Manchester Airport from across Europe and the Middle East, excellent connections to major hub airports for long-haul delegates, and convenient rail and road links for domestic delegates, travel to the conference could not be easier.
For travel advice, please visit: http://www.visitmanchester.com/travel/
› Travel to Manchester city centre from Manchester Airport
TRAIN
Cheap train travel is available from Manchester Airport’s hub, ‘The Station’. Train services run 7 days a week. Trains run every 10 minutes to or from Manchester Piccadilly, with an average journey time of 20 minutes.
For train timetables, and information about ticket prices, please visit: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/train/
TAXI
Black taxi cabs are available outside Terminal buildings. Fares for any journey taken inside the Manchester Licensed Area will be shown on the meter inside the taxi. Not all taxis take credit cards so you’re advised to check with the driver if you intend to pay by this method. The journey from the airport to the city centre should cost approximately £25*.
* (price correct June 2015)
› Travel around Manchester City Centre
MANCHESTER METROSHUTTLE
Metroshuttles are free buses linking the main rail stations, car parks, shopping areas and businesses in Manchester city centre. There are three circular routes covering the main areas in the city centre.
For more information: http://www.tfgm.com/buses/Pages/metroshuttle.aspx
› Things to do in Manchester
EVENINGS IN MANCHESTER
Manchester has a long and proud musical tradition and the spectacular Bridgewater Hall hosts the city's three orchestras and welcomes musical talent from all over the world.
Thirteen theatres host shows, operas, dance and drama and a wealth of smaller venues offer performances to suit all tastes. Chamber music, folk music, jazz, roots and drum & bass all have their place and even the buskers are worth hearing. 200 screens are available showing films around the city and a wide choice of nightclubs, bars, clubs and pubs includes John Shaw's Punch House dating from 1720, and the Briton's Protection, a genuine English public house with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN MANCHESTER
Manchester's attractions include the Imperial War Museum North, housed in an award-winning 'shattered' building and the amazing collections at the Museum of Science and Industry. Joining the Lowry, the Whitworth Gallery and numerous regional collections, is the Manchester Art Gallery.
John Ryland's Library has a number of works of note including the Gutenberg Bible. The city has earned an enviable reputation for fostering the talent of new artists whose work can be seen in numerous exhibition spaces throughout the city.
BUILDINGS IN MANCHESTER
Manchester has an historical past and cutting-edge future. Victorian architecture dominates the city, although the city's medieval roots can be seen around the Shambles as well and in the 500-year-old Chetham's School and Library buildings. Today a new reputation is being built by bold and innovative local architects progressing one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in Britain.
SPORT IN MANCHESTER
Manchester has a history of famous sporting traditions. The fame of Manchester United Football Club is known throughout the world. The 'Theatre of Dreams' in Old Trafford allows visitors to learn more about the world-renowned football club. Manchester City Football Club also offers a great visitor experience, either as a spectator or on tours of the stadium.
Manchester also hosts international test cricket at Old Trafford, which is also home to Emirates Old Trafford, and is the site for the world's fastest racing track at the National Cycling Centre. The Etihad Stadium was the venue for the main events of the Commonwealth Games and the large sports complex is home to the GB Cycling, Squash and Taekwondo Teams. Across the region opportunities are available to take part in every sport imaginable from power-walking to paint-balling.
DINING IN MANCHESTER
Manchester offers traditional British dining with modern adaptations. With over thirty cuisines in numerous venues to suit every budget and featuring top chefs, the city includes some of the nation's finest traditional pubs and restaurants as well as the most modern of reasonably priced offerings.
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SHOPPING IN MANCHESTER
Shopping in Manchester means choice and value. Manchester offers shops featuring the latest creations of top designers and all of the UK's best known department stores, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, are within walking distance of the conference venue. In the northern part of the city, cutting-edge designers sell top-end retail goods at a fraction of their original cost
› Local information
CITY CENTRE SAFETY
Manchester is a friendly city. It is safe to walk around the city after dark, but you are advised to avoid unlit areas, such as parks, at night.
If you hail a taxi on the street, please ensure it is a ‘traditional’ black taxi cab. You are only insured to travel in a private hire car (usual car make/model) if it is hired in advance through a licenced operator.
The biggest safety risk for international visitors often comes from cars and cyclists. Please remember that in the UK, cars drive on the left and thus traffic approaches from the right when you are crossing a street.
CURRENCY
If you wish to exchange money on arrival there are Travelex stores and ATMs located throughout all terminals at Manchester Airport. They are open from the first to the last flight everyday. Travelex ATMs dispense British Pounds, Euros and US Dollars.
WEATHER
October’s average temperature is 10.6°C (51.1°F). This brings an average low temperature of 8°C (46°F) at night and the average high temperature is 13°C (55°F) during daytime hours. Rain is not uncommon and you are advised to pack a raincoat and/or an umbrella.
DRESS CODE
- Daytime conference: business dress
- Evening networking events (Wednesday/Thursday): smart casual
- Gala Dinner (Friday): formal/smart
ELECTRICITY
United Kingdom plug sockets have three pins (240V). Please remember to bring adaptors for electrical devices.
› Accommodation
Marketing Manchester has arranged allocation of a wide selection of accommodation, from budget to luxury, at preferential rates to meet the needs and pockets of all delegates.
