The Renaissance Manchester City Centre brought together some of the region’s top talent for Manchester Fest, almost exactly 20 years on from the IRA bomb that changed the face of Manchester’s City Centre in 1996.

A crowd including leaders in business and sport gathered at the Renaissance’s bar to enjoy three Manchester inspired bands, drinks and food in a celebration of Manchester’s arts and artisan culture.

The evening is part of the fifth annual Global Day of Discovery with events that took place simultaneously at nearly 170 Renaissance Hotels around the world.

Salford’s Anita Ryan, who opened the evening’s entertainment, said; “I’ve been lucky enough to play at some amazing places around the world, but nothing beats singing at home here in Manchester.”

Whilst enjoying a tasting by locally distilled Forrest Gin, guests then had the opportunity to hear original content written and performed by internet music sensation Kelly Kiara, who added; “Now with 15 million YouTube hits for the Justin Bieber cover, I am as surprised as anyone else. It’s just been incredible. We’re looking to release our first single in the next few months, so this celebration at the Renaissance is a great opportunity to play some of the songs that will soon be released.”

She added; “Manchester is a pinpoint destination where music comes from, or comes to. For me I’ve done a lot of studio work here in Manchester and have been hugely inspired by local bands, so it’s great to be here to showcase the music that I’ll soon be releasing.”

Wrapping up the evening were the Chorlton based band Gypsies of Bohemia, who brought a foot stomping final set to the end of the celebrations. Lead guitarist, Jim Wallace, said; “Manchester, at the moment, is in great shape as there is so much diversity going on which has helped create a music following that understands what we do.”

General Manager of the Renaissance Manchester, Cameron Mcneillie, added; “What a great night to celebrate Manchester for the Global Day of Discovery. It was an opportunity to bring together Manchester’s best and brightest and everyone whether from the area, or visiting for the evening had a great time.”

Renaissance Hotels believes business travel is always an opportunity to discover. This philosophy is described as Business Unusual, by which every stay is designed to defy the notion of “conventional” business travel by helping guests to uncover local, unexpected experiences. At Renaissance Hotels, a guest’s trip is about much more than the 9 to 5, it’s about making time for the #5to9, with a world of local music, art and culinary discoveries.

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