The Quays will play host to a number of world-class events and attractions this spring, including the launch of Quays Culture Future City, a new artistic gallery display revealing everyday life for civilians in Afghanistan and an art co-commission involving Mersey Ferries by one of the major figures of British pop art.
There will also be acclaimed theatre productions and a host of cricket fixtures. Adding to this incredible line up is a range of family activities and the monthly artisan food and craft markets.
Experience the award-winning IWM North, part of Imperial War Museums, with its range of compelling exhibitions, tours and family activities. From February 21, visitors can view WithDraw, a small, artistic display by reportage illustrator George Butler, whose previous work has appeared in exhibitions and media outlets across the world.
The new artworks – created in situ and on public display for the first time – explore everyday life for Afghanistan’s civilians following the draw back of western combat forces in late 2014.
This spring, Mersey Ferries will be part of an exciting new art co-commission. Liverpool Biennial, 14-18 NOW WW1 Centenary Art Commissions and Tate Liverpool have commissioned one of the major figures of British pop art, Sir Peter Blake, to ‘dazzle’ a Mersey Ferry in partnership with Merseytravel and National Museums Liverpool.
This is the third in the series of Dazzle Ship commissions; Sir Peter’s design entitled Everybody Razzle Dazzle will cover the Mersey Ferry Snowdrop, surrounding the passenger vessel with a distinctive pattern that can be seen for the next two years.
Mersey Ferries offer a fascinating six-hour trip where you will travel along the canal to Liverpool enjoying spectacular scenery and lively commentary along the way. At the end of the cruise you are returned to your point of departure by a dedicated coach transfer.
This March, Quays Culture will launch Future City 2015, comprising of a futuristic digital firework spectacular, PixelPyros. This virtual pyrotechnics display will be projected onto a massive 60-foot wide screen using state of the art projectors and lasers.
A FREE event, taking place on the Piazza at The Quays/ MediaCityUK, from 6pm until 10pm on March 13-14. Future City will also include Video Jam “one of Manchester’s most innovative nights” (Manchester Wire) carefully curating a diverse programme of artists’ film plus live music and performers in an engaging and site specific club night on The Lowry’s Promenade Gallery on March 13.
Also on The Lowry Promenade, on the same night, multi disciplinary artist Stuart Childs will be on hand with an innovative tech maker stall. Audiences can create and take home their own personalised artwork.
A spectacular waterside venue housing theatres, galleries, a restaurant, cafe and bar, The Lowry offers visitors the chance to enjoy the very best in visual art and performance and this season is no exception!
Enjoy a host of theatre productions as the powerful new production of Reginald Rose’s gripping courtroom thriller, Twelve Angry Men (March 24-28) comes to The Lowry, following a record breaking West End run, bringing to the stage the taut brilliance of the 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated film. Theatregoers can also catch Oklahoma (March 17-21), Sister Act (April 28-May 22), Beautiful Thing (April 13-18) and Woman In Black (April 28 – May 2).
Taking place the second weekend of every month, the Lowry Outlet’s family-friendly, Waterside Food & Craft Market will transform The Quays into a bustling market place. Spanning the Lowry Outlet’s Plaza, the open-air market will host over 30 stalls offering the finest seasonal produce and handmade gifts from around the county and further afield.
The market in March (14-15) will also include a special appearance from Disney’s Cinderella too! During February half term, the Outlet will host a ‘Spashtatic’ event with arts and crafts, a kid’s trail and a meet and greet with Peppa Pig!
Set sail, as visitors can take a boat ride along Manchester’s historic ship canal and explore the city’s stunning scenery with Manchester Cruises, all cruises start up again in March, and City Centre Cruises, which offer a range of cruise attractions, including a Sunday Lunch Cruise that can be booked now. Both cruises also offer match-day cruises to and from Manchester United Football ground.
Emirates Old Trafford will play host to a series of LCCC fixtures from April onwards. With too much to see for just a day trip, take the opportunity to rest your head at one of the top-quality, yet affordable hotels in the area, including The Old Trafford Lodge at Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, and the Copthorne Hotel Manchester, which has a range of special offers and packages available to suit, including its ‘My Break’ bespoke stay package – book a two night stay with breakfast and take your pick from a selection of treats and extras, to create a break that’s tailored to you! Extras include champagne, chocolates, flowers and dinner!
