Dig the City seeding weekend... @digthecitymcr

Jane Sharrocks, General Manager, Selfridges and Heart of Manchester BID Chair, launches the Dig the City seed giveaway. Flowers courtesy of Frog Flowers Manchester.

Dig the City, Manchester’s summer garden festival, is spreading the flower power this public holiday weekend, giving away 1000 free packets of seeds to create a new garden in the heart of the city. With an average of 500 seeds in every packet, this means at least half a million seeds will be given to gardeners across Manchester.

To celebrate the return of the UK’s biggest urban gardening festival, which will take place from Friday 31 July – Thursday 6 August, Dig the City has collaborated with celebrity gardener Sarah Raven to get the city growing. Nelson Beaumont Laurencia, Dig the City Producer says “Dig the City is all about celebrating summer in the city, so what better way to get started than to grow your own garden party?”

“Gardeners should bring their blooms back on the first weekend of the festival and help us grow a garden right in the heart of the city. You’ll be in with a chance to win good things from the city centre’s top shops. If keen gardeners would like to bring any other flowers or plants to join our Dig Garden they would be most welcome!”

Sarah Raven said “Dig the City is a fantastic summer festival, and I love the idea of a garden filled with flowers grown by a thousand locals. We’re giving away a mixture of cornflowers, poppies, lace flowers and cosmos, so the garden will be wonderfully bright and colourful.”

The free seeds will be given away from Selfridges, Jigsaw, LK Bennett, Molton Brown and Barclays in the city centre over this May Day Public holiday. Gardeners can check for growing tips and send progress reports to @digthecitymcr #diggarden. Gardeners should bring their blooms back to the Dig the City Information Point in St Ann’s Square over the first weekend of the festival – Friday – Sunday.

Dig the City is devised and delivered by CityCo, on behalf of the Heart of Manchester Business Improvement District (BID) – a consortium of over 380 city centre retailers. Speaking about the Dig Garden, Chair of the BID, Jane Sharrocks said “Dig the City is not only about gardening and growing, but encouraging locals to take time to relax and spend time in the city centre. We hope the new garden will make Manchester a lovelier place to shop and enjoy all our great city has to offer.”

More information about Grow Your Own Garden Party and you can also follow @digthecitymcr on Twitter.

ABC Wednesday: "P" is for past, printers & policies

ABC Wednesday this week pauses at "P" for Peace.

I returned briefly yesterday to this university building which I worked at an eon ago. It was to pick up Salford Green Party newsletters from a printers now housed there. It's the third and final newsletter in Salford Green Party's campaigning (below for your information).

Watch a video on Salford Green Party's manifesto for what would happen with Wendy Olsen as councillor in Irwell and Riverside ward.

Joys of architecture, Peter St

It's always nice to just post an everyday street scene, although some of the architecture of Peter Street is far from everyday. with the Albert Hall (right foreground) and other impressive towers and turrets beyond to Deansgate. Taking part in the Weekly Top Shot #175 meme run by Madge in Seattle.

Monday Mural: Stevenson Square women rise up...

The current crop of murals on Stevenson Square were painted this month, after a National Trust event in March, The Ladies' Room . Celebrating the radical history of Stevenson Square through Mancunian women past and present. Amy Coney is the artist and I'm waiting for confirmation of who the women are: an author and a Suffragette or two I recognise...

Sue Fox Ha what a great question! I think third from the left is Enriqueta Rylands (see my blog post http://signsiren.blogspot.co.uk/.../mrs-rylands-library...) and there may be two Pankhursts - Sylvia (?) and her mother?

Sign Siren: Mrs Rylands Library

Blog about the library Enriqueta Rylands built in memory of her husband in Victorian Manchester.

SIGNSIREN.BLOGSPOT.COM

Amy Coney Hi Chrissy! Thanks so much for getting in touch. The women from left to right are Annie Horniman, Elizabeth Gaskell, Enriquetta Rylands, Marie Stopes, Emmeline Pankhurst and Sunny Lowry. I am intending to paint the names on and finish the bottom edging but the weather hasn't been on my side while I've had spare time! Fingers crossed I'll get it done this weekend!
Nice blog too 

Like · Reply · 10 hours ago

Taking part in Monday Mural.

Sounds of Spring #CityDailyPhoto

The last of the blossom lingers and was a decorative backdrop to some fabulous lunchbreaks this week. I was able to sit in All Saints' Park and read the e-newspaper. I wasn't alone as there were dozens picknicking on the grass, or just on the grass (in both senses). Unlike the birdsong of the suburbs and countryside the main sounds heard were the roar of buses and music from tinny phone speakers. The guitar playing of the guy in the foreground was lost in the hubbub.

Weekend Reflections: open all the windows

It's been a hot and steamy week in the city, unsually warm for April. Windows were opened above shopfronts on Thomas Street, creating nice reflections and showcasing the contrast of Manchester's two main historical building colours: honey-coloured stonework delights and solid red brick. This is one of many global-wide contributions to Weekend Reflections #291.

Signs of new life in an old quarter #citydailyphoto

Manchester Cathedral in the distance is surrounded by buildings from medieval times and, of course, the 19th Century. Even though the few trees in the area are still in bloom and showing news signs of life, they too must be fairly mature. 

I wonder if there are any other cathedrals so surrounded by pubs? Manchester has The Mitre Hotel and Pub, built in 1815 (on the left here and originally for a Bishop presumably), The Old Wellington (timber framed in photo, first built in 1552), Sinclair's Oyster Bar and at least two others within 100 feet or so...

The Big Green Comedy Show tonight at The Dancehouse

There's a benefit- The Big Green Comedy Show- tonight to raise fund for both the Manchester and Salford Green Parties. Doors open 7.15 at the Dancehouse on Oxford Road, the concert starts at 8.00 and tickets cost only £10 (£7 concessions).

It features a handful of comedians who support the Green Party who will entetain and inform-:

ABC Wednesday: "O" is for Out on the riverbank...

Opening my eyes on another sunny Manchester day, as we reach the letter "O" at ABC Wednesday. Contrary to what I said yesterday, not everyone sits outside pubs on sunny evenings - there are many who have better things to do, such as these people on the River Irwell's banks last night.

A heads up that the May City Daily Photo theme day is Revolution (a topic chosen by yours truly...)

View from a tram...

The English lounge, or do they? Certainly on another sunny day like today they will, nipping off early and lounging in pub gardens and parks. Even though I identify as an internationalist rather than as English, I am tempted to join them. Photo taken en route to Shudehill.

Monday Mural: keeping it simple...

Skeleton, lion back last late winter / early spring. It was the Project's Round 9 or 10 I think... A contribution to Monday Mural.

Apologies for the lack of comments on fellow City Daily Photo blogs this past week- I have been away in the US of A...

Manchester old looks onto new

From inside the Manchester Museum looking down on the round university building.

Moonrise Run

Moonrise Run is a night time run through the city and a festival too, being held today, Saturday 18 April, at Heaton Park.

It's a 5km course where "all participants are given an LED Moonbeam wristband which glows as you charge through the race. The atmosphere created by thousands of Moon Rise Runners glowing through the night is absolutely electric, and sure to create an experience you won’t forget." Have fun!

Weekend Reflections: Barges Spring into life

Weekend Reflections down at Castlefield Basin where the delights of spring are in the air, and in the water too..

Let's Cook! #Heisenberg #WalterWhite #BreakingBad

Another masterpiece by Manchester street artist Akse. He has painted many characters from Breaking Bad (probably the greatest tv drama ever made IMHO) usually as large murals but Walter White in cook mode was commissioned here at the wonderful Grindsmiths coffee store on Deansgate.

Happy Birthday to Tim!

Letter of the law

Hollins Chambers is a law firm set back on Bradley Court off of Bridge Street, with this rather stylish early Art Deco entrance.

Established 1762... not so New Church House

New Church House on John Dalton Street always takes me back in time with its rounded bay window. I hope a suitable company rents the property soon. It would suit an independent or specialist book store don't you think?

Monday Mural: more this way Fred...

Inside the wonderful Fred Aldous art and craft shop on Stevenson Square, who generously sponsor the Outhouse Project street art which I often show here on Mancunian Wave.

Taking part in the equally wonderful Monday Mural meme, sharing innovative street art around the world.

Altrincham vintage market...

Every Sunday there is a vintage market in Altrincham. Artisan bread and booze; industrial salvage upcycled to form furniture; artwork, craftwork and local photographers; old books; jewelry; buskers and a bar. There is something for everyone and I always look forward to it.

Living on the banks...

...of the Peak Forest Canal on this stretch near Marple must be rather pleasant at times.

Over the rooftops and houses....

Off of Albert Square. Some more inspired 19th century Mancunian architecture. Ignore the people and shops below and look to the skies! 

Ferrious arches

Ferrious is one of many successful and diverse businesses reusing the railway arches. I normally associate these with car mechanics, and there are quite a few of those along the mile or so of railway arch from Piccadilly to Deansgate stations. 

ABC Wednesday: "M" is for Mosque and mosaic

ABC Wednesday reaches the letter M. The AI-Hidaya mosque at Trafford Bar is one of many modern Mancunian manifestations of multiculturalism. The mosaic tiles are magnificent.

Blossom on Whitworth Street

Spring comes to Whitworth Street and all is right with the world.

Monday Mural: Market Street art #Vermeer

For several weeks running this pavement art has been retouched,after fading over the course of each week. It's great to be bringing public art into such a mainstream shopping area like Market Street that is otherwise pretty much devoid of culture. 

The painting is a copy of The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. It's also known as the Mona Lisa of the north. A contribution to Monday Mural.

Bugsworth Basin blue

The halfway point of a 12 mile walk from Marple to Bugsworth Basin. We are now in Derbyshire and some nice cottages line the way to the end of the Peak Forest Canal. 

The blue plaque reads:

Ducking the issue?

The large duck advertising yesterday's annual charity plastic duck race on the left bank of the River Irwell, with John Rylands library behind it. Taking part in this week's Weekend Reflections.

The charity was Brainwave, who work with families to deliver home based therapies and exercises to help children with disabilities. 

For what it's worth, the duck race winners were:

 Spinningfields retweeted

Manchester Duck Race @mcrduckrace · 16h16 hours ago

The results of @mcrduckrace for individual & family ducks: (1) PG3DD (2) 15001 (3) TUAEPL (4) CQA44U (5) LAXX3N (6) 48TEFB

See @Spinningfields and @mcrduckrace Twitter feeds for photos and videos...

Bright Green Day #VoteGreen2015 @GreenParty

There was a really postive vibe in central Manchester yesterday afternoon when some of the Greater Manchester Green Parties (including Bury, Manchester, Salford and Trafford) met with Green Party leader Natalie Bennett and Darren Johnson (Green Party London Assembly). Good to see some media attention there before the Leaders' Debate last night at Media City UK in my constutiency of Salford. 

The Green Party came out of it very well, as did the two other female-led parties, Scottish National Party (Nicola Sturgeon) and Plaid Cymru (Leanne Wood. These three are a welcome, progressive and positive change for the future, as opposed to the the 4 grey suited over-privileged millionaires and right wingers that they were up against.

The Printworks Annual Vintage Swing Festival

Get set for an Easter Sunday with a difference, as The Printworks gears up for the 12th annual Vintage Swing Festival on Sunday 5 April. Watch a video from last year's event.

The free event will be hosted by swing music and dance event company, Katz Korner, where visitors to The Printworks will be treated to live music, dance, vintage cars and market stalls offering vintage clothing and crafts, from high noon in The Pump Yard.

Live music on the day comes courtesy of The Revolutionaires, an energetic four-piece band, performing their own 1950's inspired R’n’B. Guests can also enjoy swing DJ sets throughout the day from Katz Korner, while Jive dancing demonstrations by Krazy Karen and Gypsy John from The Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers will ensure everyone really gets in to the swing of things.

Vintage vehicles on display will include a Ford Zephyr and a 1949 Chevrolet pick-up truck among other authentic classics of the era. There’s something for the kids too, with an Easter egg hunt to be held on the day, and with craft tables, fancy dress and market stalls selling classic 50s fare in the form of cakes, sweets and drinks, the event will offer something for everyone.

Fred Booth, Centre Director said: “Now in its twelfth year, our annual Vintage Swing festival is back bigger and better than ever. Last year The Printworks welcomed an incredible 25,000 visitors to make it our biggest event of the year, and this year we’re expecting even more people, as fans of all things 1950s look to enjoy a touch of nostalgia in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.”

City Daily Photo Theme Day: My Camera-Shy Self Portrait

My daily walk to work, pausing at a French brasserie on St. Mary's Street in order to take part in this month's City Daily Photo theme of My Camera-Shy Self Portrait. 

April's theme was chosen by Linda at The View from Squirrel Ridge blog in Virginia, USA.

Another option I pondered was the desk lamp shot below, but this was just a snap on my phone and was not intended for the theme when I took it. Reflected to my right in the lamp is a friend and fellow Mancunian blogger, the Wonderman Diarist.