Temptation, creativity, alternative, experimental; these are the words that spring to mind when describing the city of Manchester. A multi-tasking city, there is always something new happening, from the performance of a new band to the construction of an innovative building or the opening of a vegan cafe. A place with energy and a vibrancy you can’t avoid, the city and its people will welcome you to experience life alongside them.

Over the past decade Manchester has become known as ‘The Capital of the North', a centre for the arts and music it is also an important business destination. Cited as one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, it attracts thousands of both domestic and foreign tourists every week.

Manchester’s history can be traced back as far as the Romans, its fascinating architecture excites historians and delights those with a taste for the unexpected. The city became what it is today from the Industrial Revolution, when it was the chief producer of textile manufacture and cotton spinning. The old cotton mills can still be seen today in and around the city centre where many of them have been converted into trendy city centre apartments.

Major rejuvenation has taken place in Manchester since the IRA bomb ravaged the city in 1996, its transformation into a modern and chic city with contemporary bars and restaurants, tranquil green spaces and industrial architecture has been radical. The city’s skyline now combines glass and steel with traditional Victorian buildings and modern-day architecture. The imposing Victorian structure of The Town Hall is situated in the pictorial St. Peter’s Square, The CIS Tower is the tallest building in the city and the new Beetham Tower contains a Hilton hotel, restaurant, and apartments.

If you have come to the city for shopping then grab your credit card and head to Market Street for high street brands, King Street for designer names, the Northern Quarter for vintage and  Affleck’s Palace for talented new designers. When your credit card has reached its limit check out Manchester’s fantastic choice of food venues, munch your way through anything from stylish gourmet restaurants and cosmopolitan venues to riverside cafes, and greasy spoons. Just a few miles from the city is The Trafford Centre with over 200 stores, a cinema complex, bowling alley and laser quest.

Manchester is synonymous with sport, crowned ‘Sport City of the Year’ in 2008 it was host to the 2002 Commonwealth Games and is the home of both Manchester United and Manchester City. Take a tour around the famous Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium and experience the range of world-class sporting facilities the city has to offer.

There are 7 casinos in Manchester; Manchester 235, Grosvenor Casino in Whitworth Street West, Circus Casino, Grosvenor Casino in Chinatown, Stanley Casino in Midland, Mint Casino Manchester and Manchester Super Casino in the Eastlands. The city recently won its bid to be the first in the country to be allowed a Super Casino which is to contain an entertainment complex with a swimming pool, restaurants, bars and a hotel. The plans include over 2,500 slot machines which will offer unlimited jackpots on the Sportcity complex.

Each of Manchester’s districts has something unique to offer in the way of nightlife, bars and clubs. Traditional pubs sit alongside innovative stylish clubs, and funky bars attract a wide range of clientele. ‘Madchester’ has always had an impressive music scene, the 60’s produced The Hollies and Freddie and the Dreamers, out of the 70’s came 10cc and The Bee Gees. Joy Division, The Fall, New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Take That, Oasis and Badly Drawn Boy are just a few of the familiar names that demonstrate the free spirit of the city.