Surrounded by an ornate skylight and volumes of antique literature, on Tuesday I wondered why I had never been in the Portico Library before.
I was enjoying my book, racing through the pages faster than usual. My cafetiere was full of delicious coffee for only £3 — a city centre bargain — and there was some quiet chatter.
An American, visiting the UK for the baseball games in London, was catching up with a softly-spoken Mancunian friend. Another gent was flicking through the day’s copy of the New York Times.
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Elsewhere, students were finishing their theses, and tourists were quietly looking over the exhibition on Samuel Pepys. All the while, one could feel the history and importance of the Portico, which was founded by 400 members in 1806.
My visit was, in many ways, bliss. I’ll be going back very soon, I’m sure.
But what’s struck me since I went along is how many other Mancunian highlights I’ve yet to try. On my ‘to-do’ list are heading to the opera, spending an afternoon exploring Mamucium, and seeing the hidden gem properly.
I’d also love to have a meal on one of the canal boats in Ancoats, spot some of our otters, and while we’re at it — Metrolink, can you let me drive a tram, please?
Some of those six wishes are within-reach, some feel far-away, and the last one is nigh-on impossible.
But they’ve all come relatively quickly to me, and I’m sure every Manc has something they’d like to try in the city, even if you’re born-and-bred and nearing retirement. That, to my mind, is a sign that there is just so much to do here.
There’s also going to be more still to do, as new venues like The Factory Aviva Studios open up. Add to that the seemingly endless list of bars and restaurants coming soon, there seems to be a production line of newness that shows no sign of slowing down.
What’s more, with Manchester International Festival now underway, there are scores of free events around the city to dip into. This morning, you could give Yayoi Kusama’s You, Me And The Balloons exhibition a whirl.
To that end, this edition of Unwind is encouraging you to try something new this weekend. The Portico is only small, mind, so don’t all rush there.
The 'new' Piccadilly Gardens probably won't look like this
Continuing with the 'new' theme, Piccadilly Gardens is set to undergo a huge transformation soon. The project was supposed to cost £25 million when it was announced in late 2021, but the final total is expected to surpass the figure with inflation running at eye-watering levels.
Designs were also supposed to be released in March, but the latest the M.E.N. has learned about the saga is that bosses have more or less ruled out a return to the sunken rose garden look which appears in countless film photographs from the 50s and 60s.
The Town Hall is staying tight-lipped on the final designs, but have confirmed the winners of the design contest - which started as a field of 10, was whittled down to six, and is now at four - will be publicly announced later in the summer.
The hope is to give Mancs ‘real pride’ in the new-and-improved public space, said council leader Bev Craig. She added: "Lots of people have already shared their thoughts and ideas. Work is well underway and we are in the process of selecting and appointing a design team who will work up detailed plans. Once these are ready we will ask Manchester people's views."
Get the full story on Piccadilly Gardens' development here.
Being homeless left Lilly-Rose lost for words. It shouldn't be this way
Something new, in Lilly-Rose’s case, is safety.
The three-year-old has just moved into a new home in Bury, with her mum Sophie. Previously, the pair were homeless for eight months.
It’s an eight months which has left its mark. Lilly-Rose has struggled with her speech, and become withdrawn around new faces.
But now, the pair can look forward to a brighter future. Their new pad in Radcliffe is part of a 16 two and three-bedroom homes development that’s let at 80 percent of the market rate for the area, as well as a further nine offered through shared ownership.
The move’s already paid dividends, according to Sophie. She explained: “Since we moved here Lilly-Rose has flourished.
“She’s come on so much in so many ways, her confidence, her language. Everything is different now; our lives have changed so much.”
Applause for Little Italy: The magical moment on the streets of Ancoats
It's far from new, but the annual Festa Della Madonna Del Rosario is back. The procession, created by Manchester's Italian community back in 1888, navigates through the heart of the city's 'Little Italy' - Ancoats.
Chief reporter Neal Keeling has been chatting to the organisers on what it means to still have the parade, which has only been stopped by war and the pandemic. "The procession is very important to us," said President of the Manchester Italian Association, Lorraine Rea.
"When the Italian immigrants came to this country many settled in Ancoats. They brought their culture, their food, their music, and they brought their religion. Every Sunday St Michael's and other local catholic churches would be filled to the brim with Italian families."
Read the full story, and see some incredible photos from past processions, here.
