Manchester’s newest arts venue has been named one of the ‘Greatest Places’ in the world by leading publication TIME.
Anyone who has stepped foot inside Aviva Studios since its grand opening back in October last year will tell you that it was well worth all those years of eagerly waiting, as it’s an absolutely mesmerising place – and the impressive lineup of upcoming shows and cultural exhibitions only go to prove that even further.
But now, it’s not just us Mancs who are singing its praises, as Aviva Studios has got a shiny new title to shout about from the rooftops.
That’s because the the world-leading venue – which is the home of Factory International – has been named by TIME as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2024.
The media publication is known for shining a light on extraordinary destinations to visit and stay across the globe each year, and the new Manchester city centre-based cultural centre is one of 100 places to be highlighted this time.
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To compile the list, TIME solicited nominations of places – including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more – from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as via an application process.
2024’s list was apparently put together with an eye toward those places that offer a “new and exciting experience” to the public.
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TIME has also referred to Manchester as an “emerging cultural capital”.
Explaining why Aviva Studios has been chosen for this year’s list, the full listing on Time.com reads: “The long-anticipated performing arts campus on the grounds of the former Granada Studios had star power behind it long before its first show premiered last October, as Aviva Studios is the first cultural institution in the UK designed by the powerhouse architecture firm, Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), co-founded by Rem Koolhaas.
“This latest development, revitalising an industrial tract along the River Irwell, serves as the new permanent home of the Manchester International Festival.
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“Since 2007, this biennial arts fest has premiered new works from acclaimed creators like David Lynch and Yoko Ono in the unlikeliest places all across the city, including staging a theatrical adaptation of the Italo Calvino novel Invisible Cities deep within a derelict train station.
“Now Manchester is emerging as a cultural capital, new shows will debut under this one roof all year round.
“The opening season kicked off last fall with Free Your Mind, a modern dance interpretation of The Matrix, by native son and Oscar-winner Danny Boyle.”
Councillor Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said this accolade is further proof Manchester has created a “world-leading venue which is garnering global attention”.
“It’s great that more potential visitors will learn about the wide range of incredible art that’s accessible to residents at Aviva Studios,” she added, “and this sort of increased awareness boosts our visitor economy and helps create and support jobs.”
Featured Image – Marco Cappelletti (courtesy of OMA and Factory International)
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Tributes paid as Curzon Ashton FC founder Harry Twamley dies following a ‘long illness’
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring as local team Curzon Ashton FC have confirmed that club founder Harry Twamley BEM has sadly passed awayat the age of 82.
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, the National League North side shared the news on Wednesday morning, with fans across the region as well as up and down the English footballing pyramid paying their respects.
Posting on social media, the Curzon Ashton official accounts wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Harry Twamley (BEM) passed away after a long illness.”
“Our condolences are expressed to Richard and Jayne and to the rest of his family at this time.”
While they explained that a full statement will be shared online in the coming days, the initial announcement on the club website featured heartfelt words from former club chairman Wayne Salkeld, who took over from Twamley back in the 2018/19 season, spending five years at the helm.
Salkeld said: “It’s a sad day for everyone at the club. I was honoured when Harry asked me to become chairman in 2018/19 and I will never forget that day.
“I’m going to miss our phone calls which were every day. Thanks for the memories and we will work hard to keep your legacy going.”
Curzon Ashton director Oliver Newall also shared a touching tribute to the club founder, who set up the club back in 1963, adding: “What an incredible man. Someone who brought Curzon Ashton into the world and whom without we would not have had so many amazing moments and memories.
“The word legend gets thrown around too often… Harry Twamley was a legend and he will be missed so much.” He was joined by numerous fans and other clubs in offering their condolences.
Other teams paying tribute included Salford City, Saddleworth Cricket Club and nearby non-league outfit, FC United of Manchester.
The lattermost wrote: “From all at FC United, we would like to pay our respects to a legend of the game in Greater Manchester, we ground-shared at Curzon Ashton and saw first-hand what an immense character Harry was.”
Twamley was named in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list back in 2017 and awarded an Order of the British Empire medal for his services to amateur football. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, The Nash and their supporters.
Rest in peace to an important local figure and treasured champion of the grassroots game.
Johnny Marr denies Morrissey’s claims about obtaining ‘100%’ of The Smiths trademark
Danny Jones
Johnny Marr has come out to deny the claims made by former bandmate Morrissey that he now controls “100%” of the rights to The Smiths trademark and intellectual property.
In case you missed it, earlier this week Morrissey came out with a statement detailing how Marr had recently obtained “100% trademark rights/intellectual property” and can now tour without him.
Fans were already enjoying drumming up suggestions for singers who could take the iconic frontman’s place on stage but don’t get too carried away, as the former lead guitarist has already come out to refute the allegations.
As per a lengthy statement on his social media accounts, Marr not only rubbishes the rumours that any temporary singer or plans to tour are on the cards but explains that ownership of The Smiths right is still shared with Morrissey – he just simply hasn’t signed a document yet.
A spokesperson for Marr writes: “In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use the Smiths’ name – and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band – Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting the Smiths’ name.
“A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey’s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr.
As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.”
Responding personally via his representation, the 60-year-old added: “To prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates.”
He also cleared up more claims made by Morrissey, who said the pair had both been met with a potential and ‘lucrative’ deal to tour together as The Smiths once again, to which Marr has now clarified: “I didn’t ignore the offer; I said no.” At the risk of pointing out the obvious by the way…
hate to break it to Morrissey but Marr has been doing this for years already https://t.co/FL6cGGTZO4
So no, while it might have been registered by Marr and his team, he doesn’t own all of the rights to The Smiths; in actuality, it looks as though the Manchester music legend took steps to make sure that both he and Morrissey maintained shared ownership.
Presuming this response clears up all the speculation surrounding the trademark, the 65-year-old could seemingly have avoided all of this by simply giving his signature and completing the document.
Put it this way, if you were somehow holding out hope for an Oasis AND a Smiths reunion, we wouldn’t hold our breaths…