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”.
TIME has named Manchester’s newest arts venue as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ / Credit: Marco Cappelletti (courtesy of OMA and Factory International)
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.
The media publication has also named Manchester as an “emerging cultural capital” / Credit: Marco Cappelletti (courtesy of OMA and Factory International)
“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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Met Office gives verdict on how Storm Boelo aftermath will affect Greater Manchester this week
Emily Sergeant
Storm Boelo is finally on his way out, and now the Met Office has given its verdict on what we can expect from the rest of the week.
In the aftermath of two successive storms, Storm Austen followed by Storm Boelo – the latter of which affected Greater Manchester – the UK is now able to begin recovering from the effects of the adverse weather.
But the Met Office has warned that, although there is no named storm, strong winds and heavy rain will continue to affect parts of the UK early this week, before high pressure brings calmer conditions.
Yellow national severe weather warnings are in place for parts of Scotland and western areas of the UK today (Tuesday 27 October), including areas of the North West, as gales and spells of rain bring the potential for ongoing disruption around the region, particularly on exposed coasts and higher ground.
“The continued winds could hamper recovery efforts in some places,” forecasters also unfortunately confirmed.
⚠️ Strong winds and heavy rain continue across parts of the UK early this week with a yellow weather warning in place, before high pressure brings calmer conditions for many from Wednesday ⛅
Read our news release to find out more 👇
https://t.co/EQU4vvaA3B https://t.co/hpvTd8v7EZ
As rest of the week pans out though, conditions will begin to settle down and showers are expected to become ‘less frequent’, while winds also ease for most, although gales could continue for a time in the far north.
Thursday is expected be ‘largely dry’ with lighter winds and variable cloud, with a touch of mist and fog likely across parts of England and Wales during the morning.
From Friday and into the weekend, light rain will team up to potentially affect northwestern areas of England, but for the most part, temperatures are expected to remain close to, or slightly above, average for the time of year.
“From Wednesday, high pressure will start to build which will ease the winds and bring a quieter and largely drier end to the week for many, although some rain is still possible in the North and West,” explained Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steven Keates.
“However, with wind warnings in place, those in warnings areas, particularly in northern Scotland and western high ground, continue to be exposed to strong winds and heavy rain before the more settled weather arrives.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Popular pumpkin patch attraction describes ‘catastrophic’ impact of Storm Boelo
Daisy Jackson
Bates Farm, one of the most popular pumpkin patch attractions in the North West, has shared its heartbreak after Storm Boelo forced its closure on the busiest day of the season.
The Warrington-based family farm said the financial impact has been ‘honestly catastrophic’, after they had to cancel all tickets for Sunday.
Sisters Ali and Fiona Wilshaw, who run the farm, said it was simply not safe to allow members of the public onto the farm in the storm, with ‘crazy’ gusts of wind.
They later shared a video that showed their marquee was badly damaged and many footpaths turned to deep mud.
The sisters said they were ‘heartbroken’ to have to close at such a busy time, but stressed to followers that ‘your safety and our integrity will always come first’.
On Saturday, as Storm Austen and Storm Boelo chased each other across the UK, several people shared videos of themselves getting battered by the weather at Bates Farm.
And it’s pretty clear from that why Ali and Fi decided to cancel all tickets and close for the day on Sunday.
They wrote: “We have put in so much love, energy and investment putting on this event at this scale. The cost to cancel and refund everyone today on our busiest day of the season is honestly catastrophic, but business aside, your safety and our integrity will always come first.
“To think last night we were running round Tesco trying to stock up on milk and now we are in the depths of recovering the site to go again tomorrow. All emails and enquiries are being responded to as quickly as possible and we are doing our best to open up more available slots next week.
“We are being tested like never before, but pulling together in true force. Huge shout out to the whole team and Farmer Fi the absolute queen in any crisis.
“Thank you all for your patience and especially thank you to those who have sent such kind words and support, we are so grateful to have customers like you.
“We will be back tomorrow to enjoy the remaining of this tough season, we are putting in so many provisions with wood chip paths, undercover seating and an indoor barn to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Ali & Fi.”
Anyone who had tickets to visit Bates Farm on Sunday will be refunded, and can book in for another date.
Bates Farm has safely reopened its autumnal experience and pumpkin patch today.
Emily Sergeant -
29th July 2024 
