Have you seen that an “immersive nature experience” has arrived on one of Manchester city centre’s busiest streets this week?
The #InOurNature pop-up shop in St Ann’s Arcade is a beautiful space that turns a typical shop front into one that’s been taken over by greenery, so visitors can take a well-earned break from a hard day at work or a busy shopping trip to relax among the plants, the smells of nature, and projections of some of the best-loved green spaces from around the city.
At the centre of the experience is a sound installation that features “the sound of Manchester’s nature” with tracks created in collaboration with sound artist and composer Jason Singh, and Manchester’s spoken word collective Young Identity.
The tracks have been created by transforming ‘biodata’ generated from plants around Moss Side and a mix of voices from local residents.
Those who stop by to visit the pop-up shop will be given the chance to vote on their favourite.
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We can’t wait to welcome you into the #InOurNature pop-up shop!🌿 Step into this immersive experience to tune out of your busy day and relax and enjoy the sounds, smells and views of nature, from right in the heart of the city💚 Head here to find out more https://t.co/td9ohoMhzcpic.twitter.com/co8NNzEb2L
So, why has this unique experience popped-up in Manchester then?
Well, as recent research from Natural England has shown a positive link between feeling connected to nature and behaving in a way that is better for the environment, the pop-up will not only help people connect with nature, but will also suggest things they can do to help the environment in their local area.
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The shop is part of the ‘In Our Nature’ programme – which is led by Hubbub, Manchester Climate Change Agency and Partnership, Manchester City Council, Amity CIC, the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, and Commonplace.
The programme works with communities in Manchester to find creative solutions to the climate crisis by using nature as a gateway to inspire positive climate action, with a big focus on removing barriers for those facing barriers to spending time in nature, and works alongside other current local projects including greening concrete alleyways, and working with community groups such as Mothers Against Violence to get nature projects off the ground.
The #InOurNature pop-up shop in St Ann’s Arcade is a beautiful space that turns a typical shop into one filled with greenery / Credit: In Our Nature
“We all feel better after spending time in nature, and this is exactly why we’re bringing this innovative experience into central Manchester,” said Gavin Ellis, co-founder of Hubbub.
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“We hope people will leave feeling boosted by the power of nature and be inspired to get involved in projects and take action across Manchester.”
Sound artist Jason Singh added: “People and nature are an endless source of inspiration for me [so] this project has been a wonderful exploration of poetry, technology, landscape and nature.
“Manchester is huge part of my life and I truly love both the wide range of people that inhabit all parts of the city, as well as the landscape that makes Manchester what it is, [and] this new installation celebrates peoples’ connection with nature as well as thinking about the surroundings in which we live, work and play.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working on In Our Nature.”
Visitors can relax among the plants, the smells of nature, and projections of the city’s green spaces / Credit: In Our Nature
In Our Nature
Address: St Ann’s Arcade, 10-12A St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7HW
Times:Weekdays 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm | Weekends 10am-8pm
Open until:17 October 2021
Featured Image – In Our Nature MCR
City Centre
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan to play huge Manchester arena show on new UK tour
Clementine Hall
Ready to laugh your socks off? Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester.
The comedy legend is embarking on an major UK arena tour, and of course he’ll be stopping off at our very own AO Arena.
Whether you know him for his fantastic stand up, or for the massively popular Rob & Romesh Vsseries on Sky, one thing’s for sure, the man knows how to make us laugh.
After his last visits to us in Manchester have been nothing short of a roaring success, Ranganathan will be returning to our city with his next tour Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life on Saturday 10 April 2027.
Yes we’ve got a while to wait, but we’re sure it’ll be absolutely worth it.
It’s safe to say that Romesh has been on fire across the TV, radio, and live stages over the past few years.
From hit shows like The Ranganation, where he guides a panel of everyday people and celebrities through the week’s big topics, to the radio where he hosts For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2, Romesh is now a part of our daily lives – and we’re not at all mad about it.
On his upcoming tour, he’ll be treating us to a show comprised of brand-new material, and if his last arena shows were anything to go by, this one’ll be constant belly laughs throughout.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester on his new UK tour / Credit: Supplied
Romesh Ranganathan is bringing his Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life tour to AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 April 2027, and tickets go on sale next week – with both pre-sales and general sales available.
There’ll be a Three+ Presale on Wed 19 November, a presale for AO Arena members on Thursday 20 November, both at 11am, and then General Sale will be on Friday 21 November, again at 11am.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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THE CENTURY’S MOST POPULAR MURDER MYSTERY
ATG+ Presale 👉 Tue 18 Nov 10am Sign up to today to get exclusive presale access: https://t.co/dhZYMmEsEH
If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
13th October 2021 
