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
Albert’s Schloss is ready to take you into the New Year in style
Thomas Melia
One of Manchester’s snazziest party spots is taking bookings for their end-of-year bash with some of their closest and aptly named friends: New Year at Albert’s Schloss is going to be HUGE.
Albert’s Schloss has earned its title as one of Manchester’s busiest and most esteemed nights out, presenting punters with free-flowing drinks, a roaring central fire, as well as a dazzling alpine food menu options from breakfast until late.
This beloved bar and venue is also known for its incredible live music and entertainment; the stage welcomes all manner of acts, with guests singing their hearts out as they either sit or dance along wooden ‘Viking’ benches.
Dubbed ‘Albert’s Party Time Machine’, there will be special appearances from the Queen of Egypt herself, Cleopatra, everyone’s favourite Greek emperor and mythological party animal, Dionysius, a.k.a. the God of wine-making – but it’s you guys who are being encouraged to steal the show.
For anyone coming into Manchester city centre for Albert’s Schloss’ New Year’s Eve party, they’re asking you to pull out your finest frocks and reminisce times gone by from the past year and ancient history alike, as other famous historical faces will be making an appearance.
Starting at £100 per person with bookings from 7pm, diners can enjoy a three-course set menu with a later dining slot also available at 9pm for £120 per person for those who want to eat a sit-down meal at their table a little bit later on before climbing on top of it.
Sorry— not the table, strictly the benches. For the last time (reminding ourselves just as much as you lot), you can only stand on the benches.
If you know, you know…
Food ranges from four different mains including two meat, one fish and an option fit for both veggies and vegans. Desserts come in two forms with a savoury cheese board offering and three sweet choices including pavlova, tarte and ice cream or sorbet.
Those looking to enter the venue without having to feast on any of the many food offerings can pay £45 for what’s expected to be a miraculous night.
All prices include a glass of prosecco and canapes on arrival to the party establishment for every guest before 8pm.
Stunning Manchester hotel The Alan is offering luxury rooms for only £20.25 in the new year
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most stunning hotels is offering luxury rooms at a bargain rate to celebrate the new year.
With only a couple of days to go until 2025 is officially here, The Alan – which opened to huge success on Princess Street, in the heart of Manchester city centre, back in 2022 – says it wants to give guests the opportunity to stay at the hotel at a “massively reduced” price on selected dates throughout the new year.
This means that, in a clever nod to 2025, a selection of key dates throughout next year will be priced at just £20.25 for an overnight stay at the former warehouse.
You may remember that The Alan already attracted headlines for a similar move, as back when the hotel first opened in 2022, it was giving out rooms to guests for just £1 each.
Having launched on Boxing Day and announced across The Alan’s official social platforms, the limited-time sale is now live, and rooms are to be allocated on a first come, first served basis – with the offer only valid on a selection of room types.
A number of other discounts will also run throughout the new year too, including ‘Signature’ rooms priced at £40.25, ‘Signature Deluxe’ at £60.25, and even a Suite at ‘£80.25’.
You can stay at The Alan for just £20.25 a night in the new year / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 137 rooms set across six floors of the hotel, The Alan is also loved by guests for its facilities, especially its restaurant and bar, as well as by workers thanks to its large offering of meeting room spaces.
The hotel is also well-known for offering co-working for guests and locals too, with a set menu and unlimited coffee priced at just £20 per day.
To make the most of the £20.25 offer, you just need to book online using the code 25WINTERSALE under the ‘Group Attendee Code’ option, which will be valid on specific evenings (excluding peak dates) from New Year’s Day up until 21 March 2025.
Emily Sergeant -
13th October 2021 
