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)
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
29th July 2024 
