"Once a Year" a Manchester Travel Page by gabriellefox

I have visited Manchester once a year for the past 6 or 7 years. I come to Manchester for the SOLTEX exhibition at the GMEX centre which is the ski and boardwear industry show. I stay between 5 - 7 days and it always strikes me how much this magnificent city evolves for the better on each visit.

Soltex attracts the biggest brand names in the business, as well as fledgling companies aiming to make their mark in the snow, surf, skate or sport/street fashion market.

It gets warm at SOLTEX when you are modelling boardwear in an indoor arena so we normally wear bikinis to stay cool underneath.

Ever-growing, ever developing, the city retains the best of its past heritage while continually moving ahead towards the future.

Once the hub of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is gaining a world-wide reputation for it's vibrance and vitality, due in part to the staging of the XVII Commonwealth Games. The cultural life of the city is as diverse and cosmopolitan as it's population, with theatres, galleries and concert venues to suit all tastes. This variety is also mirrored in the vast range of restaurants, bars and clubs.

In keeping with Manchester's long history of academic prowess, the city proudly boasts 4 universities which have created a unique centre of excellence.

In 2002, the city found itself once more in the global spotlight, playing host to the XVII Commonwealth Games, to date the largest sporting event to be staged in the UK.

Culture Vultures will not be disappointed at the mouth watering menu and variety of culture on offer in this city. It has great theatres, museums and art galleries as well as historic building and hotels. Award winning museums, galleries, and theatres complement stunning architecture and innovative cultural events. Contemporary Manchester builds on a rich industrial heritage; attractions range from original working mills and heritage centres to enthralling people-centred museums.