Manchester, Hollywood of the North. Once a faceless playset of Legoland offices and toy block apartments, Salford Quays has emerged as a creative hub of TV studios, theatres and galleries. Architecturally daring and visually stunning (be there at dusk) this is the proof of Second City status. You can also get really cheap jeans here, too.
Between the statues of Robert Peel and Queen Victoria stands a giant ferris wheel, towering over Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens. It’s not quite The London Eye, but I think it’s inevitable that I’m going to Continue reading
Somewhere amongst the madness of the Christmas crush, I bumped into a giant silver mannequin. And completely forgot what I was shopping for. Managed to get a rear view too. In shopping, as in photography, this is known as ‘trying to remain focused.’
On to the more genteel delights of Patisserie Valerie, and a decorative ceramic spoon dispenser.
Some of my loyal readers might recognise the Christmas Carousel in the background here.
And finally, a tribute to photographer Harry Goodwin, who snapped the great and the good on BBC’s Top of the Pops. His legend is preserved in Chorlton Precinct for ever. Or until they knock it all down to build a Tesco.
Carousel Horse
Twelve months ago, Christmas was largely cancelled as we packed up and left the city for the leafy lanes of Chorlton. This time around, Panos created the ultimate tree to banish any winter blues. 
Mark at the Xmas Markets
This year Christmas is Big. Sparks were seen as early as September and then just a few weeks ago the whole thing exploded. There are any number of Winter Wonderlands to walk through as Manchester becomes Lapland or the Swiss Alps. The only thing missing is the snow. Here I am, rosy-cheeked from mulled wine in front of an impressive… helicopter…carousel-type thing.
As much as I love the Yuletide, I’m thinking of lobbying the UN to make Christmas like the Olympics. It can be held in one country every five years, and every nation has to bid. What do you think of that?
Season’s greeting to all!
The first whiff of autumn, down on the village green
Low sun, scarves and shivers.
Fireworks and candles.
Ever changing sky over Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
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© My artwork, photography and music are copyright Mark Wallis 2015
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