Manchester's original music and arts festival takes place this Bank Holiday weekend in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter. Manchester's Northern Quarter has long been known as a hot bed of creative talent - and despite the economic crisis that has affected so many UK businesses in recent years, has continued to thrive and grow. It's a bustling mecca of independent art galleries, cool bars and restaurants, vintage clothing shops, designer boutiques and world class music and club venues that brings together many of the region's most creative minds. And that's exactly what Miz DeShannon, organiser of MAPS Festival, believed was worth celebrating. So in 2007 she set out creating the Northern Quarter's first ever festival, celebrating everything 'Music Art, Poetry and Stuff' in this vibrant and growing area of the city. Talking of why she began the festival, she said "with the amount of regeneration and changes there in recent years, we felt that the businesses in the area were due a push, and the festival is basically a collective for promotion and publicity of activity in the creative heart of Manchester City Centre. MAPS helps publicise them to a wider audience, as well as have a bit of a party!" Now in its third year, the festival - which takes place over May Bank Holiday - is a happy, chilled out affair that brings together some of the areas best-loved venues, businesses and characters for four vibrant days of music and arts. Oh, and lots of lovely food and drink too. In terms of music, at this year's event you'll find a great mix of established and up-and-coming artists including Doll & The Kicks, My Luminaries, Orphan Boy, Jo Rose, Tubelord and Danny Mahon. Alongside the music there's circus workshops, Avant Garde film screenings (in Odd's basement), family craft events and a special exhibition of MMU students' work, taking place in Manchester's most exciting new art spaces, Kraak Gallery. It's a truly inclusive affair, with something for every age and taste. Whether you want to party until the early hours or just enjoy a leisurely afternoon amble around the festival's venues and daytime events, it's a great way to spend the bank holiday weekend. And of course, it all culminates on Sunday night with the festival's closing party - hosted by BBC Introducing at The Ruby Lounge. Tickets for the full four days of arts and music events cost just £20 and are available from Skiddle. They're selling fast, so get yours today! MAPS Festival, 30th April - 3rd May 2010, various venuesmore info
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