Calling all Labour Party Conference delegates

Labour's annual Party Conference begins on September 20 and ends on September 24. The conference will take place against a backdrop of gathering economic gloom, and the worst opinion poll ratings for a serving Prime Minister in 70 years and with allegations that some Labour MPs want to see Gordon Brown ousted as leader.

Party members, journalists and interested onlookers visiting the Labour Party Conference in Manchester can get away from the stresses and strains that conference delegates might experience by going walk about in the world's first industrial city.

People entering the conference area will face airport style security checks. Motorists will face disruption, but trams and buses will operate as normal.

One of the best ways to get around the city - even when the 'ring of steel' encasing the 'island site' is lifted - is on foot. Conference delegates can explore the city with the Manchester: Then & Now audio walking tour.

The Walk Talk Tour Manchester travel guide is approximately 2.4 miles (3.8km) long. The tour is composed of commentary points. Listeners will hear about the personalities and history associated with a particular attraction. Walk Talk Tourists will then hear instructions on a sub track, which will direct them to the next commentary point. In addition, visitors can download a free tour map so listeners won't miss a thing!

Conference delegates can hire the Manchester: Then & Now mp3 guided tour on a MP3 player preloaded with the tour from the Manchester Visitor Information Centre on Lloyd Street, just off St Peter's Square for £6.

Alternatively, delegates, journalists or visitors to Manchester can buy the Walk Talk Tour Manchester city guide before arriving in the city from walktalktour.com for £5.

Hear about some of the colourful characters who have made their mark on Manchester and the wider world. Hear about the German who established Britain's first symphony orchestra. Discover how transport innovations helped put Manchester at the forefront of the industrial revolution. Find out how the widow of Manchester's first millionaire spent her late husband's fortune. Stumble upon a Hidden Gem on Mulberry Street. To hear an audio sample from the Walk Talk Tour Manchester city walking tour please click here.

Hear about the origins of a well known saying or two. Hear how theRoyal Exchange - once the hub of the world's cotton trade - has reinvented itself. See the Old Shambles and Manchester's Wheel in Exchange Square. Hear about a nineteenth century minister who had an unorthodox approach to marriage services and more with the Manchester: Then & Now iPod travel guide.

Many of the attractions along the tour's route are admission free. Take a look at our Where & When pages which provide information on entry charges and opening times of visitor attractions along the tour's route.