Manchester beyond the Tory Party Conference Part 2

The Conservative Party has a suitable venue for its annual Conference - with a General Election likely to be called early next May. Manchester's Tourism Board and Marketing Agency like to portray the city as a place of progress and opportunity; the Conservative Party feels that it, too, embodies these qualities. Manchester has moved with the times without forgeting its past something the Conservative Party is keen to perusade voters it has done, too.

It can be argued that Manchester first flourished because of the lack of regulation in the city - the city did not gain a Council – or Corporation - to govern its affairs and manage its growth until 1838. Effective regulation is important, but excessive red tape can stifle enterprise and be a real burden to all businesses - small or large.

Delegates wanting to look beyond the ring of steel may well be surprised at what the city has to offer on a cultural level. Many visitors may be surprised to discover that the city has Roman roots as listeners to the Manchester: Then & Now audio tour can discover. The audio downloadable tour costs £5 and covers 2.4 miles (3.8km). Listeners have the freedom to stop, start and resume their commentary as they see fit.

The twelfth annual Manchester Food and Drink Festival is currently taking place across Greater Manchester. The main action in the city of Manchester is centred in St Ann's Square. The Square and St Ann's Church have a rich heritage as listeners to the Manchester: Then & Now audio walking tour will discover. To hear an audio sample from the tour please click here.

Manchester is better known for having been at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. The city's Museum of Science and Industry has a huge range of exhibits from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Entry to MOSI is free; though charges do apply for certain temporrary exhibitions. Forthcoming exhibtions to look out for include Da Vinci - The Genius, which begins on November 14.

Urbis, Manchester's museum of urban life, can be an interesting place to while away a few hours. The futuristic looking building lies close to the Old Shambles (pictured above) Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Railway Station and the Printworks entertainment complex. The Manchester Then & Now audio travel guide concludes in Cathedral Gardens close to Urbis.

Buy one Walk Talk Tour and get a second free by entering the following promotional code in the shopping basket page: BI123.