Manchester this Christmas

[Henry Mantell]

From where I am sitting (Kent) it sounds as though Manchester has been thriving over Christmas, with the markets winding up this evening after massive trade in the run up.

Christmas isn't of course about commercialism but my impression is it's been quite a lively city this year. On the spiritual side the Passion which was broadcast on TV was excellent and I note that people of all beliefs expressed appreciation.
The city had a present yesterday in the form of confirmation of the BBC move to Salford Media City (well almost a confirmation).
As an expat Manchester educated lad living in Salford this all sounds good. As a visitor to Manchester in late January my only regret is I won't have an oppurtunity to ride on the Wheel. Can't help feeling removing that is a retrograde step for the city!

[Henry Mantell]

I see that Manchester Council is locked in talks for 48 hours to try to keep a wheel in Manchester. I raise this and retire to a safe distance, somehow I imagine that this will be rather like Bonfire night...light the blue touch paper.
London Eye and Birmingham I have ridden on and they are attractions. Manchester I would like to ride on as a tourist but doesn't look like I have the chance now!
I gather the concrete slab in Piccadilly is a permanent fixture