Sport and Culture VIP reception at the City Art Gallery Manchester
This evening I went to an event organised by local MEP Arlene MCarthy. It was a celebration of music and sport, and there were many VIP guests including Neil Kinnock.
Held at the City Art Gallery, it was a spin-off event of the Labour Party Conference, currently in progress just five minutes walk away in Manchester Central (aka GMEX former Central Station) and the Peter St area. The aim was to celebrate and promote the role of the North West region in Europe including the twin cities of Manchester and Liverpool, both famous for their achievements in music and sport.
I quickly got talking to the very personable Sarah Beyer, Communications and Public Affairs assistant with the BPI. She is in Manchester for the Labour Party Conference. I chatted to local property developer and musician Martin Moylan who I have met previously.
There were speeches by Neil Kinnock, Sir Richard Leese, and a rap performance by the KICKZ kids from Manchester City Football Club’s City in the Community project.
I got talking to Councillor Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council. I interviewed him 10 years ago for Eyewitness in Manchester. I invited him to go along and see my Manchester Mega-Photo at Urbis. Other personalities included Paul Horrocks MEN editor, and local councillors.
All in all it was a very enjoyable event and a taste of the political buzz going on in the city right now. I find it absolutely fascinating to photograph famous faces such as, this evening, Neil Kinnock.
The Labour Party conference is returning to Manchester in two years and I intend to be there.