With the disappearance of the heavy industries after the second world war, Manchester suffered a downturn in its fortunes. Currently the city is going through a major revival, with a growth in light industries and services. Many of the old warehouses near the city centre have been, or are being, converted to fancy apartments.

Manchester has a rich cultural live, with several theatre companies, a number of major theatres, including the exciting new Lowry centre in Salford. Manchester also has a concert hall (the Bridgewater Hall), where the symphony orchestra plays, and a number of smaller concert stages, including two in the Royal Northern College of Music.

Visual arts are not as well represented, but the city art gallery should have reopened after a major refurbishment when the conference takes place. The Lowry centre also has an interesting programme, especially on Lowry himself, but with interesting changing exhibits. The Whitworth art gallery, part of the University of Manchester has some impressive (concentrating on 20th century) art, and a high quality programme of changing exhibits. A few galleries, such as the Cornerhouse on Oxford road, which also shows "arty" films, and the Castlefield gallery, add to the interesting mix. (Those really interested in art should probably visit Liverpool, where the Tate gallery and the Walker art gallery offer some world class exhibits. There is also a thriving gallery scene.)

Further museums not to be missed are the Manchester museum (Oxford Road, near the university), which has just been refurbished, and the Museum of Science and Industry, which impressive steam engines, victorian sewers, and other delights. Finally, a brandnew museum, called Urbis has just opened. This is supposed to be really exciting!

The Lowry centre, mentioned above, is also famous for its architecture; the whole areas of the Salford quays currently sees a lot of new development, including the Imperial War Museum of the North, designed by Daniel Libeskind. This is now accessible to the public.

This year Manchester is organising the commonwealth games. If you like sport, there will be something that will interest you. The games start the week after the workshop. One of Manchester's most successful exports is Manchester United, who have their stadium in Old Trafford (strictly speaking outside the city boundaries). Manchester boasts a second football team, Manchester City, who also play the premier league. Both teams have a large and loyal following within Manchester. Not too far from Man U's football stadium is Old Trafford cricket ground, the scene of many test matches. There are quite a few rugby (union and league) teams in and around Manchester, the nearest in Sale.

For those interested in low culture, Manchester offers an active pub and club scene. It might be slightly less boisterous when the students have left, but there will be ample opportunity to while the nights away. One highlight of street and cafe life is Canal Street, Manchester's own gay village. Even though not all may wish to enter the back rooms, the street and the bars cater to a mixed and lively crowd. Another trendy area is in the gentrified area around the old Roman castle (called Castlefield), where many of the loft-dwelling affluent young people live.

Those interested in scenery should visit some of the stately homes around Manchester. Two of the most important are Lyme park, which played an important role in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice, and Tatton park.

There is ample opportunity to go for extended hikes in the high peak (see the peak district and the official tourist guide); there is an excellent connection to Edale by train. The Lake district and the Yorkshire dales are just a couple of hours driving from Manchester, as is North Wales.

Clearly in all this the weather plays an important role. Summers are usually pleasantly cool (top temperatures in the 20's Celsius), with occasional hot spells, and more frequent showers! In other words, you have to be prepared for everything. Bring shorts, a sweater, and an umbrella, they might all come in handy.

Manchester has four universities; The best are UMIST (I would say that, wouldn't I?) and the University of Manchester. We also have Manchester Metropolitan and Salford University within Greater Manchester.

Some other local information can be found in manchester.com , lycos travel guide, manchester online, and the BBC's web site, to name just a few.