May in Manchester
Getting running... and, er, MAP-ping
It's that time of year again. Dissertations are over (hooray); GCSEs and A-levels are beginning (haha, serves them right for being so young and free); and those of us who no longer schedule our years by educational measures are just happy to be coming and going from work in a bit less darkness.
So, what can we do during May's weekends...? Itchy has a few ideas.
Futuresonic 2008 - Festival of Art, Music + Ideas
Citywide
1-5 May
Venetian Snares, Chrome Hoof, Flying Lotus... no, not self-defence positions of Karate Kid-ilk - or even dodgy sex toys - but musical headliners at this celebration of all things arty and urban. Also appearing will be The RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, performing as Bobby Digital. If that's not enough for you, apparently, 'an array of international artists' will 'present a sideways and playful look at social networking'. Playing sardines with laptops in tow? Poking strangers? You'll have to go along to find out, as we haven't a clue. The latter could be interesting, if a little creepy.
www.futuresonic.com0844 847 2431
Junior + Mini Great Manchester Run
Sportcity
Saturday 17 May
Do children still do cross country at school? Or, in Itchy's teenage institutional experience, being chased across bleak parts of town in winter by a scary PE teacher in eternal short-shorts? Probably not, judging by the much-publicised junior obesity problem afflicting the UK. So perhaps this is the answer to a multitude of problems. Best of all: it's in springtime; it's for charity; and no red-faced loon with a whistle will start screaming if the little ones walk now and again.
www.greatrun.org
0845 389 2200
MAPs - The Northern Quarter Festival
Northern Quarter (various venues)
23 - 26 May
With a lineup of such length and detail that it must be seen to be believed (and definitely too long for Itchy to type out in entirety; so visit the website. What do you want, spoonfeeding?) - this really does look like a cracking event. Four days; 200 performers; and 12 venues - including Urbis, Dry Bar, Bar Centro, Roadhouse and Moho. If one thing is certain, it's that the concept of 'mainstream' will not feature in any respect whatsoever. And quite right too.
www.myspace.com/mapsfestival
0845 389 2200
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