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Cover stories

All About Manchester publishes a cover story each month. Here you can read the cover stories we have published in recent months.

In women we trust

To celebrate International Women's Day, we present seven Mancunian role models for our times. Compiled by Evie Lucas and Sophia Cruz

Let there be lights

Two weeks after his much-publicised win against Dmitry Salita, 23-year-old boxing sensation Amir Khan opens up about his ordinary life in Bolton and his extraordinary quest to see his name up in lights in Las Vegas. Interview by Evie Lucas. Photos by Roland Lane.

Glam up North

With its trend-setting cultural scene, classy restaurants, fabulous nightclubs and chic hotels, Manchester has plenty of winter sparkle to go round. Photographer Darren Lennon captures the city's glam factor in an exclusive photoshoot for All About Manchester.

Let it snow

Bury-born celebrity Suzanne Shaw's life has been anything but dull. She toured the world in an Abba tribute act, sold millions of albums as a member of former pop band Hear'Say, wowed London's West End as murderous vixen Roxie Hart in Chicago, won ITV's Dancing on Ice 2008, sizzled as a lingerie model, fell in love, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, had her heart publicly broken, stood up strong, found love again and walked down the aisle earlier this year. And she has just turned 28. As she returns home to star in the stage musical White Christmas, she talks to All About Manchester about theatre, family and festive bliss.

Heil Herring!

It was Charlie Chaplin's first, but on Hitler's face it became a symbol so sinister that no-one dared grow one again - until now. Comedian Richard Herring is attempting to reclaim the toothbrush 'tache for comedy in his new show, Hitler Moustache, which received glowing reviews at this year's Edinburgh Festival. As he prepares to grow back his fascist facial fuzz for Manchester Comedy Festival, he tells All About Manchester he is a joker making a serious point.

Afflecks' angels

If you love shopping as much as you love the environment, fear not. There is a place in Manchester where eco-warriors can maintain their place in the style stakes with a clear conscience. It is, of course, the city's Northern Quarter, which is home to dozens of vintage and second-hand clothes boutiques, as well as the legendary fashion emporium Afflecks Palace.

Summer in the City

Manchester looks great in every season, but in summer it is smokin' hot. Whether you kick back and enjoy the weather in a park, revel in a festival or strut your stuff on a dance floor, make sure you do it in true Manc style. Boss model Anna Carradice-French shows you how as she poses for photographer Roland Lane on the rooftop of the Grade II listed Barton Arcade on Deansgate, in an exclusive fashion shoot for All About Manchester.

Life is a cabaret

From reality TV hopeful to stage musical star in just a few months, it has been a fascinating ride for 18-year-old Samantha Barks. We catch up with the Isle of Man-born actress for a quick chat ahead of her keenly anticipated return to Manchester as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

Loud and queer

Promising to be bigger, better and more flamboyant than ever, Manchester's annual Queer Up North festival returns this month with a fabulous programme of events across the city. David Jones picks the highlights.

In the big league

Last year we watched Rebecca Adlington break the Women's 800m Freestyle champion record in the World Swimming Championships at the M.E.N Arena and Chris Hoy win two gold medals in the Track Cycling World Championships at the Manchester Velodrome among countless other great sporting moments. This year, Manchester is determined to maintain its crown as the best sports city in the world with a raft of international sports events, including the new and improved World Netball Series 2009. Andrew Watson reports on a cracking sports programme coming up.

Showtime

Ready to escape the mundane? Follow photographer Roland Lane down the rabbit hole to discover a world sprinkled with fairy dust right on your doorstep.

Monster challenge

He gained an army of female fans as hunky Jamie Baldwin in Coronation Street, but as he prepares to tread the boards in Stephen Brown's provocative tale of ordinary monsters, Future Me, Rupert Hill is out to prove he is more than just a pretty face. The 30-year-old actor talks to All About Manchester on the eve of his hotly anticipated first show at The Lowry.

Romantic Manchester

Paris is so last season. With its Gothic architecture, glamorous nightlife and uber-chic hotels, Manchester is the place to be for a stylishly romantic city break. Photographer Roland Lane captures the city's quirky loveliness in an exclusive fashion shoot for All About Manchester.

Credit crunch Christmas

With our economy in tatters and the outlook for 2009 oh so grim, it might be tempting to curl up in bed with the duvet pulled over your head and hope the storm passes you over. But with so much fun to be had in Manchester over the festive period, that would really be a shame. Andrew Watson picks ten things to do in Manchester this month that will put a spring in your step without drilling a hole in your pocket.

Bigger and better

Christmas shopping would be unbearable without regular breaks for an alfresco bratwurst washed down with spiced Gluehwein. This is why more than a million visitors from far and wide are expected to flock to Manchester again this year to browse the traditional wooden chalets and twinkling stalls of the city's famous Christmas Market.

The Real Ting

Their infectious pop has been lauded as the defining sound of 2008 and their international success has put Manchester on the map once again. As The Ting Tings prepare to release their new single, drummer Jules de Martino opens up to All About Manchester about the perks and pitfalls of the band's newly-found fame.

Fashion Forward

From talented young designers to fabulous new boutiques, Manchester has never been more in fashion. We take a look at some of the people and places that make it so glam up North.

Louise Dearman

Stepping into the shoes of Eva Peron is a daunting task, but one that Louise Dearman is managing with flying colours in Bill Kenwright’s new stage musical Evita. The fabulous leading lady talks to All About Manchester about playing one of the most fascinating women in history.

Sailing on

Back in 2000, the music press annointed Wigan rockers Starsailor as the next big thing, before they had even released a record. The premature hype was followed by an eight-year rollercoaster ride of impossible highs and soul-crushing lows. The band's James Walsh tells All About Manchester about the experience.

Stepping into the light

Leading New York choreographer Stephen Petronio has a formidable reputation for dark, fast and furious work. But as he heads to The Lowry to close this year's Queer Up North festival, he tells All About Manchester he has finally allowed himself to acknowledge a brighter side to life.

More than meets the eye

As she prepares to storm into Manchester to headline this year's queerupnorth, the inimitable Sandra Bernhard proves Evie Lucas wrong in judging a book by its cover.

In a league of his own

He is known as the king of boho, so it's no surprise that fashion design superstar Matthew Williamson was born in Chorlton, Manchester - a city that has recently been crowned the most bohemian place in the UK. What is surprising is that Williamson has survived and thrived as an independent designer for ten years.

Rebel with a cause

As he embarks on a crusade to revive independent retailing across England, David Mallon explains to All About Manchester editor Evie Lucas why it all had to start in Manchester.

The test of time

Glaswegian pop quartet Wet Wet Wet enjoyed phenomenal success for a decade during the 80s and 90s, scoring hit after hit in the British charts and around the world, before splitting in 1999.

Food heroes

Ever wondered who cooks those marvellous meals you enjoy at your favourite eatery? We went behind the scenes in three of the city's busiest restaurants to capture the head chefs in action.

Funny side up

Bolton-born Dave Spikey is a much-loved figure on the Manchester comedy scene. This month, as he prepares to bring his famous brand of laid-back stand-up to the Manchester Comedy Festival, he explains to All About Manchester why taking the mickey out of yourself is funny while having a go at celebrities isn't.

Once upon a time in Manchester

It had it all: thrilling music, cutting-edge design, style, mystery and personalities the size of the universe. As the Hacienda 25 exhibition continues at Urbis, we revisit the legendary club through the memories of Peter Saville, Ben Kelly, Graeme Park and Peter Hook.

The show will go on

As Manchester celebrates 100 years of repertory theatre, a plethora of forthcoming world premieres and innovative festivals point to another 100 years of glorious theatre to come.

Fairest of them all

Winning the Miss Manchester crown is just the beginning for 21-year-old Alanna Merchant. The ambitious beauty queen tells All About Manchester she has the Miss World title in her sights.

Queer state of the art

Art meets smut in queerupnorth 2007 - a fabulous three-week celebration of Manchester’s queer spirit.

It's a women's world

Manchester has never been short of inspirational women. From novelist Elizabeth Gaskell to leading women's rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst, the city has been home to some truly great ladies. To mark International Women's Day, we proudly present some of Manchester's most distinguished women today

Valentine's guide

Manchester may not be widely recognised as the romance capital of the North but with some imagination you can have a valentine's day to remember. Follow our guide for inspiration

Christmas guide

Every day is a special day in Manchester but the festive season can be extra special... with a little help from yout festive guide

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