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Hot off the press

BMX arena to open at Sportcity, Manchester to launch first UK Legoland and city's comedy festival announces headline acts.

World-class BMX arena to open at Sportcity

Manchester is cementing its reputation as the home of British cycling with the opening of a £24 million national indoor BMX (Bicycle Motocross) centre (pictured above) at Sportcity, east Manchester.

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, the 110,000 sq ft building will include a massive BMX arena and offices for the headquarters of the British Cycling Federation. It will link with the existing Manchester Velodrome to form the National Cycling Centre, surrounded by new public spaces.

Subject to planning approval, work on the scheme will start on site by January 2010.

Manchester to launch first UK Legoland

Visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments has announced plans to open its first UK Legoland Discovery Centre (LDC) in a 3,500 sq m unit in The Trafford Centre.

Due to be launched next Easter, the family attraction is based on the LEGO brick and features a 4D cinema, an interactive ride and a 'miniland' showcasing iconic global landmarks.

Merlin Entertainments, which also operates the London Eye, Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds among other attractions, is investing £7.5 million in its Manchester LDC - the first new attraction the company is opening in the UK since 2001.

Manchester Comedy Festival announces headline acts

Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr and Rhod Gilbert are just a few of the famous funnymen flocking to Manchester next month to take part in the city's annual comedy festival.

They will be joined by the whole spectrum of Manchester's comedy talent - from stand-up comedians to musical and cabaret acts - for ten days of laughter throughout the region.

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 runs from Oct 15 to 25, with a packed programme of events at 24 venues - ranging from the M.E.N Arena to theatres, comedy clubs, pubs and bars. For more information visit www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk.

A toast to the British pub

Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre is temporarily transforming its Studio into a working pub - complete with real bar - in celebration of a great but dying British tradition.

From Nov 11 until Dec 5, PUB will showcase many of the performances which have defined the Studio since it opened in 1998 - from community and education events to world premieres of new work by new directors. Visit www.royalexchange.co.uk for details.