Following on from last week’s post about Architecture Week in London, here’s some stuff to do in Manchester, coordinated by Urbis – some excellent-looking psychogeographic drift-type action! Bob Dickinson I remember from our brief time together at MIPC and would be well worth the price of admission alone, were there any price of admission. Michael Trainor I remember as the irrepressible host of ‘Café Pop’ in the Northern Quarter. Phil Griffin I know only by rep. All three guides will be great, I’m sure. Nice idea to do it first thing, too … Over to you, Urbis:

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“Make the most of summer mornings with our early morning tours and talks. Discover some unique and intriguing facts about the city you inhabit to share with your colleagues when you get into the office at 9am! All are free and include a light breakfast. There is no need to book a place, just turn up.”

PsychoDeeOgraphy (with Bob Dickinson)
Tuesday 21 June, 8am
FREE (meet outside the main entrance of Urbis)
Take an entirely unique tour of Manchester Cathedral by exploring the world of Dr John Dee, alchemist, astrologer, linguist, mathematician, secret agent and former Warden of Manchester’s Collegiate Church, now Manchester Cathedral. Join the BBC broadcaster and writer Bob Dickinson on a walk in and around the Cathedral, visiting some of its oldest features.

Over the roof tops of Manchester
Wednesday 22 June, 8am
FREE (meet at Le Mont reception)
Join Architecture critic and writer Phil Griffin on the top floor of Urbis for an informal talk about the latest contemporary architecture developing in Manchester whilst looking out over spectacular views of the city centre.

The ArchiSpecs Tour (with Michael Trainor)
Thursday 23 June, 8am
FREE (meet at the ‘Brush and Shovel’ sculpture opposite the ‘pink building’ on Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, City Centre)
See Manchester like you’ve never seen it before… with Michael Trainor’s Magical Architectural Spectacles and you’ll see a different city. These special glasses only allow you to view the city above the ground floor level and see splendid buildings and architectural detail as originally intended… ‘Archi-Specs’ specially adapted glasses will be provided. The tour will include interesting photo opportunities so bring a camera.

Dr Dee In The City (with Bob Dickinson)
Tuesday 21 June, 6 – 8pm
1 hour drift plus discussion over drinks
FREE (meet in Urbis Café)
What would Dr John Dee, alchemist, mathematician and former warden of Manchester’s Collegiate Church (now Manchester Cathedral) make of the Manchester of today? Find out more about Dee’s love of architecture in this midsummer psychogeographic drift and follow cryptic instructions to create your own tour of Manchester’s hidden pathways.

Urbis