Manchester

Manchester’s Northern Quarter has been in a tug-of-war for some time. It's Big Biz on one side, independent spirit on the other. But out of this has come an exciting city style, with brands like Donkwear and Drama Call making noise across the country.

Two hundred miles from Westminster, Labour politician Andy Burnham has been recast as Manchester’s firebrand mayor: a “king of the north”, who refuses to kneel before the nation’s southern overlords. But does his ambition extend beyond the ring road?

THE FACE joined the likes of Aitch, Andy Burnham and Pa Salieu at the studio’s opening party.

Experimental artists across the city are onto something special, and even Kanye knows it. We talk to Space Afrika, Blackhaine and CURRENTMOODGIRL about The White Hotel and the power of community.

After making it big in reality TV, Madchester’s Mad Hatter is back with his first solo album in 18 years – a “delusional ADHD Sgt. Pepper”. His words, not ours.

The North Manchester artist is dropping his debut EP Ma Mood via NQ Records.