Abortion, a decision for the woman or a matter of politics.

Mad for it?

London may attract the masses, but for the people of the north, Manchester has just as much to offer. It may not be the country’s capital or house the infamous Big Ben, but it does have what many cities fail to offer young people… a 24 hour party central, whatever your taste in music or scene.

To many people Manchester could be seen as a shopper’s paradise. Not only does it cater for the high street labels and larger outlets in shopping centres such as the Arndale Centre and the Trafford Centre but there's also a huge selection for the alternative market including independent labels and stalls which can be found in Afflecks Palace, a multi-storey haven for the more adventurous of you!

If it’s culture you’re after, then Manchester has its fair share of art galleries (the Lowry), cinemas, theatres and everything in between. Day or night, Manchester houses the north’s “China town”, an area of authentic Chinese cuisine, and not to mention “curry mile” the renowned street stretching a mile long and offering some of the best Indian meals around. If it’s European or bog standard northern dishes you’re after then Manchester’s not lacking in restaurants, pubs and takeaways.

Manchester certainly has a reputation for shaping Britain’s music scene. Not only did bands such as the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses put Manchester on the map in terms of live music but it is also has a more than healthy club scene due to the notorious goings on from the Hacienda.

Live music can now be found from a variety of venues across the city, from intimate clubs such as the Apollo and the student friendly academy to the 10,000 capacity of the Manchester Evening News Arena, making Manchester the ideal place to see local bands through to chart topping “superstars”.

Club wise it’s difficult to know where to begin. The wide scope of clubbing tastes from R&B to throbbing techno all play their part in various corners of Manchester’s backstreets. Whether it be Sanky Soaps till 6 in the morning or chilling out in the more relaxed bars of Canal Street, Manchester once again comes up with the goods. Not forgetting the likes of Rock Kitchen and Rockworld, which are an ideal night out after a gig.

So now you’ve been given the low-down on our gem of the North, do you think Manchester has got what it takes?

Links to websites about what’s on in Manchester: