I've just made a short visit to Manchester, and there really was a buzz about the place. It's a while since I've been in the city centre itself, and it oozed life and vitality.

There was loads of street life with the Lord Mayor's Parade going on, and a European festival in St Ann's Square which featured food and wine tastings and a real sense of fun.

It's worth bearing in mind that short visits do leave a strong impression, and I came away with the image of a city which is vibrant, successful and, no doubt, making money.

Next time you walk through your own town centre, just ask if it's giving the positive impression which oozes through every pore of today's Manchester.

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Talking of success stories, this Wednesday night (June 4th) Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre ends one of its most successful seasons to date with an excellent concert from three of the country's most talented musicians.

The Classic Rock Society recently presented Dave Cousins, leader of The Strawbs, with the lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating thirty years in rock music. The award was presented by former member of the group, Rick Wakeman. Thirty years on from their huge album chart successes, 'Grave New World' and Bursting at the Seams', the Strawbs are currently touring with an acoustic line-up -- Dave Cousins on Guitar, Dulcimer and vocals, Dave Lambert on guitar and vocals, plus relatively new boy, guitarist Brian Willoughby, who took over on lead guitar in 1978 when Dave Lambert went solo.

The Strawbs have enjoyed major success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the early 1970s as well as the hit albums, their hit singles Part of the Union and Lay Down topped the charts. From the mid 1970s they spent more time in the States and Canada where their albums charted for five years as they toured, with, among others Santana, The Eagles, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult, Joe Walsh, King Crimson and Frank Zappa.

Acoustic Strawbs play classic Strawbs songs with the integrity and musicianship for which the band has always been recognised.

The size of the venue means that they'll come across really well, and I've enjoyed several musical events this season which give something often lacking from the arena venues. Bearing in mind that some people had actually dared to suggest closing down this well-loved venue, I'm delighted it's about to end a very good run with a real bang. Roll on the next programme!

Published: 04/05/2003