Flâneurism comes to the Northern Quarter.

As part of our ongoing investigations into ‘The Complete History of Drinking in the Northern Quarter’ we can now offer you a new (actually, an old) way to contribute to the unfolding story and learn to be a ‘Flâneur’* in the process.
On Sunday 14th October 2012 at 12noon and 3pm we are offering the world ‘The Flâneur’s Guide to the Northern Quarter’ – an opportunity to participate in four simultaneous experiential strolling tours where you get to observe, feel and listen to area and its people like never before. Bookings (advance only) can be made through:
http://northernquarterflaneurs.eventbrite.com/
Even if you think you know the Northern Quarter we guarantee that you will not look at it (or anywhere) in quite the same way again. Our tours follow the example of the great social and cultural observers of mid 19th century Paris and will be lead by four contemporary flâneurs who will help you experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter from new perspectives and learn to be a casual cultural observer. Note books provided.
Choose from:
1. The Tribes of the NQ: Help us undertake an anthropological survey of the cultures and sub-cultures of the past and present and predict the future trends of the indigenous community. 240 years of drinking and thinking.
2. The NQ Canvas: Uncover the multiple layers of street art, architecture and obscure detail that have given the area its unique physical appearance. 240 years of painting and decorating.
3. The NQ Soundscape: Look with your ears on an aural odyssey from the distant echoes of NQ sounds reverberating back through time to the thriving powerhouse of the contemporary music scene. 240 years of bashing and crashing.
4. NQ for Sale: Follow the money back through the extraordinary commercial landscape from the independent creative economy to the industrial revolution. 240 years of wheeling and dealing.

Even better all our tours end with sherry and cake!

*’A man about town who saunters around observing society’. Originally mid 19th century French concept for someone who derives pleasure and intrigue from observation of daily life in cities. Flaneurism combines social, cultural, anthropological and political analysis of society through experiencing it as ‘a passionate spectator’For a fuller appreciation of the many aspects of Flâneurism see this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flaneur
(particulary the extract from the excellent description by Charles Baudelaire)
Part of Manchester Weekender 11-14 October 2012: A city’s worth of art & culture in one weekend.