The Bernstein Beat

Three good things about Manchester City Centre this afternoon:

*  A concert - the Bernstein Beat - at the Stoller Hall, all about rhythm. Nina Bernstein Simmons, Leonard Bernstein's youngest daughter, hosted. A young orchestra made up of 15 youngsters from Chetham's and 47 from nine of Greater Manchester's ten boroughs, played - they had only come together for the first time on Thursday, so some pretty intensive tutoring over the last two days. And Stephen Threlfall conducted. Oh, and audience participation. An enjoyable foot tapping hour.

*  A  print fair at the Cathedral (extra). I really like the way the cathedral opens it's doors to public events, it is there for the community at large.

*  The first sunny day we have had in the city centre since last autumn. At last, we might be turning a corner. Good to see people enjoying relaxing outside at last , scenes I haven't seen in a while (extra)