I know Manchester fairly well. I was a student there in the 70's for three years and then a mature student there again in the 90's. There is much hype about Manchester's Northern Quarter. It buzzes with young people/cafes/restaurants/graffiti but at the same time, in places, it has a third world feel to it. Just a few hundred yards away there are homeless people sleeping on pavements (during the day) in a busy shopping area; shoppers walking past, seemingly oblivious to them, with their shopping bags bulging with T-shirts from Primart etc. There were tramps begging but this was a musician playing opposite a very fancy cafe - speciality tea cafe offering 20 different and exotic teas and delicious cakes.I drove home (30 minutes away) left saddened by the inequality of it all.
I wonder whether this dilapidation will disappear as The Northern Quarter becomes gentrified.
This gentleman looks well turned out but he can't hide the sadness in his eyes... and that accordion has seen some service - Fav and, for once, I think colour was the right choice.
