Luminiscence
As you know from earlier blogs I'm a fan of the ambient music of Tangerine Dream. Chill-out music the likes of which I'll be exploring in a bit more detail in future blogs - linking up with differing potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. I remember seeing the band live and, given the band members' static style of performance, they brought with them a very impressive (for the time) laser light show.
Fast-forwarding to 2026, Lynne and I had tickets to see the Luminiscence show in the beautiful surroundings of Manchester Catherdral. I can't recall ever being inside the cathedral before so I kinda felt like a tourist - in my home city! There's so much to see in the world, on the bucket list if you will, yet I think so many of us don't know the full scope of visitor spots much closer to home.
This blog is no place for a history lesson but very briefly the origins of Manchester's first churches are mixed. The Angel Stone, a small carving of an angel with a scroll, is preserved in the building, discovered in the walls and is evidence of an early possibly Anglo-Saxon, church. It has been dated to around 700 AD. Through the centuries the cathedral was developed, damaged, and re-built too many times to describe here but suffice to say if you're at all into historic buildings, religious buildings or just history in general, you would probably well advised to pay a visit. It's situated close to Victoria station so transport links are pretty good.
Anyhow, on this occasion I'm reminded of the Tangerine Dream lasers as Lynne and I were at the cathedral to watch the Luminiscence show, a combination of choir, spectacular lighting and a recorded narration by actor Christopher Ecclestone, highlighting the history of Manchester. The choir was superb, belting out their own versions of the likes of Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division making sure the local talent was highlighted, complimented also by songs from a wider pool such as Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit - probably my favourite of the evening. Different versions and that was so cool. But speaking as a local, Manchester born and bred, I couldn't help feeling a bit pumped, chin up, chest out, proud of the city.
The experience is intended as a 'walk-through' but there was plenty of seating available for the less able, including me want the legs from time-to-time. The lighting was pretty incredible as the stone work appeared to come alive with animals, shapes etc. The photo doesn't really do it justice. The show's run in Manchester ends on 5th June so if you think it's your cup of tea, now's the time to grab a ticket. I think it's a well-spent £28 approx and there's a bar if you fancy a pint etc during the show.
Turning to other matters I'm still struggling with my weight. This morning 113.3kg so not really making any solid progress. Trying to exercise more now the Achilles/ankle has improved but it's tough isn't it? We've booked a 5 night holiday for next month so there's an extra incentive. Looking back one month, I was 113.6kg so I guess that's a little something but must do a lot more. Full disclosure as promised though to you as readers... No Place to Run!
The blog now has an official domain name on t'interweb - www.musicforparkinsons.co.uk so I think I'm ready to begin spreading the word a little further. If you know anyone who might be interested in reading my ramblings please make them aware of the site and please make sure you also have subscribed. Thank you. Sunday is now emerging as the regular day so expect that as a minimum and if there are other things you think I should be writing about please let me know.