March 24, 2008 19:13

Tony Wilson to be honoured with 24-hour 'conversation' party

Manchester luminaries to come together for all-night talk-athon

The late Factory Records boss Tony Wilson will be honoured with a 24-hour party of creative discussion in his beloved Manchester on June 21.

Steve Coogan, star of the Factory Records movie ‘24 Hour Party People’, will join designer Peter Saville (creator of Joy Division's legendary ’Unknown Pleasures’ album artwork), Manchester DJ Mark Radcliffe and artist Liam Spencer amongst others for the event, which has been dubbed 'The Tony Wilson Experience - Reification'.

Organisers behind the all-nighter, which takes place in the city's Cathedral Gardens, will also handpick 200 young people to take part and bring ideas about anything from architecture, urban regeneration, art or blogging to the table.

The event will be broadcast live and made available on podcasts.

Saville, a friend of the man who was affectionately known as Mr Manchester, said, "There was always a bigger picture in play with Tony.

"If there was a chance to foster new talent he'd take it. If he could fuse different disciplines together into something brave and new and unexpected, he'd make it happen. He was at all times crucible, catalyst and collector.

"Great things are going to come out of this weekend - both for the students and for the experienced creatives themselves."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added, "Tony gave a lot to Manchester and was fiercely proud both of his northern roots and the talent that came out of the city.

"This is going to be literally one of the most talked about, un-missable, creative 24 hours in the history of Manchester."

Tony Wilson died last August after battling cancer.

Full details of how you can apply to be a part of the event will be announced in April. Potential candidates are invited to register their interest via the Tony Wilson Experience website.