“Cliniclowns Mix & More” is a two-week jamboree where people can come together around a quality cocktail – or mocktail (cocktail without alcohol) – in a bar of their choice. On a more serious note, it is also a chance to give to those who need it most: kids who are in hospital and who get some much needed relief from Cliniclowns. Cliniclowns Belgium has, in fact, been sending professional clowns to sick and/or disabled children to offer them some distraction and pleasure for more than 23 years now.

Cliniclowns Belgium is a non-profit organisation, doesn’t receive subsidies and is completely dependent on donations. Each participating bar is asked to transfer a euro per cocktail sold and the total amount will be officially donated to Cliniclowns. There are more than 25 participating bars, spread all over Belgium.

All participating bartenders are invited to create a « Cool Cliniclowns Cocktail » during the festival period. The most successful will be officially announced and get an award. The inspiration and founding father of CliniClowns was Michael Christensen. As a street artist and clown of the renowned Big Apple Circus, he experienced in the 1980s the importance of such pleasures are for children in difficult situations.

In 1986 he founded the Big Apple Clown Care Unit in New York. In Belgium, the story of the organisation first started in 1993 when Swa Vetters, still chairman of the VZW Cliniclowns Belgium, watched a documentary that he saw on the BRT.

The start-up was accompanied by some scepticism among the medical staff of the hospitals but, even so, a trial period of one year was launched. Even before the year had passed, the organisation received a message from the hospital’s chief pediatrician that they had been won over to the Cliniclowns concept.

The pediatricians said they noticed that the visits from the professional clowns were good for their young patients. The starting signal was given for a further expansion that soon went beyond the province of Antwerp. In the year 2001 the name of the Non-profit Organisation changed to Cliniclowns Belgium.

The Union of Belgium’s Bartenders Union of Belgium’s Bartenders” (UBB), meanwhile, is an association that started in 1961 through the enthusiasm and dynamic approach of the Belgian barmen who wanted to defend the values of the ‘Art of the Bar’ and the know-how where cocktails are concerned.

The UBB is the only Association of Bar Professionals in Belgium recognised by the International Bartenders Association (IBA). With a growing number of passionate members, it is in constant evolution where the respect for the rules and the international recipes fit in perfectly with the modern tendencies in the art of drinking.

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Being the self-proclaimed « capital of Europe » this naturally includes the Parliament and NATO. For those already plotting their best moves, the good news is that neither – perhaps surprisingly – are the highest priced properties on the board. That « honour » is taken by the Grand Place, including the City Hall (the most expensive property) and the Royal Palace (next highest).

The Brussels city version was launched this week at the city’s Press Club and has already found itself in the headlines. The reason was that the American corporation Hasbro insisted that that other city landmark, the famous Manneken Pis had to be « covered up » on the front of the Monopoly box.

For the uninitiated, Monsieur Pis has been attracting millions of curious sightseers for many years but strictly au naturel. Cedric Libbrecht, of Bruges-based Groep 24,  which owns the rights to develop Belgian city editions of Monopoly, admits to being surprised by the demand. He told this website, « They told us that if he was naked on the box that could be seen as sexist or offensive. We were sorry to have to cover him up but we came up with what we think was a solution. »

The solution involved the little boy’s « naughty bits » being covered by a speedo-style swimsuit. The trunks are in the style of the Brussels flag – blue with a yellow Iris. Hasbro is the owner of the board game that is produced in more than 100 countries around the world and has to endorse the design of every edition.

The covering  for Brussels’ mascot was, it seems, sufficient to satisfy Hasbro, the company licensed to sell the famous product which has delighted young and old alike down the generations. The Brussels version is sure to do the same. It features places like the Atomium, the city’s best known shopping street -Nieuwstraat – hotels on Avenue Louise, many of Brussels’ museums, the Botanique, concert halls and the Cathedral.

Cedric said one of the aims, in compiling this version, was to highlight the city’s multi-ethnic aspects so expect to also find the Marolles, the famous old neighbourhood overlooking the city’s law courts.

He added, « Monopoly Brussels does not only contain the famous and well known Brussels’ streets but also gives an insight in the diversity of museums and monuments in the city. The game is a sort of guide through the capital. You pass the classic must-sees but you also find less obvious places and hidden secrets in the city.

« The new chance cards and the community chest cards highlight different big events in the city. But it doesn’t stop there as even the Monopoly money in the game has been given a little Brussels’ touch. »

Similar Monopoly board games on Bruges and  Mechelen have been produced and the long awaited Brussels version was launched in tandem with two other Belgian cities: Antwerp and Gent.

Monopoly Brussels is available in a bilingual edition, in French and Dutch, and even a separate English one for tourists and expats. It is on sale in up to 40 shops across the city.

For those already planning for the festive season, it makes for a cracking Christmas stocking filler.

More info

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Alex, who is owner and head chef of Rouge Tomate on Avenue Louise, will be taking part in the festival. He will join others in working away at their stoves in their pop-up kitchens to serve up their signature dishes to the public. Alex’s contemporary restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best high-end eateries in the city.

Since Californian chef Alex took over the kitchen there, Rouge Tomate has started to produce sophisticated contemporary cuisine which is constantly developing. Alex won the Benelux 2015 San Pellegrino Young Chef competition and will join other Brussels’ chefs and artisans showing off their culinary skills.

They will each be serving up a signature dish for visitors which sums up their culinary identity for the exclusive price of just 9 euros.

About 50 Bordeaux winemakers and traders will also be at the festival to showcase a wide array of wines said to embody the « simplicity, diversity, quality and accessibility » of Bordeaux wines. This the eighth eat! BRUSSELS, drink! festival is stepping up in its activities this year and is a good opportunity to discover the stars of Belgium’s gastronomy scene in the green surroundings of Brussels Park. This year, cheese and desert bars will once again add the finishing touches to the festival’s gourmet menu.

Bordeaux wine winemakers and merchants will travel to  Brussels to bring a complete range of Bordeaux wines (reds, whites, rosés and crémants), which are designed to go perfectly with the dishes prepared by the chefs. Other chefs at the festival include Cédric Callenaere, of the famous Aux Armes de Bruxelles near the Grand Place.

It prides itself on its Belgian and international crowd and a kitchen which recognises good flavours. Cédric Callenaere is credited with breathing new life into this culinary institution’s cuisine. Wine pairings, which have been put together for the event, will also be made available for the chefs’ dishes, deserts and cheese platters at the 4 day festival.

In order to enable visitors to get the most out of the festival, eat! BRUSSELS, drink! BORDEAUX has moved over to a cashless payment system. Visitors can get a swipe card at one of the ticket offices, top it up and use it as they see fit throughout the entire event This swipe card contains their credits and/or their wine pass. In order to pay for their food and drinks, visitors must simply use their swipe card at the cashless terminals and the credits or tastings will automatically be deducted.

The formula chosen is simple. One credit is worth 1 euro. The wine is now available by the glass. An eat! dinner pass including food & drink credits and two glasses of wine has been added to the menu. The eat! lunch pass is now also available during the weekend.

The passes are available at a reduced price until 4 September 2019 on

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The RDG reversed its decision in the space of 24 hours after it was faced with a formidable reaction to its ultimately short-lived decision to end the UK’s participation in rail scheme.

Within hours of their initial decision, campaign group New Europeans and others had mobilised to defend what Gary Paterson, an EU youth activist and New Europeans member from Scotland described as an « iconic connection with Europe which has facilitated the exchange of ideas, experiences, and friendships between young Europeans for decades.”

The RDG group which represents train operators made the dramatic U-turn following renewed talks with Eurail Group, the company which runs the Interrail and Eurail programmes.

In a statement, the RDG group said it had reversed its original decision following, « strong reaction on social media to news of our departure ».

We invite you to join and sign: #DontLeaveInterrail. Your support would mean a lot to us: https://t.co/I8hzfambig

— Martin Speer (@martin_speer) August 7, 2019

Had RDG decided to go ahead with its plan, Interrail passes purchased after 1 January 2020 would not have been valid on any rail services in the UK except for the Eurostar service to London, cutting off other parts of the UK with Scotland particularly badly affected.

New Europeans joined forces with #EUSupergirl and Young European of the Year, Madeleina Kay to fight the decision as well as with Vincent Herr and Martin Speer, the two Berlin-based campaigners who campaigned for the introduction of a free interrail pass for all 18 years olds in the EU.

Using an iconic image from the Harry Potter films, New Europeans and the quickly assembled campaign launched a petition which immediately began to trend on social media.

A campaign source said, « It is unusual for powerful commercial interests to give way to even the most determined of campaigners, but that is indeed what has happened. »

Responding to news of the campaign’s success, Vincent Herr and Martin Speer said: »We are truly overjoyed that Britain will not leave #Interrail/#Eurail. »

He added, « Thank you to thousands of people who supported #DontLeaveInterrail and many other initiatives. Civil and political action can change things – it can re-unite us Europeans. »

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It’s one of the best-known sights in the world and, this summer, visitors to the remarkable Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel have the chance to see this architectural gem from a totally different perspective. Every day to the end August (except on Sunday), a night time spectacle will showcase this beautiful building in all its glory. Throughout the summer, a light and sound display in the abbey grounds from around 7.30pm until midnight.

The abbey, which is famously perched on top of a rocky island, is transformed by spectacular video projections and light and sound effects. Visitors also get the chance to wander through 14 rooms at the abbey, each offering a myriad of original settings. The dazzling nocturnal light show – “Les Chroniques du Mont” – is again the work of Amaclio Productions which was also already responsible for a highly successful similar event at the abbey, the first edition of Les Chroniques du Mont last summer which attracted some 50,000 visitors.

The second edition, « The Archangel », is the brainchild of the vastly experienced French artist Bruno Seillier and is aimed at both inhabitants of Saint Michael’s Mount and the tens of thousands of visitors who flock to the famous landmark every year.

A show spokesman said, “The 2019 production represents a wonderful symphony of visions and sound mirages. It seeks to reveal some of the mysteries of the famous abbey and everything is performed at night right in the heart of the building. “The show is particularly beautiful at sunset and visitors should not hesitate to linger in the rooms of the abbey so as not to miss some surprises!”

Amaclio Productions has for many years put on numerous similar spectacles in Paris, Palais des Papes d’Avignon, Carcassonne and other parts of France and is confident of exceeding last year’s visitor numbers. Tickets are in such hot demand for this year’s show so anyone interested in seeing the spectacle is advised to book in advance.

Mont St Michel itself is a small island off the coast of Normandy and Brittany that is most famous for its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic abbey buildings. Annually, around 2.5 million people visit Mont St Michel of whom around half visit the abbey complex as well. Mont St Michel famously held out against the English during the Hundred Years War. After the French Revolution, the abbey was used as prison until 1863. Since 1874, Mont St Michel has been a national monument and inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1979.

The abbey is one of the most remarkable examples of medieval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century. Since 1874, Mont St Michel has been a national monument and inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1979.

Prices for the 60-minute show range from €12 to €15 and entry is free for children under 7.

For safety reasons, big objects such as strollers and suitcases are not allowed inside the abbey. Payment can be made on site in cash or by card. There are free shuttles from the parking areas to the abbey which is not accessible for disabled people. Last entry to the show is at 11pm.

Further info, including ticket details, via:

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Ghent in Motion, as the project is called, is the result of 7 years of intense filming with the most advanced cameras and drones.  It is described as the « best, most epic story ever » about the fantastic city of Ghent and its inhabitants. Ghent in Motion is located in the centre of Ghent close to the town hall. The Hoogpoort, where it is situated, is one of the very first stone streets of Ghent, where some facades and basements of the first stone houses have been preserved.

The cellar of Ghent in Motion is one of the first cellars in the city and dates from the 13th century. Butter and cheese were stored here, but especially beer. Water was too polluted to drink and to meet the high demand beer was stored in the cellars. The cellars also served as a prison, dungeon or hideout.

Today, the cellar is a dream location for an enchanting trip through the history of Ghent. Here you can experience « The hidden pearl of Flanders » and all its facets. The multimedia setup of Ghent in Motion emphasizes a high experience value and makes it accessible to everyone.  The 25-minute audio-visual presentation shows the city from different angles including from the air.

Over the last 7 years, Ghent in Motion has made several videos of the city with drones each time with better drones, better cameras and better lenses. The cameras flew over the city for 30 days and the result is a breathtaking portrait of Ghent and a perfect tribute to its medieval architecture, contemporary buildings.

The unique history of Ghent extends over almost 14 centuries, an extraordinary story with ups and downs, of moats and beguinages, emperors and slingbearers, crafts and industries. The hidden treasures of the city are also presented. Some hidden in a network of underground passages, other behind innumerable doors. Medieval art, classical art, modern art … a glimpse of all those invaluable works.

Ghent in Motion stimulates the visitor to further explore the versatile, hospitable and vibrant city of Ghent. Michel Blanckaert, producer of Ghent in Motion, said « We have seen and filmed the city from different angles for the past 7 years. With Ghent in Motion we want to create an audiovisual experience with documentary and artistic value, something of National Geographic level I dare say, because everything was officially checked and assessed on historical value. »

Ghent in Motion – a must for everyone who lives in the city of Ghent or visits it for business or pleasure.

• Ghent in Motion
• Hoogpoort 57
• 9000 Ghent

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At the start of the open-ended talks between diplomats and officials in Harare, EU Zimbabwe delegation head Timo Olkkonen said they would discuss issues including economic development, trade, investment, rights, rule of law and good governance.

With the economy afflicted by dollar shortages, fuel queues, power-cuts, and soaring prices, Mnangagwa has said restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund is one of his major priorities. The move coincides with news that the country looks set to scrap its multi-currency system, instead making the Zimbabwean dollar (RGTS) the sole currency for legal tender.

This long-overdue development is seen as an important first step that may eventually lead to the resumption of financial aid, including from the EU, for Zimbabwe’s ailing economy. In those very few countries which use currencies other than their own, such as the US dollar, including Ecuador, El Salvador and East Timor, the continuous appreciation of the US currency has caused rising domestic prices, growing debt, fiscal constraints, liquidity crises and decreasing net exports.

As a result these these countries are discussing whether to restore their monetary sovereignty, but Zimbabwe has already made a bold move, abandoning the multi-currency system it has kept in place for a decade and making the Zimbabwean dollar (RGTS) the sole currency for legal tender.

“The best news about the currency reform is that the government can finally manage its fiscal policies and is no longer running huge deficits. For the past six months, we have actually been running a primary budget surplus. We have now created a solid basis to introduce the domestic currency,” the Permanent Secretary of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance, George Guvamatanga, said in an interview to CNBC in Kigali on 9 July.

“While the US dollar served its purpose during the early days of the multi-currency system, it has been stifling growth and making local companies uncompetitive, but more importantly it was creating a two-tiered economy, which makes it difficult for those without access to the limited amount of US dollars to transact in Zimbabwe,” he added.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in late June that the country would restore its own fully fledged currency before the end of the year. Highlighting its virtues as a source of national pride and sovereignty, he stated that Zimbabwe would no longer be at the mercy of foreign economies and central banks. When he came to power in 2017, he inherited an economy scarred by hyperinflation and catastrophic economic policy interventions, following a long period of economic mismanagement under former President Robert Mugabe. Back in 2008, Mugabe resorted to dollarization due to chronic hyperinflation and over-printing of money.

Facing large fiscal deficits in 2016-2018, due to the expansion of underground economic activity and the sanctions imposed on the country during Mugabe’s rule, which restricted access to US dollars (as well as international loans and transactions with international banks), Mnangagwa launched a Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) in November 2018. The programme includes far-reaching currency and structural reforms. These aim to stabilize and transform the economy so that it can achieve upper middle-income status by 2030. If successsful, this ambitious programme of reforms would put Zimbabwe in the same World Bank category as Russia, China, Thailand, Costa Rica, Turkey and Malaysia.

The TSP and currency reform will allow Zimbabwe to deploy the monetary policy tools it needs in order to manage prices, curb inflation and control the exchange rate. Finance Secretary Guvamatanga says the IMF is monitoring the progress of its reforms and that the measures enjoy the Fund’s “full support”.

The reforms seek to “address economic distortions that have impaired macroeconomic stability” and were welcomed by the IMF, which has had a two-year Staff-Monitoring Programme with Zimbabwe in place since May 15 last year. The IMF was also very supportive of the decision to abandon its dollar peg and opt for a free float of the Zimbabwean dollar, which was reintroduced on June 25.

“We are very much aware that this kind of transformational change will cause volatility and upheavals in the economy and we understand the difficulties that our people are facing as the market is adjusting. But we believe that it is the right prescription that the country needs for a strong economy in the future. We expect the prices to stabilize and the inflation to come down,” the Finance Secretary said in response to questions about the potential lack of credibility in the local currency. He assured critics of the reform that issuance of RGTS would be strictly controlled to avoid a repeat of the 2008 hyperinflation.

“For the first time in decades, Zimbabwe is going through real and meaningful reforms and transformation, which include the opening up of the media space, political and legislative reforms and fiscal consolidation. Both on the economic and political front, a lot is happening in Zimbabwe,” Guvatamanga concluded.

On July 11, the United Nations commended Zimbabwe’s media reforms following the gazzetting of three bills to replace the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). The Public Order and Security Act (POSA) is among a further 30 bills currently under review by the Mnangagwa administration and is expected to be replaced by the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), which will bring Zimbabwe into line with Western public order and policing legislation .

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Staged every two years, the 2019 edition, opened this year by Yoko Ono, is at venues and spaces all over the city and will be the last festival before the opening of the North of England’s flagship new cultural venue, The Factory (due in 2021) which will be managed and programmed by the MIF team. The biennial arts jamboree this year includes work from Yoko Ono, Idris Elba, Philip Glass and more, making it a great time to visit the city with plenty going on and all in a great atmosphere.

The festival runs until 23 July and if you miss it fear not as there’s plenty of other great things taking place in the city, including Manchester Pride on August Bank Holiday (23 – 26 August). The newly renovated Emirates Old Trafford stadium will then play host to the popular Ashes cricket series in September when the fourth test match brings England and Australia head-to-head to see who will take home the coveted urn.

2019 also marks the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre, a major event in Manchester’s history and a defining moment for Britain’s democracy. Manchester Histories, working in partnership with key cultural organisations across the region including the People’s History Museum, is illuminating this story for visitors to explore from a contemporary perspective until August.

The birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester – as is evidenced by a packed programme of events this year – is now one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK but one that, thankfully, also retains its own unique character. Set in a region that offers great value for money, Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top-class events.

Recast for the 21st century as the original “modern city”, Manchester has experienced a contemporary resurgence marked culturally by the acclaimed reopening of the Whitworth art gallery and arts centre HOME; by a property and investment boom that has outstripped the rest of the country; and by major changes to its governance and infrastructure, positioning it the central focus of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ agenda. If any UK city is more than well positioned to repel any fall out from a damaging “no deal” Brexit, that city is Manchester.

While the city racks up accolades as the UK’s most competitive, economically productive, liveable and vibrant city, young people are flocking to Manchester to take advantage of its thriving economy, unrivalled student experience and smart jobs in science and the creative and digital sectors.

Even the city’s go-ahead tourism authority, Marketing Greater Manchester, admits it’s difficult to keep track of bar and restaurant openings and the plethora of new hotels (many enjoying 90 percent occupancy rates) to keep up with increased tourist numbers. By 2025 it’s estimated that tourism alone will be worth some €8bn to the local economy.

Manchester Airport is the UK’s 3rd biggest and its route network is also rapidly growing, connecting Greater Manchester with over 200 global cities, including Brussels.

But this is a city that doesn’t rest on its laurels and, looking to the near future, the RHS has unveiled plans to create a stunning new 63 hectare garden in the heart of the North West – by bringing back to life the lost historic grounds at Worsley New Hall in Salford, Manchester’s next door neighbour.The creation of RHS Garden Bridgewater, the Society’s first new garden in 17 years, will be the largest gardening project in Europe and have a phased opening from spring 2020.

The Factory, meantime, is a world-class centre for arts and culture being developed in the heart of Manchester, which will be the permanent home of the MIF and is expected to attract up to 850,000 visitors a year. This, in fact, is just one of 14 cultural investments in Greater Manchester totalling more than £200m.

An absolutely great base for any visit to the city is the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites, the first dual-branded ‘double decker’ hotel in the north of England. This 19-storey building just off Manchester’s bustling Oxford Road boasts a 212-room Crowne Plaza and a 116-room Staybridge Suites. Opened last September, Staybridge Suites is located on the upper eight floors of the hotel and offers a warm, social and home-like environment through a mix of studio and one-bedroom suites.

Located next to Alliance Manchester Business School on the Manchester University campus, from the moment you step into their bright and contemporary lobby you feel completely at home. Try to catch a glimpse of the city’s ever-expanding skyline from one of the fully self-contained suites. This is a place where you really can unwind after exploring all the city’s many outstanding attractions which include Manchester Science and Industry Museum. Situated adjacent to the site of the world’s first passenger railway station, this comprehensive museum tells the story of the history, science and industry of Manchester which details how Manchester rose to prominence as the world’s first industrial city.

Another “must-visit” attraction, not least for Belgian soccer nuts, is the National Football Museum, which displays replicas of the Premier League and FA Cup trophies. The museum has guided tours, opens daily and, with the new footy season looming, makes for a nice pre-match appetiser for City or United fans from this side of the channel.

Just out of the city, close to United’s Old Trafford stadium, is a chance to experience something quite different again: indoor skydiving at iFLY, ideal for anyone aged 3-103 and situated in the heart of Trafford City. Here you can soar like a bird in the first 4.3m diameter iFLY wind tunnel to be built in the UK. All first-time flights have two instructors – one to help in the tunnel, the other to control the air speed. Non-participants can watch some awe inspiring flyers taking to the air right in front of you.

After all that foot-slogging – and indoor flying – in and around the city you’ll probably have worked up quite an appetite and an atmospheric spot to sate any hunger is at The Refuge by Volta, particularly great for a Sunday roast (for which it is famous and is infused with Vimto!).

A major success on the city’s food and drink scene, it’s located in an imposing former insurance building and is the brainchild of Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey, a couple of local entrepreneurs. The terrific menu is inspired by the two DJ’s global travels so expect to find lots of world cuisine here, from Thai to Moroccan. The idea is to sample their small plates which are similar to tapas but notably bigger and very good value for money.

The restaurant’s airy Winter Gardens is a nice spot for a pre-dinner drink and also to admire the fine décor which includes many original features from what is one of the city’s most historic buildings. Informality is the order of the day here and the service, like the food, is top notch.

Another equally fantastic place to eat is the 300-seat Tattu restaurant, situated in yet another bustling and recently newly developed part of the city centre, which offers a lovely fusion of the best of Asian food. Priding itself on its dim sum, it also recommends sharing small plates in order to get the full experience of its fab food. Recommended starters, or small plates, include seared tuna and sticky beef ribs while popular mains offerings include saffron black cod and caramel soya beef fillet.

Look out for the quite beautiful cherry blossom tree in the centre of this very decorative eatery. Opened in 2015, other branches have since been launched in Leeds and Birmingham with a fourth due in Edinburgh later this year. The business was launched by a couple of Manchester brothers who are big fans of Chinese body art. It has enjoyed marked success but beware if planning to visit on a Saturday night as it has a waiting list of up to two months!

For those travelling by car from Belgium, accessing the North West is best done via the Eurotunnel which whisks you from Calais to Folkestone in just 35 minutes. There are up to 4 shuttles per hour and direct motorway access. The shuttle celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and is reassuring passengers that “whatever form Brexit takes” it’s business as usual.

Some might also like to know of the several Belgian links (apart from Vincent Company at City!) in Manchester including the Bock Cafe, which has the largest selection of Belgian beers in the North of England, alongside foods inspired by the Benelux country.

So, if you’re looking for last-minute ideas for a great summer break (or, in fact, any other time of the year) look no further than this great Northern city which is experiencing a real renaissance, not least thanks to the fine efforts of Marketing Manchester which is putting the home of Liam Gallagher on a national and international stage as a place to visit, invest, meet and study.

Embedded on the tiled wall of the grand old Refuge Assurance Building on the bustling Oxford Road is artwork showcasing the city’s skyline and a huge message that proclaims, “the Glamour of Manchester.”

It is an utterly appropriate symbol of the “new” Manchester and Gateway to the North.

Further info via:

www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/gb/en/manchester/manox/hoteldetail

www.refugemcr.co.uk/

http://tattu.co.uk/

www.eurotunnel.com/uk/

www.iflyworld.co.uk/

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The trip is a pilgrimage and will follow the famous El Camino route. Rafal also hopes to use the trip to draw attention to the need for the rights of EU citizens and Britons abroad to be ring-fenced post Brexit. Speaking from his home near Bridgwater just before setting out, he said: “The Green Card for Europe proposal can help EU citizens in the UK and Britons abroad post Brexit because it will give us a physical proof of our status.

This is so important because many of us still face instances of discrimination when looking for employment or somewhere to live simply on the grounds that our status is perceived to be uncertain.

So I will be riding towards Santiago de Compostela thinking very much of #the5million and the challenges we are all facing – it’s #the5million that I will be riding for and who I will feel are egging me on.” Rafal is not new to impromptu long-distance travel. In 1982, his parents escaped from Poland during the martial law era.

Rafal was a child at the time but remembers the experience vividly and it resonates with him today. “Not for the first time I am seeing how the political landscape can change very suddenly and in a way that impacts directly on people’s daily lives. Many EU citizens in the UK no longer feel welcome in their own homes,” he said.

The Camino will take Rafal to Dover and then via Paris to the North of Spain and on to Galicia. Along the way he hopes to meet many different people, local residents in the places he visits but also those who like him who are just passing through. “The beauty of our rights to freedom of movement in Europe are that we can use those rights to study, to work, to settle, to retire in another member state or just to visit, even for an extended period,” he said.

Asked about the British people he may meet along the way, he commented: “I am especially looking forward to meeting British citizens living in France and Spain and exchanging experiences about how they are doing post Brexit.

Freedom of movement is a big issue for Britons abroad and the Green Card can help with that.” During the trip, Rafal is hoping to raise funds which can support the award-winning New Europeans campaign for an EU Green Card.

The proposal was looked at by both the Civil Liberties and Constitutional Affairs Committees of the European parliament prior to the elections and the parliament is expected to return to a discussion of the proposal soon after it reconvenes in Strasbourg on 2 July.

Roger Casale, the Founder and General Secretary of New Europeans said: “We are thrilled that Rafal has chosen our Green Card campaign as the focus for his fund-raising activities as he heads to Santiago de Compostela on what will be an extraordinary journey through Europe.

The protection of the rights of EU citizens already in the UK and Britons living in Europe is one of the very few issues has support on both sides of the channel and from all parties. The Green Card offers a practical way forward to achieve a result that everybody says they want. Rafal’s journey will draw attention to the EU Green Card for Europe campaign and I hope it will hasten the day when we see it introduced.”

For more information on El Camino for a Green Card for Europe, click here.

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