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'The Millstone welcomes Chanel stars': Manchester prepares for celebs influx as Chanel fever grips the city
Hundreds of VIPs will descend upon the Norther Quarter for the exclusive Chanel fashion show - and The Millstone is ready for them
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsExcitement is building across the city as all eyes in the fashion world will be on Manchester this Thursday for a huge Chanel fashion show. The luxury clothing brand is holding its annual Métiers d’Art event in the Northern Quarter.
Thomas Street has been transformed into a catwalk with a huge canopy constructed above the road. Final preparations are being made ahead of the exclusive show, which translates to “Masters of art”, and a huge mural has appeared on the corner of Thomas Street and High Street.
Big names from the world of fashion, film and music are expected to attend the prestigious show on Thursday evening with a 600-strong guestlist. There are rumours that the guestlist will include celebrities with Manchester connections, including Manchester United legend David Beckham and Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.
READ MORE: Chanel confirms why it has chosen Manchester for huge fashion event
Although the event has been shrouded in secrecy in recent weeks, with a little over 24 hours to go until the big event excitement is reaching fever pitch. Many businesses are having to close for a couple of days during the event, but popular pub The Millstone is remaining open with its famous karaoke continuing to play. It has even put up posters saying it “welcomes stars and visitors to Manchester”.
(Image: MEN Staff)
Regulars at The Millstone have previously told the M.E.N. that they’re excited about Chanel arriving in the Northern Quarter while The Millstone’s brewer JW Lees said that members of the Chanel crew are welcome to come inside to “sample some excellent beer and some top-notch Manchester hospitality.”
However, many businesses in the area around Thomas Street are closing this week due to the Chanel show and there are several road closures in place. Several are receiving reimbursement from the fashion brand to shut and reportedly one bar has been paid £47,000 by the fashion house.
Bars on Thomas Street has announced temporary closures on Instagram, with no further details given. The Bay Horse Tavern wrote yesterday: “CLOSED. 'til friday midday. Ready for a huge weekend from then. Bookings - get em in early i.e now.” Comments were turned off for the post.
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Cane and Grain shared a similar message which said: “Closed. Back Friday - cold ones and barbecue from midday as normal. Bookings - get at the website or DM us! Let's go.” the Smithfield Social shared a post on its Instagram stories saying it would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, but “back Friday as normal”.
The show is expected to be held between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday evening. Following the event the VIPs are to whisked away to Victoria Baths for an exclusive afterparty.
On Wednesday Chanel shared a video created by film director Sofia Coppola celebrating Manchester’s cultural heritage. The “montage” features vintage video clips of street scenes, images of the Suffragettes and scenes from the city’s nightlife.