PREVIEW

One of Manchester’s historic cultural landmarks was turned pink on Saturday as Afflecks Emporium hosted its first-ever wedding.
The union of Sean Berry and his partner Millie was an unusual occasion - with rings carried by a fellow trader’s owl, and a fairy godmother in attendance - and the couple showcasing the independent spirit that has made the alternative retail hub a must-visit for fans of Manchester’s music scene.
Sean and Millie have been together for 31 years, with Millie saying their time together has been “fun” but that they only decided to get married after a late-night chat.
Once they had decided to tie the knot, finding a venue that matched their tastes proved tricky until Sean, who owns a poster and merchandise business in Afflecks, discovered it was planning to hold weddings.
Sean explains: “We never fixed a date or venue and a few months later Afflecks announced that they’were going to start doing weddings on-site. I’ve been here for an awfully long time I’d love it if we were the first couple to tie the knot.
“Afflecks has been my heart and soul and my DNA for the best part of 38 years so to get married here seemed appropriate and it’s an honour and a privilege,” he added.
Sean first came to Afflecks as a part-time employee in 1986, and fell in love with its alternative ethos, eventually buying the business he helped run.
He said: “I started working part-time straight after college in 1986 I started running the shop that I had which is posters and T–shirts. In 1993 I bought the business and it became Panic Posters.”
Explaining what made him fall in love with the Emporium, he added: “Afflecks is just part of the fabric of Manchester and has evolved and developed as all the music, culture and architecture has. It’s stayed here and it’s one of the most amazing places to visit if you come to Manchester.”
The wedding itself was a quirky occasion - with friends and family joined by feathered and furred guests.
Millie explained, “I just wanted it to be a joyous celebration.”
The wedding certainly was, taking place in front of Afflecks’ famous poster wall on the stairs.
Their beloved dog, Willow was present at the ceremony, along with Aurora, an owl belonging to one of Sean’s fellow traders, who passed them the rings.
As Millie explained: “We’re bringing our dog, and a friend of ours is going to escort the dog with his owl Aurora and then Aurora will pass us the rings.”
To add to the festivities, they even planned a flashmob for after their first dance, ensuring their wedding was as unique as Afflecks itself.
Afflecks Palace, founded by James and Elaine Walsh, has long been a sanctuary for entrepreneurs and a mecca for alternative culture. With more than 70 businesses inside, ranging from alternative clothing shops to retro game stores, it attracts thousands of visitors weekly, having truly come into its own during the rise of the ‘Madchester’ music scene in the late 1980s and early 90s.
For Sean and Millie though it will always be the place that hosted their unusual and fun special day - and they will always be the first couple to get married at this storied Manchester attraction.