PREVIEW

Owl And Music History Provide Backdrop For Manchester’s Unusual ‘Afflecks’ Wedding. 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. “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 explained. Sean first came to Afflecks as a part-time employee in 1986, and fell in love with its alternative ethos, eventually buying the poster and merchandise business he helped run. Aurora, an owl belonging to one of Sean’s fellow traders passed them 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!