"Gelato in July" - Islington Wharf

The first 'Gelato in July' festival took place on Saturday 24th July 2010 at New Islington Wharf, on the corner of Great Ancoats Street and Pollard Street, Manchester.

Islington Wharf is one of Manchester's newest city centre developments, comprising residential apartments with a mid-level garden terrace, situated beside the canal. Hosted by developers ISIS Waterside Regeneration, the festival both promoted the development and gave visitors an insight into the history of the area, which was once home to the Italian community of Manchester.

Anthony Rea was employed as a consultant to source the Italian food, music and historical material for the event, working with Holly Reynolds and Anys Williams from the marketing team. A local historian and ice cream maker, he gave a slideshow and talk on the history of the area and ice cream.

"It was fantastic. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. There were more than 60 people at the talk. The only complaint was from a lady who said that the Italian flags should have been bigger!"

Anthony also organised a small exhibition of archive photographs and text content on the Italian and ice cream history of the area.

Ice cream manufactured by Marco Rea's, a business which originated in Ancoats, was distributed to the residents, and a Marco Rea's ice cream van was on site for visitors to buy ice cream cones. There was also a selection of Italian food and drink, including meats, cheeses and wine for visitors, supplied by Roma Deli of Whitefield.

Outside, musical entertainment was provided by Franco and Antonio Teoli, who played traditional Italian tunes on the guitar and accordion. Around 500 people attended, a mix of couples interested in viewing the apartments and families having a day out. Even the famous Manchester rain held off!