By Joseph Crutchley
Picture this. It’s 1996, alternative rock and hip-hop are dominating the music charts, Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales have announced they’re getting a divorce, and a sudden frenzy of “Spicemania” is upon you.
The Spice Girls exploded onto the British music scene on the 8th of July 1996, when they released their debut single “Wannabe” to record-breaking sales. Together, Ginger (Geri Halliwell), Scary (Melanie Brown), Sporty (Melanie Chisholm), Baby (Emma Bunton) and Posh (Victoria Beckham) have sold over 85 million records worldwide, produced 9 number one singles in the U.K. and received 5 Brit awards.
Over 20 years since their first single was released, Spice Up, an exhibition that showcases a variety of Spice Girls memorabilia, has come to Manchester. Situated at the Great Northern Shopping and Entertainment Complex, the exhibition was created by Alan Smith-Allison and made its debut at the Business Design Centre in London. The memorabilia ranges from iconic stage costumes to dolls and even the Spice Girls’ collaboration with Cadbury!
As soon as you set foot in the exhibition, you are immediately transported to a world of nostalgia, 90s aesthetics and a whole lot of spice. Cardboard cut-outs of the members greet you as you enter, while numerous iconic costumes, such as Ginger’s Union Jack dress and Scary’s leopard print jumpsuit, are displayed on mannequins. Memorabilia such as umbrellas and jigsaws are neatly sprawled across a table, with notebooks and calendars propped up behind them. The highlight, though, comes at the end of the exhibition, where a very 90s mock-up teenage girl’s bedroom strewed with Spice Girls merchandise give you a taste of the life of a devout fan – or perhaps a reminder!
Standard tickets are £10, with a £3 discount for students, and can be purchased via the official website. The exhibition is running from 8th September – 14th October.
Featured image: aAh! In each print issue, aAh! Magazine explores one word which runs as its theme. Next up is The FRESHERS Issue 24/25. aAh! Magazine invites all Manchester Met students interested in journalism, writing, photography and design to pitch ideas to be considered for print publication for the upcoming issue: The FRESHERS Issue 24/25….
Featured image: Seagoth “This album is dedicated to all of the people who can’t take a day off from themselves, to the people who have to face their greatest fears every single day – and to all the pain we feel, may we heal”. – Seagoth on How to Stay Wide Awake. While studying music…
Featured image: So La Flair Theatre Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney graduated last year from Manchester Theatre School. The pair met at a house party in their first year, where Ellie was standing on a table singing her heart out to Florence and the Machine. Megan locked eyes with her and knew they would be…
Featured image: PA As members of BTS embark on their military services, South Korean singer and songwriter Golden Maknae Jungkook is taking a venture into his new solo journey. Jungkook is celebrated for his outstanding stage presence and vocal ability to traverse different genres. With the discovery of his new upcoming album Golden, including 11…
1 Comment
#SPICEUPMANCHESTER – A SPICE GIRLS EXHIBITION – Joey Crutchley