Chanel signs are up and chairs go in as Northern Quarter prepares for global fashion stage

Fashion giant Chanel has put its name up in lights in Manchester's Northern Quarter as it prepares to host an extraordinary fashion show on the streets of the city. The event has been shrouded in secrecy for months, but Chanel has now completed a huge mural on the corner of High Street and Thomas Street as it prepares to host its annual Métiers d’Art show there on Thursday.

Today, for the first time, Chanel has revealed why Manchester was chosen for the fashion show which translates to "Masters of art" and celebrates the artisans behind the luxury fashion brand. They have hailed Manchester an "effervescent city" that has "changed the history of music".

And works are continuing at pace on the stretch of Thomas Street and High Street that are set to become an extraordinary outdoor catwalk in front of 600 VIP guests jetting in from across the world. Film stars, music legends and supermodels are set to be among the guests heading to the Northern Quarter for the event on Thursday night.

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The lucky few in Manchester who have made the guestslist were today sent their official invitations in branded Chanel gift bags, giving details for the first time of the extraordinary event that lies ahead. The main Métiers d’Art show will take place between 5pm and 8pm on Thomas Street on Thursday night.

Guests will then be ferried over to Manchester's historic Victoria Baths for an official after-party where a major new Manchester retrospective exhibition will be on display. The Greater Manchester public will also get their chance to