Why the English National Opera is moving here - and what it means for Greater Manchester

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

News that the English National Opera (ENO) will be moving to Greater Manchester has been welcomed locally - but elsewhere in the country, some people aren't happy.

Plans to make the city-region its 'main home' by 2029 were announced this morning (December 5). It comes just a year after the globally-renowned company campaigned against a decision by Arts Council England to slash its funding unless it moves out the capital.

At the time, the ENO's bosses said a mooted move to Manchester was 'just not doable'. Now, after striking a two-year funding deal with the public body, the organisation says it can gradually make the move up North while continuing to put on a 'substantial' annual season at its current home in London's West End.

However, against a backdrop of funding cuts and plans for a slimmed down part-time orchestra, it is not clear yet exactly what the ENO will look like by the end of the decade. READ MORE: English National Opera moving away from London to make Greater Manchester its new home READ MORE: Private chartered jets and VIPs - Manchester Airport gears up for huge Chanel fashion show Reacting to the news on social media, some have also questioned why the move is necessary, citing Opera North's presence in the region.