Trafford College is celebrating following the hugely successful launch of their new £1.5 million Music Centre on Thursday 6 September 2007. The state-of-the-art premises were officially opened by music legends Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order and Mani from the Stone Roses/Primal Scream.

Along with the rock icons, the centre also welcomed a host of guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Trafford, Access to Music and Rockschool representatives, 96.2 The Revolution and Universal Records. Artists Liam Frost, Karima Francis and Sleepless rounded off the day's events with spectacular performances for the hordes of guests. There was also a surprise visitor as the day's events were wrapping up with Inspiral Carpets' bassist, Martin Walsh, popping in to join the celebrations.

The crowd gathered in the reception area for the official unveiling of the centre with speeches from the new Trafford College Principal, Bill Moorcroft, and Access to Music Director, John Ridgeon. Then came the cutting of the ribbon, which in true rock and roll fashion, Peter and Mani decided to rip open with their teeth!

The pair couldn’t hide their enthusiasm for the new Music Centre and its vision of producing more home-grown musicians of the future. They spent the afternoon chatting with both the media and guests and shared stories about their experiences during an hour-long Q&A session.

They said they were ‘delighted’ to be working with the Music Centre and joked that they could no doubt learn a thing or two from the college's talented students. Peter said 'It’s a fantastic centre and both Mani and I are amazed about what a contrast it is to when we were starting out. Music education back then was like an alien culture'.

Mani commented 'It’s just great to be involved with a centre like this. If there’s anything I can do to help guide young people in their musical careers, then I’m happy to do it. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs and at the end of the day; knowledge is power in the music game. I can speak from experience having signed poor record deals and had really bad legal advice. So the more you learn, the better prepared you are to get out there and make a career for yourself'.

Both artists will continue to support the centre through their roles as Ambassadors and plan to become involved with upcoming student music events.