We go beyond the confines of Manchester Town Hall up the soaring clock tower to see the magical metallic machinery move about, to stand behind the huge clock faces, to walk along the precarious parapet high above the city and for those on the tours that start on the half hour to have our senses shattered by standing under the booming bell – Great Abel himself. (This bit is not compulsory! You might get shepherded into the mechanical room to see the clock innards do their manoeuvres; just as exciting, but less noisy).

It’s the tour that sold out before Christmas, has been ticking over in 2012, and is back for the Histories Festival.

We will be starting the countdown at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.

* Booking to be confirmed but probably through QuayTickets.