What recession: Tushingham Moore parties on as usual

The annual cocktail party for 600 of Manchester's retail property community, hosted by specialist agent Tushingham Moore, will go ahead as normal with little if any change to its lavish trimmings this year despite the austere times.

The 2009 party will be held on 23 April in the Great Hall at Manchester Town Hall, where it has been based for several years. The party began as a thank-you for around 50 clients and associates in Tushingham Moore's office but grew into a headline date on the property calendar.

A spokeswoman for Tushingham Moore declined to reveal the party's budget but said the extensive gratis refreshments would be to the same high standard as previous years.

• Access to the party is strictly by invitation only.