The old offices of Factory Records (the label behind Joy Division and the Happy Mondays) are now music venue Factory 251, part-owned by ex-Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook.

BBC: Mini guide to Manchester��s music scene

And Hollywood is the fabled fairytale factory - perhaps this is one story with a happy ending.

BBC: The pop princess and the pauper

Both a "repository and factory of stories", anecdotes are archived and everyone goes home with a happy head full of stories and ideas for the next chaotic outing.

BBC: Dublin's underground literary scene