Wilson's memorial talk 'marathon'

Steve Coogan is one of those taking part in the event

Musicians, writers, actors and other leading creative talents have completed a 24-hour "conversation" in memory of Manchester impresario, Tony Wilson.

Actor Steve Coogan, Charlatans front man Tim Burgess and novelist Irvine Welsh were some of Mr Wilson's former friends and colleagues taking part.

The speech marathon - dubbed the city's longest intelligent conversation - finished at midday on Sunday.

An audience of 200 talented young people also took part in the event.

Organsiers of The Tony Wilson Experience hoped the event would inspire the next generation of creative talent in the city.

'Creative process'

Irvine Welsh said: "Tony was always a great evangelist for Manchester and his music.

"I first met him in the Hacienda and then again a few years later when I got into writing.

"What always struck me was the way he never talked down to people, he always made time for them, no matter who he was speaking to.

"Talking to other people, sharing ideas and thoughts with them about what you do and what they do is an important part of the creative process for most artists and this is what the Tony Wilson Experience is all about."

Hand-picked audience

Other speakers included members of New Order - who were on Wilson's Factory record label - and broadcasters Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie.

A total of 24 key speakers over the 24 hours shared their creative expertise and experience with the hand-picked audience.

The audience was selected from creative submissions they made through the event website.

Creatives gathered at Cathedral Gardens and the Urbis museum in Manchester City Centre at 1200 BST on Saturday until its finish.

Mr Wilson, the former broadcaster, record label boss and owner of the Hacienda nightclub, died in August 2007. He was 57.