Manchester

Manchester is inviting and different, you will soon see that Manchester is like nowhere else. A free-spirited city demanding attention, Manchester offers a warm no-nonsense welcome. Here you will find a typically northern open-mindedness that challenges you to take part.

Famous for its football teams and for its music scene, this is a down-to-earth city. Manchester, the so-called Capital of the North has overcome the industrial decline of the 20th century and the bombing of World War II and has subsequently become confident and cosmopolitan. Over two million people call it home and most would never leave.

It is well served by buses and also a light rail network. Among its top attractions are the Lowry art complex, Canal Street gay village and Affleck’s Palace.

Brief History of Manchester

Manchester is an exciting mix of both old and new. The innovative shapes and futuristic designs of its modern architecture sit comfortably alongside the spires and gargoyles of its proud history.

Manchester’s history is one of change from a small Lancashire town into the important industrial metropolis that it is today. Manchester began expanding at a very fast pace around the beginning of the 19th century. Unplanned urbanisation was brought on by a huge boom in textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution. Little more than a 100 years have transformed Manchester to the city we know today.

Manchester’s history embraces the world’s first railway station and the first public library. As 19th century Britain embraced free trade, Manchester was at the forefront. By the beginning of the 21st century it had become a major post-industrial city with many educational, broadcasting and sporting institutions.

Living in Manchester

Life certainly is for living in Manchester. It is a cosmopolitan city offering a mix of multicultural attractions. Buzzing with clubs and bars there is never a shortage of things to do.

Manchester was voted the “coolest” place outside London to live in the UK in a survey conducted among people under 30 years of age. In another survey, it came 2nd as one of the top musical cities.

Things to do in Manchester

Manchester offers Daniel Libeskind’s Imperial War Museum North, the Manchester Art Gallery and the Museum of Science and Industry. If you enjoy shows there is the Royal Exchange, the Lowry or one of many other theatrical and concert venues.

Manchester has never been afraid to push boundaries and explore new ideas. Small city centre galleries, fringe events and innovative exhibitions in unusual spaces bring life to the city. Cutting-edge theatrical performances, independent cinema and live bands are all here. This is a city that loves to party. There is a large student population to guarantee a lively music scene.

As for somewhere to drink, you are spoiled for choice. Alongside traditional pubs are cutting-edge designer watering holes. Your only dilemma is where to begin.

Manchester Football Clubs

Manchester proudly boasts two important football teams. The Manchester derby is the name given to football matches played between Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC. Banter between the two sets of fans is commonplace as you would expect with premier football teams. United fans point out that Manchester city have not won a major trophy for quite some time and City fans claim United do not truly come from Manchester!

Manchester United play at the Old Trafford ground which lies just outside the city boundaries. Manchester City Football Club play at The City of Manchester Stadium which it was purpose built for the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and hosted by Manchester. Both grounds are attractive and modern and the envy of many other football clubs.

Shopping in Manchester

Retail therapy is Manchester’s speciality. There is the wonderful Tib Street fashion market on a Saturday, and vintage chic and rare records can be found in the Northern Quarter.

Manchester is shopping at its best. Everyone from Harvey Nichols to Hennes has a shop here. In fact, you would find it difficult to name a store not in Manchester. Exclusive boutiques and unique, individual shops are dotted about the city. Manchester is also a hotspot for collectables. Little arcades are everywhere and, away from the chain stores, you will find quirky and unusual things. Independent jewellers are to be found at The Triangle.

Naturally, designer stores abound. There is a Designer Outlet Village at Salford Quays and The Trafford Centre has over 250 stores from which to choose and is, in fact, Britain’s largest indoor shopping centre.

Regular Farmers’ Markets sell fresh, local produce as well as seasonal European and international goods. Chinatown offers great ethnic shops which sell everything from silk fabric to East Asian foodstuffs.

Individual buildings, wonderful shops, stunning parks, chic restaurants – the city has all of these and they are all uniquely Manchester.