Manchester, often known as the UK’s second city, is the main population center in the Greater Manchester metropolitan area. This metropolitan area includes towns such as Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Stockport, Trafford and Salford.
Following the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894 and the economic boom following the industrial revolution, the city became a major player in the global cotton and textiles industry. This gave the city the nickname “Warehouse City”.
What’s in Manchester?
After massive investment following the IRA disaster and the 17th commonwealth games, Manchester city centre went under major redevelopment. This new area contains completely redesigned modern areas such as the Manchester Arndale, the Printworks and the Corn Exchange. This is nowhere more apparent than in Hulme which is one of Europe’s most redeveloped areas! This redevelopment has made Manchester into a truly modern, international and future facing city.
Sports and Music
Manchester is a world-leader in sports. It is home to two major premier-league football teams, Manchester United, and Manchester City. The city is also a music hub. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, Stone Roses, Elbow, Take That, and the Happy Mondays all call Manchester home. Amazingly, this list doesn’t even begin to cover the extent of the Manchester music scene.
Educational Institutions
Manchester has an incredibly wide range of academic institutions. The University of Manchester and the Manchester Metropolitan University are both recognised as world centers of excellence that each create world-leading research. Following the huge local music scene, Manchester is home to the Royal Northern College of Music and the Chethams School of Music. This means that exceedingly high quality music education is available in Manchester, regardless of age.
Museums and Art Galleries
If you are looking for something to do in Manchester, the Museum of Science and Industry, Museum of Transport, Imperial War Museum North and the Manchester Museum allow visitors to learn about the history of the city in their own unique way. Alternatively, Manchester is home to a thriving art scene which centers around the Manchester Art Gallery, Lowry, Whitworth Gallery and the Holden Gallery which is housed inside of the Manchester School of Art.