|
• The first industrialized city in the world, Manchester was central to the industrial revolution through textile manufacturing and cotton spinning.
• Home to two Premiership football teams: Manchester City and Manchester United
• Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx, authors of the Communist Manifesto, met in Manchester after moving there to find work in the industrialized textile and cotton mills. Read the BBC's story about Engels in Manchester.
• Manchester City Centre is now a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site for the network of canals and mills constructed during its 19th century industrial development.
• Manchester is fondly referred to as the “second city” of the UK due to economic, cultural, and historical importance.
• In 2007, Manchester’s economy was the fastest growing in the UK and was ranked one of the best cities for business. Additionally, it has a thriving music scene ranging from two symphony orchestras to an extensive indie music scene.
Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most popular football clubs in the world, claiming over 330 million supporters worldwide. It is one of the founding members of the Premier League, which is the top league in English Football League System. “The Red Devils” are the reigning English, European and World Champions with victories in the 2007-08 Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup. Many famous footballers have called the Manchester United their home such as David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Originally founded in 1880, Manchester City is currently a member of the English Premier League. Although “City” has not won a major title since 1976 and has been members of different lower-level leagues, the team currently has top-flight status in the English Premier League. Most recently, “Man City” signed star Brazilian footballer Robinho in a huge steal from Chelsea.
The music scene has always been a vibrant part of Manchester’s culture and the nightlife has come to reflect this influence. It has been home to several famous bands and is a hotbed of up-and-coming indie music. Internationally famous groups like Oasis, The Smiths, and the Bee Gees can trace roots back to the city.
In addition to the big names that have come out of Manchester, the thriving indie music scene makes it certain that there is always new and innovative music to be heard. Musicians play to packed houses in numerous clubs and other music venues every night. Venues range from the 19,500 capacity MEN Arena, the largest of its kind in Europe, all the way to The Roadhouse catering to a more intimate crowd. Read all about the music scene in Manchester.
• City can trace its roots all the way back to the Roman Empire and the construction of a military post in the year 79.
• The textile industry can be traced to the 14th century with the influx of Flemish weavers, making Manchester an important center for woolens and linens.
• The Industrial Revolution greatly influenced population growth and textile technology and manufacturing in the city. The growth of the chemical industry followed to produce dyes for the fabrics.
Manchester is the perfect home base for excursions overseas. With cheap direct flights across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Manchester International Airport is your gateway to easy weekend trips.
• Oasis - Band
• Sir Ian McKellen - actor
• Judi Dench - actress
• John Dalton – famous scientist
• Frederick Henry Royce – cofounder of Rolls-Royce automobile company
• Manchester International Festival: July 2-19
• Manchester Jazz Festival: July 17-25
• Queer up North: May 9-25
• 24:7 Theatre Festival: July 20-26
• In The City: October 5-7
• Manchester Irish Festival: March 6-18
• Manchester Comedy Festival: October 15-25
Official City Visitor’s Website
Manchester’s Essential Student Guide
|
