Manchester has been important since Roman times and is today one of Britain’s most vibrant and exiting cities. The birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester is a city of contrasts, a cosmopolitan regional capital of the North West, which has successfully managed to preserve the best of its past with the exciting architecture of its future In Manchester you will find stunning Gothic and Baroque buildings such as Manchester Town Hall, opened in 1877 and state-of-the-art modern structures, which take your breath away, such as the new Lowry. 

Just as Manchester built its reputation on the rapid development of commerce and industry in the 19th century, becoming the focal point for radical ideas of the time, so the city has entered the 21st century at the forefront of regeneration and innovation. 

Manchester has many treasures among its historic buildings. Manchester Cathedral stands in what was the old centre of the town. It was a parish church and became the Cathedral in 1847. It has beautiful carved wood and the widest medieval nave in the country. 

The John Rayland’s University Library, built in the 1890s to commemorate one of Manchester’s most successful cotton merchants, has a number of important collections of books and manuscripts. Evidence of Manchester’s commercial past can be found in many parts of the city and in Greater Manchester in areas such as Rochdale and Chorlton. It was Rochdale that gave birth to the Co-operative movement in 1844 and the Woman’s Social and Political Union was formed in l 905 in Chorlton-on-Medlock. 

Canals and waterways are also part of Manchester’s heritage and signposts of a mighty industrial past. Many of the old quays and canals have been brought back to life with imaginative regeneration programmes. Salford Quays once again thrives with new vitality as does the Castlefield site of the city.  

In 1830 the Manchester end Liverpool Railway was opened to further Manchester’s reputation for innovation and manufacturing strength. Compton’s Mule and Arkwrlght’s Spinning Jenny were to contribute further to the City’s growth and wealth. 

That wealth is reflected in Manchester’s Victorian Heritage. The Midland Hotel designed by Waterhouse, the Central Library and the City Art Gallery, famous for its Pre-Raphaelite collection. Modern Manchester is the city which gave birth to bands such as Oasis, James and the Stone Roses. It’s famous for its football clubs and a certain street - Coronation Street - it’s a shopper’s paradise and much much more. 

The XVII Commonwealth Games proved an outstanding success for Manchester and enabled the city to show off its proud heritage. Visitors received a warm welcome and the whole city worked together to make this one of the most successful ”friendly games” ever.