Manchester is one of the most popular cities to be a part of. It is the capital of the north and attracts hundreds of people every year as an alternative to London. From large scale industries to football legends, Manchester has everything and anything you could think of. And not just that, there are so many facts about Manchester that will surely make you want to move here as soon as possible. In this blog, we have covered some of the best and most interesting facts about Manchester. So keep reading and get ready for an adventure!
Top 15 Facts About Manchester
Manchester is the third largest city in Manchester. It is best known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but the city has also made its mark in the world for plenty of other things. Starting from popular culture, music, and science to politics and football, there is a little bit of everything in this city. In this blog, we have mentioned some cultural, tourist, and fun and interesting facts about Manchester, which are sure to grab everybody’s attention. So, let’s get started
Cultural Facts About Manchester
Let’s start with a few cultural facts about Manchester. And by culture, we mean facts which are fun to know about. Whether you’re somebody who is planning to visit this city for the first time or are already living here, we’re sure you’ll find these cultural facts about Manchester super interesting!
1. Manchester United is one of the most popular football clubs in the world
Of course, this one’s no surprise. Manchester United is one of the oldest and most well-known football clubs in the world. Manchester is where professional football was founded. The club was founded in the year 1878 and has the reputation of being one of the highest-earning clubs in the world. If you’re ever in Manchester, be sure to visit Old Trafford, the team’s home ground.
2. Some of the biggest bands in the music industry are from Manchester
Manchester is a city that's filled with creative and artistic people. The music scene is a very important part of this city’s iconic culture and heritage. This is probably where you will find a number of bars and clubs with live performances. Some of the most well-known bands from Manchester are Oasis, The Smiths, and 1975. Take the time to visit some of the Best Clubs in Manchester, and you may find an iconic band in the making yourself!
3. Home to the annual World Pie Eating Championships
Held at Harry’s Bar in Wigan, the annual World Pie Eating championship is one of the best facts about Manchester. This event started back in 1992 and people from all over the world come to participate in this iconic event. If you’re competitive and love a good pie, then this one’s for you!
4. Rolls Royce was founded at The Midland Hotel
One of the oldest and popular hotels in Manchester, The Midland Hotel, is more than just a hotel. It is also where the iconic luxury car brand Rolls Royce was founded. Charles Stewart Rolls met Frederick Henry Royce in 1904 on Wednesday 4th May, and the rest is history.
5. J K Rowling thought of Harry Potter parts in Manchester
It may interest all the Potterheads out there that J K Rowling came up with the idea for Harry Potter on a train from Manchester to London. Additionally, she also invented the game of Quidditch in Manchester!
Weren’t these facts about Manchester super interesting? Thankfully, we’re not done yet! It’s time to learn a few more facts about Manchester which are good for tourists and visitors alike. And meanwhile, you can also read the 12 Best Thrift Stores in Manchester and be a part of this iconic community!
Tourist Facts About Manchester
Manchester is one of the most iconic places to be. As such, this magnificent city welcomes tourists from all over the world. From students to working professionals, this city sees over 5 million international visitors. So, if you’re one of them, we think you’d enjoy these interesting facts about Manchester related to tourists and tourism. Let's have a look at some of them!
6. Manchester has the largest city centre shopping area - Manchester Arndale
The Arndale Centre was built in 1972. At the moment, it is the biggest shopping mall in a city centre in Europe. Also, the mall even has its own radio station broadcast inside, called Center Sound. You can surely find almost everything here!
7. ‘Peaky Blinders’ was filmed in Manchester
Are you a fan of the sensational show Peaky Blinders? If yes, then this fact about Manchester may interest you. While the show is meant to be set in Birmingham, a lot of scenes of the series were filmed in Liverpool and Manchester. Since Manchester has an industrial background, it served as the perfect spot for filming.
8. Manchester is where the atom was first split
When discussing the best facts about Manchester, this one is definitely worth adding to the list. The first time the atom was split happened at Manchester University by Ernest Rutherford. He was a teacher at the university and also the winner of a Nobel Prize in the field of Chemistry back in 1908. If you wish to win your own Nobel Prize one day, start by reading our blog on the best Universities in Manchester!
9. UK’s first public library opened in Manchester
Another interesting fact about Manchester UK is that Chetham’s Library was first opened here in the year 1653. The library is one of the oldest public libraries in the English-speaking world and has a collection of over 100,000 books.
10. Manchester started the Industrial Revolution
This one is probably one of the most famous facts about Manchester. The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1761 led to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Manchester. Due to this, the city played an important role in the manufacturing of cotton and textile industries. If history and science are something that interests you, learn more about the 25 Best Museums in Manchester, which can give you incredible insights into the history of this city too!
Fun and Interesting Facts About Manchester
Now that we have covered 10 facts about Manchester related to tourists and culture, it’s time to discuss some interesting facts about Manchester definitely worth knowing. These facts are unique to the city in their own ways and will help you understand the city better too. Keep reading to know more fun facts about Manchester UK:
11. The Commonwealth Games in 2002 were held in Manchester
Before the 2012 Olympics took place in London, the Commonwealth Games was the biggest multi-sports the UK ever hosted. Thanks to this event, the city saw loads of investments and regeneration, providing people with jobs and a boost to the economy as well. The City of Manchester Stadium was built for the Commonwealth Games, in which England won a total of 165 medals.
12. Workers Bees are symbolic of Manchester
During the industrial revolution, the worker bee gained notoriety in Manchester as a symbol of the perseverance of those employed in the city's bustling industries and cotton mills. The bee became especially prominent as a symbol of strength and anti-terrorism after the Manchester Arena Bombing in 2017.
13. The Suffragette Movement started in Manchester
Easily one of the most important and interesting facts about Manchester UK is the beginning of this movement. To provide context, the Suffragettes were part of the 'Votes for Women' campaign that had long fought for the right of women to vote in the UK. Subsequently, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903, in Manchester.
14. No statue of a woman except Queen Victoria until 2019
Shockingly, the only statue of a woman in Manchester was of Queen Victoria. That changed when Manchester built a statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the Suffragette Movement. A rather monumental event in the history of Manchester, we think!
15. The vegetarian movement was founded in Manchester
One of the best and most interesting facts about Manchester is that the vegetarian movement was founded here. Founded in 1847 by William Cowherd, the vegetarian movement encouraged followers to follow a meat-free diet and lifestyle.
And there you have it, a list of 15 of the most fun and interesting facts about Manchester. If this blog has got you intrigued enough to move there for educational purposes, then have a look at our Student Housing Guide for Manchester, which will answer any questions you may have. Manchester stands as a city deeply rooted in history, culture, and innovation. From its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution to its vibrant musical legacy, the city continues to evolve while preserving its rich heritage.