manchester town hall visit

Go behind the scenes of Manchester’s Town Hall

Manchester, greater manchester.

Explore the spectacular staterooms and corridors of the Victorian gothic-style Manchester Town Hall.

The grandeur of Manchester Town Hall is revealed on one of the regular tours run by qualified guides. When you enter the building from Albert’s Square you will be greeted by imposing marble figures of two of the city’s most esteemed scientists: physicist James Joule, and the man who split the atom, John Dalton.

Once inside the imposing building, don’t be surprised if it looks familiar as it’s regularly used as a double for the Houses of Parliament for filming. You may have spotted it in films such as The Iron Lady and Sherlock Holmes.

Following the informative tour, refuel at Albert Square Chop House – just across the square from the Town Hall, and set in Thomas Worthington’s iconic Grade II listed Memorial Hall.

Built in 1866, this incredible venue is now a beautiful dining pub, serving up traditional British favourites with a twist.

Finally, relax in the surroundings of your room at The Midland Hotel – another Grade II listed, Edwardian building, with comfortable rooms and a recently refurbished spa where you can let the dedicated spa team guide you through your journey of relaxation.

• Find out more about Manchester’s Town Hall and plan your visit
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• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

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Manchester Town Hall Tour (on Zoom)

Next Zoom tour & exploration : Wednesday 27 April 2022, 7pm. Booking : Please press here to book with Eventbrite . Meet: On your computer! Cost : £8.25. No booking fee.

Manchester Town Hall – the full tour on Zoom!

Yes, while England’s greatest town hall is closed for renovations (reopening 2024), come with us on this ingenious alternative.

Ed Glinert, who has conducted more actual tours of Manchester Town Hall than any other guide and is about to publish a detailed book on the building, will be hosting this virtual Zoom tour.

The format means we can enter every grand reception room, take in the awesomeness of the Great Hall, peruse the Ford Madox Brown murals, descend to the cobbled undercroft, marvel at the Gothic architecture, explain the religious symbolism, identify the statues, monitor the political set-up, recall the fascinating history…and without having to miss out key stops because a meeting room has been booked out.

This offers so much more than was covered in the old tours – and all from the comfort of your own laptop!

* Soon you’ll be able to buy Ed Glinert’s wonderful new book, “Manchester Town Hall: The First 140 Glorious Years”.

Want to know more? Manchester’s municipal palace, in all its grand Gothic glory, comes alive with a tour devised by Ed Glinert, author of Penguin’s  The Manchester Compendium .

This is the de-luxe tour – from the towering spires on the skyline to the mosaics on the foyer floor; from the flowing cotton tendrils in the state rooms to the ouroborus snake at the entrance; from the missing statue in the empty niche of the Great Hall to the tale of John Wycliffe’s bones defining the fifth Ford Madox Brown mural.

Manchester Town Hall is the crowning glory of the world ’ s greatest industrial city, a Gothic Gormenghast of stone statues, soaring spires and religious symbolism crowned with the famous  Ford Madox Brown murals.

Our tour takes in everything – the architecture, the portraits, the pictures, the politics, the Order of the Garter crest, the strange animal that guards the entrance, the legend about the Nazis’ love of the building…right up to the thankfully abandoned plans to demolish it.

Our guides are brilliantly informed, wonderfully entertaining and great fun to listen to. We constantly discover new things and unearth unusual angles about the building. We do more than just point out the bleedin’ obvious; we reveal, unveil, cross-reference. We talk about the sacrilegious placing of a cotton boll on top of the church-like tower; the masonic symbolism to show the “true time” on the clock; the coup within the Labour Party that abolished the post of Lord Mayor.

For a fully detailed, definitive, de-luxe Manchester Town Hall tour, this is the only option. Please read to the end for a full and frank preview!

The tour has been devised by Ed Glinert, author of “The Manchester Compendium”, and no one knows the building better than Glinert, the only Manchester tour guide who has been there during all the great Town Hall events of the last 35 years…from the palace coup of 1984, when the position of Lord Mayor was abolished, to the carving of some of the last Freeman of Manchester awards on the council chamber wall.

If you want to understand Manchester Town Hall, be guided around by New Manchester Walks.  Yes, this is the de-luxe tour.  

A Really Great Review “Please thank the guide today for a most enjoyable tour.”

It’s wonderful when a customer sends an e-mail with the above praise. And that’s exactly what happened after Sue Grimditch’s Town Hall tour.

“Good Morning. Just letting you know how much I enjoyed the Town Hall Tour yesterday with Sue.  It was fabulous – a wonderful experience.  Sue was professional, friendly and entertaining – she made the Town Hall come to life and her knowledge was endless.  She went beyond what I expected and I can’t wait to go on another one.  I have wanted to look round the Town Hall for years but didn’t know there was a guided tour and I couldn’t have wished for a better guide than Sue.

Everyone on the tour was impressed with her knowledge, not only of the Town Hall, but the historic, architectural and political history of Manchester – it was worth every penny.

Well done Sue – and thank you for a most interesting, informative and fun day out.  I’m looking at your brochure and already planning my next adventure.”

You’d like to know more? Ed Glinert, author of Penguin’s Manchester Compendium and editor of Penguin Classics’ Sherlock Holmes stories, sums up the essence of the building and its history.

Fittingly for a city that prides itself as a municipal power on a scale rivalling the great city-states in European history, Manchester Town Hall is the grandest, greatest and most imposing building in the region.

It was built from 1868-77 to the Gothic designs of Alfred Waterhouse whose plan, one of 136 entries, while not the most handsome and not even the winning entry initially, was the one the judges felt made the best use of light, ventilation and the awkward triangular site available.

The Corporation had given no preference for the building’s architectural style, but to emphasise Manchester’s newly found wealth from textiles Waterhouse chose as his model the 13th century Gothic cloth halls of Flanders. He built in brick faced with stone from the West Yorkshire Spinkwell quarries for the exterior, ashlar for the interior, and placed above the main entrance a 386-foot high clock tower. He also included much statuary on the façade. General Agricola, the Roman who founded Manchester in AD 79, is honoured with a statue over the main doorway. Above him are Henry III and Elizabeth I, and there are also statues of Thomas de la Warre, founder of what is now the Cathedral, and Humphrey Chetham who founded what is now Europe’s oldest library a mile away. Inside the ground floor entrance are busts of the scientists John Dalton, with glassware at his feet, and James Prescott Joule, cross-legged, leaning on an elbow.

Inside the building Waterhouse’s skill becomes apparent. Seven staircases lead up from the ground floor; some grand and imposing, others spiralling mysteriously at the corners of the building. On the first floor are the Lord Mayor’s rooms, the Conference Hall, which contains the original council chamber and contains a huge Gothic chimney-piece, oak screen and wrought-iron galleries where the press and public sat, and the Great Hall, the building’s  tour de force , which John Ruskin called “the most truly magnificent Gothic apartment in Europe”. In the panels of the Great Hall’s hammerbeam roof are gilded costs of arms of the nations with which Manchester traded, and on the walls are Ford Madox Brown’s 12 murals which illustrate episodes in Manchester’s history.

The internal courtyard in the basement is often used as a Victorian setting in TV dramas, while throughout the profusion of cloister-like corridors, spiral staircases, bridges and stairwells creates a wonderful sense of drama.

The Town Hall was officially opened on 13 September 1877 with a grand ceremony marred only by the refusal of Queen Victoria to attend. Benjamin Disraeli, the prime minister had to notify the city cryptically that it was “out of the power of Her Majesty to be present on this interesting occasion”. The reasons, undisclosed at the time, were that the Queen was unhappy that the Manchester Corporation had commissioned a statue of the regicide Oliver Cromwell. She was also wary of being seen on the same platform as the one time fiercely radical Manchester mayor, Abel Heywood, who had once been imprisoned for distributing publications which argued for abolishing the monarchy.

Such was Manchester’s penchant for empire building, by the 1920s it considered the Town Hall too small. E. Vincent Harris was duly commissioned to build an extension on an adjacent site to the south, and it is there that the council now meets. Yet ironically when the Corporation commissioned chief surveyor Rowland Nicholas to draw up the Manchester Plan of 1945 in rebuilding the city after the Second World War, he decided the main Town Hall was now too big, and suggested it be replaced at excessive cost with a streamlined modernist replacement. Fortunately for Manchester his proposals were shelved.  

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The atom bomb is hot news right now, thanks to this summer’s big blockbuster film, Oppenheimer, named after J. Robert Oppenheimer, organiser of the Manhattan Project which dropped the bombs on Japan in 1945.

Ed Glinert of New Manchester Walks, who has hosted countless local tours that include stopping at the atomic bunker on Chinatown’s George Street, and gives talks on the story of the atom bomb on cruise ships, relates the full atomic story to coincide with the release of the film and as the 78th anniversary of the dropping of the bombs in August 1945 to end the Second World War approaches. Continue reading →

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Manchester Town Hall

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Discover the Fascinating History of Manchester Town Hall

Did you know that the iconic Manchester Town Hall , a symbol of the city’s prosperity and civic pride, was built in the 19th century? The gothic buildings has a new building adjacent to it, which houses the council chamber . The similar building is a testament to the city’s architectural heritage. Housing the city council and serving as a venue for significant events, this architectural marvel, the great hall, reflects the Victorian Gothic revival style . It showcases grandeur that captivates all who behold it, making it the main town hall. The new town hall extension adds to its splendor. A living testament to Manchester’s rich industrial heritage and historical significance , the Town Hall stands as a proud reminder of the city’s past, featuring gothic buildings, a council chamber adorned with statues, and built in the gothic style. The great hall and sculpture hall of the old town hall building tell a story of resilience and progress, embodying the spirit of an era marked by industrial prowess and innovation.

Architectural Features of Manchester Town Hall

Intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and imposing towers.

The Manchester Town Hall is renowned for its gothic architectural style and imposing towers, featuring intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and council rooms. The old town hall’s exterior is adorned with ornate stone terracotta decorations that showcase the craftsmanship of the era. The great hall and rooms inside are equally impressive.

The Great Hall’s Historical Murals

Within the Great Hall, visitors are captivated by murals depicting scenes of stone buildings, windows, and feet from Manchester’s rich history. These stone murals not only add to the grandeur of the building but also serve as a visual narrative of the city’s past, providing insight into significant events and cultural aspects. Visitors can admire the intricate details and symbolism depicted at their feet.

The Clock Tower and Great Abel Bell

The iconic clock tower houses Great Abel , one of England’s largest bells, standing at a towering height of 300 feet. For centuries, this historic bell has been an integral part of the town hall, building a connection with both locals and tourists alike. Its resonating sound can be heard for feet around. The towering clock tower, standing at a height of over 300 feet, adds to the allure of this architectural building masterpiece.

Red Brick Exterior and Ornate Terracotta Decorations

The building’s red brick exterior complements its gothic design while being adorned with ornate terracotta decorations. These decorative elements contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the town hall and reflect the opulence associated with public buildings constructed during that period.

Manchester Town Hall is a remarkable example of gothic architecture, showcasing its distinctive style through the building’s arched windows. Visitors can marvel at these architectural details which have influenced similar buildings around the world.

The building’s spiral staircases within the town hall not only serve as functional elements but also showcase meticulous design and craftsmanship prevalent during its construction. These staircases offer a glimpse into historical construction techniques while adding to the building’s charm.

The intricate mosaic floors found within Manchester Town Hall exemplify exquisite artistry and attention to detail in building. Each mosaic in the historical landmark building tells a story through its patterns and designs, further enriching visitors’ experience.

The building of Manchester Town Hall incorporated an early air heating system, demonstrating innovative architectural solutions employed during its construction. This forward-thinking approach highlights how public buildings were designed to provide comfort and functionality even in earlier times.

Key Milestones in the History of Manchester Town Hall

Opened by queen victoria.

The building of the Manchester Town Hall, a symbol of the city’s rich history, was opened by Queen Victoria in 1877. This grand inauguration marked the end of a decade-long building construction process and signified a significant milestone for the people of Manchester.

Hub for Political Gatherings

Throughout its history, the town hall has served as a central hub for political gatherings and public demonstrations. It has been witness to numerous historical events and movements , making it an integral part of Manchester’s social and political fabric .

Survived Bomb Damage

During World War II, the town hall endured bomb damage, yet it stood tall amidst adversity. This resilience became symbolic of the strength and determination of the people of Manchester. The survival of this iconic landmark during such tumultuous times further solidified its place in history.

Iconic Landmark

Even today, the Manchester Town Hall continues to stand as an iconic landmark that draws both locals and visitors alike. Its majestic architecture and historical significance make it a must-see destination for those interested in immersing themselves in the rich history of this vibrant city .

The history of Manchester Town Hall spans over a century, encompassing significant events that have shaped not only the building itself but also the community it represents. From its grand opening by Queen Victoria to its endurance through World War II, each milestone adds to its allure and importance.

Impact on the Local Community and Beyond

Hosts weddings, ceremonies, and cultural events.

The Manchester Town Hall plays a pivotal role in fostering community togetherness by hosting weddings, ceremonies, and cultural events. These gatherings provide a platform for people to come together, celebrate important milestones, and strengthen social bonds.

Provides Employment Opportunities

The maintenance and operations of the town hall create employment opportunities within the local community. This not only supports the livelihoods of individuals but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the area.

Attracts Tourists Contributing to Local Economy

As an iconic symbol of civic governance, the town hall attracts tourists from outside the district. The influx of visitors leads to increased tourism spending, which significantly bolsters the local economy and supports various businesses in the area.

Symbolizes Civic Governance and Fosters Community Engagement

The Manchester Town Hall stands as a powerful symbol of civic governance while also serving as a focal point for community engagement. It represents local government support for its people and areas while providing a space for public participation in decision-making processes.

By hosting diverse events that bring people together under one roof, this historical site creates an atmosphere where individuals can connect with each other. This sense of unity helps in breaking down barriers between different sections of society, promoting inclusivity within the community.

In addition to its symbolic significance, the town hall’s exterior serves as a visual representation of change within the district. Its grand architecture stands as a testament to progress and development over time, showcasing how historical landmarks can evolve alongside modern advancements without losing their intrinsic value.

Furthermore, by attracting tourists from outside areas, it stimulates healthy competition within the local industry. Businesses vie for attention by offering unique experiences or products that cater to visitors’ needs while enhancing their overall perception of the district.

Moreover, through its support for public events and initiatives aimed at combating air pollution or improving power efficiency in surrounding areas, it actively contributes to sustainable development goals. By utilizing its land effectively and promoting environmentally-friendly practices on-site, it sets an example for other projects seeking to minimize their environmental impact.

Ultimately, Manchester Town Hall is not just a physical structure; it embodies history while constantly adapting to meet contemporary needs. It stands as a beacon of progress that unites people across generations through shared experiences within its walls.

The Influence of Manchester Town Hall on Culture and Politics

The history of Manchester Town Hall has left an indelible mark on the cultural and political landscape . Let’s delve into its impact on both spheres.

Backdrop for Films, TV Shows, and Artistic Representations

The grandeur and architectural magnificence of Manchester Town Hall have made it a sought-after location for filmmakers, featuring in various films, TV shows, and artistic representations.

Its iconic presence in popular media has helped to elevate the town hall’s status as a symbol of civic pride and historical significance.

Platform for Influential Speeches by Prominent Political Figures

Throughout history, Manchester Town Hall has served as a platform for influential speeches by prominent political figures.

From impassioned calls for social reform to rallying cries for equality, the town hall has echoed with the powerful voices that have shaped the course of politics.

Shaping Local Governance Policies with Far-reaching Effects on Urban Planning

The decisions made within the walls of Manchester Town Hall have significantly shaped local governance policies with far-reaching effects on urban planning.

From council meetings to policy discussions, the town hall has been at the forefront of driving change and progress within the city.

Housing Significant Collections of Art Reflecting Diverse Cultural Influences

Within its hallowed halls, Manchester Town Hall houses significant collections of art that reflect diverse cultural influences .

These collections serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of heritage and creativity that has flourished within the city’s vibrant community.

Manchester Town Hall stands as a living testament to the intertwining narratives of culture and politics. It continues to embody the spirit of resilience, progress, and inclusivity that defines this historic city.

Manchester Town Hall: A Symbol of Civic Pride

Stands as an enduring emblem of mancunian identity.

Manchester Town Hall, with its imposing Victorian Gothic architecture, stands as a steadfast symbol of Mancunian identity. The grandeur and historical significance of the town hall resonate deeply with the residents, encapsulating the city’s rich heritage and serving as a tangible link to its past.

The town hall’s majestic presence inspires profound loyalty among the locals, fostering a sense of pride in their city’s history and accomplishments. Its iconic status is not merely architectural but deeply ingrained in the hearts of Mancunians, evoking a strong emotional connection to their roots and community.

Epitomizes Collective Achievements Through Its Architectural Magnificence

The architectural magnificence of Manchester Town Hall serves as a testament to the collective achievements and aspirations of the city. The intricate carvings, ornate decorations, and soaring spires symbolize the dedication and craftsmanship of countless individuals who contributed to its construction.

The Great Hall within the town hall exemplifies this collective spirit through its awe-inspiring beauty and meticulous attention to detail. It stands as a living monument to the collaborative efforts that have shaped Manchester’s history and underscores the enduring legacy of civic pride.

Promotes Unity Within the Community by Representing Shared Values

As a central hub for civic administration and governance, Manchester Town Hall promotes unity within the community by representing shared values such as democracy, justice, and public service. The Council Chamber, adorned with symbolic artwork and historical artifacts, embodies these values while providing a physical space for democratic decision-making processes.

Moreover, the statues adorning the main entrance serve as visual reminders of esteemed figures in Manchester’s history, further unifying residents under a common narrative. By encapsulating these shared values in its architecture and spaces, the town hall fosters a cohesive sense of purpose among Mancunians.

Reflecting on the Legacy of Manchester Town Hall

As we wrap up our exploration of the legacy of Manchester Town Hall, it’s clear that this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant community. From its awe-inspiring architectural features to its profound impact on culture and politics, the town hall serves as a symbol of civic pride for generations past, present, and future. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the influence of iconic landmarks, take a moment to visit Manchester Town Hall and immerse yourself in its compelling narrative.

So why not plan your next visit to Manchester Town Hall? Come experience firsthand the grandeur and significance of this historic building . Let its walls whisper tales of bygone eras while igniting your imagination with visions of the past. The legacy lives on – don’t miss out on being part of it!

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Our Town Hall

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The Town Hall's original mosaic floors from the 1870s include The Bees Landing

The Town Hall is closed to be lovingly restored

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Inside 'magnificent' Manchester town hall - halfway through a £325m restoration

The Manchester Evening News had the rare opportunity to look around the town hall to see how far the major restoration project has come along

• 06:24, 27 DEC 2022
• Updated 15:36, 4 JAN 2023

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For years now, one of Manchester's most iconic buildings has been in hiding. The city's 'magnificent' town hall has been undergoing a major, £325m restoration in the biggest heritage project currently under way in the UK.

Since closing in 2018, the building has become encased by a white weather-tight 'wrap' covering some of the most extensive scaffolding in Europe. Underneath it, specialist workers are carrying out the painstaking task of restoring every aspect of the Grade I listed Victorian neo-gothic building.

The project is now halfway through the construction stage and set to finish in summer 2024 – although it might be longer before it reopens to the public. Once complete, the project promises to make the 150-year-old building more accessible than ever before, with many of its treasures to be put centre stage.

READ MORE: New artisans studio to give window into Town Hall restoration work

However, until then, this remarkable building will remain hidden from view. The Manchester Evening News had the rare opportunity to look around the town hall to see how the project has come on so far and what work still needs to be done.

Over the last two years, old redundant pipes and cables have been stripped out before they are replaced by new mechanical and electrical installations. Heavy engineering works have taken place to create cores for the installation of five new lifts, with the aim of improving access to every part of the building.

Lead architect Jamie Coath said accessibility is a key objective of the project. He explained: "They're serving every level and they're also acting as evacuation lifts in emergencies, but also to make sure that everybody can get to all the interconnecting spaces."

Approximately 3,700 tonnes of scaffolding have been installed allowing for roofing works, stone replacement to the facade and window restoration. Hundreds of leaded and timber sash windows have been restored and refurbished and extensive stone repair works have been undertaken, including the dismantling and rebuilding of 30 out of 34 chimneys so far.

In total, 140,000 tiles across all of the building's roofs are being replaced, including 19,543 on the Great Hall, which is currently covered by one of the largest temporary roofs in Europe, covering approximately 10,000 sqm. The project team is currently part way through the complete replacement of the roof slates and approaching the final stages of the stone restoration work.

Attention will now turn to the restoration of the 'exquisite' internal building finishes and all of the work that will bring the internal spaces back to life. Most of the work inside the Great Hall - which includes repairing the ceilings, putting new windows in and cleaning the stone work - has been completed.

The organ has been removed and is being restored off site, before it will be brought back to the Great Hall where its pipes will be tuned in a process known as 'voicing', which is expected to last around three to six months. Around half of the scaffolding which filled the Great Hall has now been dismantled, with the rest of the scaffolding set to disappear in January.

But the temperature and humidity of the hall is still being monitored to protect the Manchester Murals – a series of twelve paintings by Ford Madox Brown. Steve Hannon, building logistics lead, explained: "Attached to the face we have a Japanese rice paper, attached to that we have a probe and that probe measures our temperature and relative humidity.

"We are micro monitoring these at the moment. I don't think they've ever been monitored to this level so there'll be a record of how we've kept them and that record will stand us in good stead when we bring this Great Hall back to full public events use."

In December, a new feature named the Artisan Studio was opened on Albert Square, offering a fascinating glimpse into the specialist work at the town hall. Passers-by can now watch and listen as skilled artisans carry out painstaking and intricate work, explaining what they are doing in weekly demonstrations.

Stonemasons, mosaic-makers and their apprentices will restart the demonstrations at the studio opposite Brazennose Street in early 2023. As well as safeguarding the town hall and improving access to the building and its treasures, one of the project’s key objectives is to create a legacy of skills, jobs and inspiration, which contractor Lendlease is helping to achieve.

So far, 237 new jobs have been created through the project, 75 level two and three apprenticeships - 68 of them taken up by Mancunians – and a further 48 higher level apprenticeships, including three at Lancashire firm Stone Edge. 'Our Town Hall' project director Paul Candelent said he cannot wait to see the refurbished town hall return to being the 'heart and soul' of Manchester again.

He said: "This project has always been about more than creating a functional workspace for the council to deliver its services from and, looking ahead to when the building reopens, a massive part of what we're doing will open the building for the people of Manchester with everything that that has to offer."

Manchester council leader Bev Craig added: "We've been clear from the beginning that we wanted to have a restoration project that did justice to the beautiful building but also delivered to the people of Manchester and that's why social value has been so important and at the heart of everything we do. From the spend that we have in our local economy, right through to the creation of over 200 new jobs, over 100 new apprenticeships and thousands of opportunities for pupils in Manchester to learn from what we're doing, social value runs at the very heart of what we do.

"Everyone in our city is proud of Manchester Town Hall and I'm proud of how the work to restore Manchester Town Hall is delivering for Manchester people."

Read more of today's top stories here .

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New secrets revealed as Manchester's historic Town Hall undergoes £300m restoration project

Sky News goes behind the scaffolding at one of Europe's largest construction sites, set up to save one of UK's most important buildings: Manchester Town Hall.

North of England correspondent @inzyrashid

Sunday 8 August 2021 00:47, UK

Since 1877, Manchester's crown jewel, the Town Hall, has played host to many civic meetings, hundreds of weddings, Hollywood movie sets, and even the historic announcement of the Brexit referendum result.

Today, it is home to the biggest heritage project currently happening in the country.

By 2024, after spending £300m, Manchester City Council hope to reopen the town hall which will be refurbished, restored and saved from fading away.

For the first time, every inch of this Victorian establishment is being acutely examined, an army of over 400 workers enriched with various skills have the task of preserving and making this building more accessible to the public.

It's become one of the largest construction sites across all of Europe.

Project director Paul Candelent told Sky News it's "a massive undertaking".

"The building is wrapped in a scaffold which is enabling us to get access to all parts that have perhaps not had attention for the best part of 140 years," Mr Candelent said.

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"It gives us the opportunity to actually restore the external stonework facades, the roof will be removed, restored and replaced, all of the mechanical electrical services are being completely stripped out.

"Effectively, we're making the building fit for purpose for the next 140 years."

In the middle of this six-year restoration programme, through the sheer scale and hidden depths of this enigmatic building, new secrets have been revealed.

Many of them are embedded in the architecture and design - characteristics and features you can barely see from ground level, but with extensive scaffolding in and outside of this building, we can now see Manchester Town Hall like we've never seen before.

From the intricacy of 140-year-old paintings on the roof of the Great Hall, to the fine detailed stonework of statues and gargoyles proudly standing 250ft high, contractors working on the building's plumbing uncovered an underground brick tunnel, and in the corner of the Lord Mayor's chamber, a cast-iron spiral staircase was also discovered.

Mr Candelent said: "As we go around the building and peel back the layers, we're uncovering lots of different detail, which is actually fascinating.

"There are plenty of surprises.

"We've uncovered loads of artefacts which talk a little bit to the social history for this building. Old cigarette packets and beer bottles hidden away below floorboards and in secret cubby holes up in the roof space."

This project comes with a heavy price tag and Manchester City Council - which will foot the £300m bill - says it's worth every single penny.

Bev Craig, the council's deputy leader, said without this work the city would "risk losing the building forever".

She told Sky News: "It's been a really difficult time for local governments over the last 10 years, we've seen our budgets reduced year on year."

She added: "I would emphasise, this doesn't take away from the money we spend on services, because this is long-term borrowing.

"Essentially we had one shot at this. We could have spent less amount of money and we'd have to come back in 10 years' time to do more work to it.

"So we wanted to do it one go, minimize disruption, do the job properly and make sure we have something that we will all be proud of."

Naturally, Manchester's Town Hall means so much to the city, but the Grade I listed building also has architectural impact around the world.

It's why organisations like Historic England have been heavily involved in decision making around the painstaking heritage restoration work.

Crispin Edwards, a listings advisor from Historic England, said the intervention is crucial.

"This is Manchester's crown jewel, it's a real icon of the city. But as well as that it is nationally and internationally important," he said.

"It's one of the best Victorian gothic buildings anywhere. It's part of the best civic complex outside of London, it's in the highest grade of listing and on par with buildings like the Houses of Parliament, the quality is the same."

Many involved see this as more than just a restoration project, it's an opportunity to give back to Manchester and allow the public, for the first time, to be able to appreciate one of England's awe-inspiring buildings.

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Manchester. So Close. So Vermont.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here or just visiting, there’s always something happening in Manchester Vermont! From shopping and dining, to cultural, recreational and community events, Manchester is the quintessential New England community. Ideally located in southwestern Vermont, Manchester is easily accessible to the rest of the Northeast but tucked into the Green Mountains in the picturesque Battenkill River Valley. The Manchester Community Downtown features attractive landscaping and streetscaping with historic style energy-efficient LED streetlights and plenty of new benches to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Even The New York Times has recognized our Manchester community and a destination to visit.

• Visit Here . Manchester has over forty fantastic eateries. From casual to formal, international to American cuisine, we have a restaurant you’ll love. And with over a thousand hotel and motel beds, from family-friendly to four-star resorts, you are sure to find lodging to suit your needs. For more information about local events visit the Town’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterGov/ and the Manchester Business Association website https://www.manchestervermont.com/local/  for the most up-to-date information about what’s happening in Manchester.
• Work Here . Manchester is a great place to start, grow or relocate a business. The Town encourages growth and business development, and year after year Manchester has one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Vermont, without sacrificing important services. Join the growing number of businesses, including Vermont County Store, Orvis Company, The Equinox Hotel and Resort, McBride Design, Battenkill Technologies, The Northshire Bookstore, food producers Wagatha’s organic dog biscuits and Mother Myrick’s Confectionery, and financial services Manchester Capital Management, that call Manchester home. Larger companies got their start in Manchester, too. Burton Snowboards was founded in Manchester in a garage in the late 1970s. Visit https://careers.vermont.gov/
• Live Here . Looking for a new place to call home? Manchester is a great place to live and raise a family. From our world-class parks system to first-rate educational opportunities, Manchester is all about quality of life.
• Learn Here . You will find an education system that encourages innovation and personalized learning. Most Manchester students attend Manchester Elementary Middle School (MEMS) through eighth grade, although private options are available. As part of a long-standing tradition, local schoolchildren are dismissed early once a week for ski lessons at nearby Bromley Mountain. This is just one example of how living in Manchester provides the perfect balance.   At the high school level families are provided school choice. Most Manchester families choose historic Burr and Burton Academy, located in Manchester Village, which is renowned for its academics, high SAT scores and college admission rate, and extracurricular and athletic activities. Visit some of our local schools websites:
• http://www.burrburton.org/
• https://www.manchesterschools.org/
• https://www.longtrailschool.org/
• https://maplestreetschool.com/

Whether you are interested in visiting, living or doing business here, you’ll find a warm welcome in Manchester. We encourage you to explore all the possibilities that Manchester has to offer! Disclaimer: All board and commission minutes posted on this website are unofficial and uncorrected and are for informational purposes only. Official copies of minutes may be obtained in the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.

Water Main Cleaning Alert 2024

The Water Department will be flushing water mains in areas of the distribution system. The cleaning program will begin at 7:15 a.m. each day and continue till 3:00 p.m.

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Public building in Greater Manchester

102 artworks

Albert Square, Manchester, Greater Manchester M60 2LA England

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0161 234 5000

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A musical tour of Manchester: from the Hallé to the Happy Mondays

Every genre of music has made its mark on Manchester, including dialect ballads, classical, TV theme tunes and all the strands of post-punk. Welcome to the north-west sound

M yth distorts any city’s musical history, and in Manchester myth looms as large as the new Co-op Live , a £365m, 23,500-capacity mega-venue that opens today and will soon be staging big-name acts, including Take That. So, for every occasion a music fan mentions the hit-making boy band or, for that matter, 10cc or the Hollies, a thousand more bark back: Joy Division, the Fall, Happy Mondays. Not that 10cc were a small Manc band, but they peaked before punk and a wall went up at the end of the 1970s that relegated all that had passed prior to 4 June 1976 – the night the Sex Pistols performed at the Lesser Free Trade Hall – to prehistory, as in dinosaurs, fossils, folk musicians. New hagiographies about music impresario Tony Wilson (1950-2007) are no doubt at the printers as I write. But how about we spend half an hour mooching round the Rainy City aboard the free buses and trams in search of the underplayed, surprising and tangential – with a few Gen X/6 Music standards for when we’re stuck at the lights.

You might not think Coronation Street a promising departure point, but it gives us an in to Bowton’s Yard. It’s one of those ditties that may prompt unpleasant memories of the BBC TV series Sit Thi Deawn, but listen carefully and you’ll hear it is in fact a Victorian reality show made song. Written by Marsden-born, Stalybridge-based Samuel Laycock, it inspired Tony Warren when he was devising the characters for his Weatherfield/Salford-set soap opera. Granada Studios on Quay Street also played a leading role in disseminating the north-western sound, from regional accents to theme tunes to the Beatles’ first TV appearance , in October 1962.

Dialect ballads spoke truth to power after Peterloo – memorialised in 2019 by Jeremy Deller’s burial mound-like stone tump – and during the cotton famine . To spread the word, broadsides were run off at printers around the Oldham Street-Swan Street junction. Lancashire songs were central to the folk revival of the 1960s. Harry Boardman, a singer and collector from Failsworth, unearthed many anonymous songs of protest and historical record. Edward II has recorded a reggae version of the Great Flood, about the time the Medlock burst its banks in 1872. Jennifer Reid , from Middleton, performs The New Poor Law Bill a cappella on her album Gradely Manchester.

The most famous folk number, Ewan MacColl’s Dirty Old Town , alludes to a “gasworks wall” or “gasworks croft”, depending on the version. The works were in Ordsall, bounded by West Egerton Street, Liverpool Street and Regent Road. Prior to their demolition in 2019, a prosaic infographic (not quite a “ muriel ”) was placed on the West Egerton Street wall. The Working Class Movement Library is a repository of MacColl’s work and life and has significant holdings of sheet music and song lyrics.

The Hallé Orchestra was founded by Sir Charles Hallé, who was conductor for the first concert at the Free Trade Hall on 30 January 1858. The Hallé premiered Elgar’s Symphony No 1 and Vaughan Williams’s Symphony No 8. The latter, dedicated to the orchestra’s celebrated conductor John Barbirolli, took place at the Kings Hall , a converted tea house at Belle Vue (demolished to make way for a car auction centre) on 2 May 1956. The BBC recorded it a few days later. The third movement, a cavatina, is a swirl of lark-like ascents and descents.

Since 1996, the orchestra’s HQ has been the purpose-built, vibration-proof Bridgewater Hall , with former St Peter’s church in Ancoats, a hulking redbrick Romanesque building, used for rehearsals, recordings and intimate shows. Manchester has an opera house , originally known as the New theatre. Recent shows include The Full Monty and Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, but it may get weightier fare as the ENO relocates to Manchester over the next five years. The region’s greatest opera singer was, like so much Manchester talent, from way outside town. Tom Burke, a miner from Leigh, was known as the “ Lancashire Caruso ”. What used to be the city’s Hippodrome is now a Wetherspoons named after him.

The Manchester School includes Accrington-born Harrison Birtwistle, Salford’s Peter Maxwell Davies and German immigrant Alexander Goehr, who met at the Royal Manchester College of Music in the 1950s. They founded the New Music Manchester group with pianist John Ogdon, who had attended Manchester Grammar School, and trumpeter Elgar Howarth. Exponents of avant-garde experimentation, they shunned cotton-themed concertos and any kind of parochialism.

If Unesco dispensed rosettes for demolition, Manchester would have many. Most of the old taverns that hosted turns, popular dance salons and music hall venues have been razed, together with mills, warehouses and factories. Concert halls and fun palaces were removed to make way for multistorey car parks and office blocks. The Free Trade Hall , where locals including Gracie Fields, Van der Graaf Generator and James played, as well as Dylan (AKA “ Judas ” as he was called at a gig there in 1966 ), Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Genesis, is now a hotel . Does a ribald, rollicking spirit live on from the boozy days of industrial Manchester? Certainly the refurbished Band on the Wall – which reopened in March – celebrates its location on the foundations of the George & Dragon and nearby Rising Sun pubs.

Every genre of popular music surfaced in Manchester between 1950 and the present, including big band, beat, rhythm and blues, soul, chart-oriented pop, punk, goth and all the strands of post-punk. There are not as many landmarks as songs, partly because, as mentioned, the wrecking ball is unsentimental and also, because pop stars have generally used their art to get away – lyrically first, and then physically. The Bee Gees, who claimed to have practised harmonising at their childhood home at 51 Keppel Road , Chorlton-cum-Hardy, never knowingly screamed a word about the town.

Northern soul, which arrived via Liverpool docks and Burtonwood airbase, drew large followings in Stoke, Wigan, Blackpool and, before any of those , Manchester. The Twisted Wheel on Brazennose Street and, later, Whitworth Street, had gigs by the Hollies and Freddie and the Dreamers, and less well-known bands such as Powerhouse 6 , but is best known for its legendary northern soul nights. The building has gone but Twisted Wheel “lives on”, according to a members-only Facebook page , at Area, 50 Sackville Street. The Ritz, on Whitworth St, survives as an O2 franchise. Originally opened as a dance hall (with a sprung floor) in 1927, it hosted a Dancing in the Dark evening in the 50s and 60s, fronted by Crumpsall’s Phil “King of the Ritz” Moss and his Band (which later became a stalwart on TV’s Come Dancing), and went on to transition through beat, northern soul, disco and mainstream rock scenes. The mobile phone firm also owns the famous art deco-style Apollo , long a fixture for bands on tour. Stockport’s MoR hitmakers 10cc were a classic art school, let’s-go-to-London-asap outfit, but they played here when they came home, as did Sad Café.

The Pistols concert in 1976 made the Lesser Free Trade Hall a holy-of-holies in Manc muso circles, but the Electric Circus , in Collyhurst (birthplace of pianist and crooner Les Dawson), earned its credentials through many seminal punk performances, including the first gig by Warsaw (Joy Division’s first name), and shows by Buzzcocks, John Cooper Clarke, the Fall, the Nosebleeds and Slaughter and the Dogs, among others. The fact it had previously been a cinema, Bernard Manning’s Top Hat club and a bingo hall should surely have made it one for the heritage buffs to list.

Richard Boon and Howard Devoto launched the New Hormones label in 1977 at a then ramshackle, now listed former hat merchants’ warehouse at 50 Newton Street . The first release, the Spiral Scratch EP , was a punk watershed and a declaration that bands needed neither London nor major labels. In 1980, Boon and others started up The Beach Club (a reference to the Situationist slogan “Under the pavement, the beach!”) at Oozits on Newgate Street. In 1978, Factory Records began as a WFH DIY disruptive startup at Alan Erasmus’s first-floor flat at 86 Palatine Road (now blue plaqued), only moving to a proper HQ on Charles Street in 1990 – where it was officially incorporated with the catalogue number FAC 251 (the name of a venue for cover bands on the site, part owned by Peter Hook). The Factory was the name of a night at the Russell Club on Royce Road in Hulme that ran from 1978-80; two years later the Haçienda (FAC 51) opened in a former yacht builders’ shop and warehouse on Whitworth Street West, beside the Rochdale Canal. The site is now occupied by “ iconic ” apartments.

The last Factory catalogue number, FAC 501, was used for the plaque on Wilson’s coffin, and no number adorns designer Peter Saville’s headstone for his business partner in Southern Cemetery . Fabled producer Martin Hannett is also buried at the necropolis – said to be entered via the Smiths’ Cemetry Gates.

There’s no better terminus than a musical graveyard. Inevitably, dozens of Manchester music sites are missing from this hop, skip and jump, including Rochdale’s recording studios, Festival of the Tenth Summer venues and countless bedrooms, garages and rave locations. But most tell versions of the same story, just as some songs seem like Venn diagrams of influence; Oasis by Happy Mondays sounds like New Order with lyrics by Morrissey or Ian Curtis, on a bad day (“You went too far, and it’s gone all the wrong way”). If you want to aurally vacuum up every Manc motif in a single song, steam on in to Mike Garry and Joe Duddell’s St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson (Andrew Weatherall Remix; lyrics here ), perhaps while walking from the thrusting Aviva Studios/Factory International behemoth to the Epping Walk Bridge to search hopelessly – à la 80s – for Hulme Crescents and the dead souls of yesteryear.

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