ManchesterManchester

ManchesterManchester Manchester (Manchester (pronouncedpronounced /ˈmæntʃɛstə/) is a /ˈmæntʃɛstə/) is a citycity and and metropolitanmetropolitan boroughborough

of of GreaterGreater Manchester Manchester, , EnglandEngland. Manchester, which has had . Manchester, which has had city statuscity status since 1853, has a population of 441,200, making it the most populous since 1853, has a population of 441,200, making it the most populous district of Greater Manchester.Manchester also forms part of the district of Greater Manchester.Manchester also forms part of the larger larger GreaterGreater Manchester Urban Manchester Urban AreaArea which has a population of which has a population of 2,240,230, making it the 2,240,230, making it the UnitedUnited KingdomKingdom's 's thirdthird largestlargest conurbationconurbation..

Manchester is often described as the "Manchester is often described as the "CapitalCapital of the of the NorthNorth". Forming ". Forming part of the part of the EnglishEnglish CoreCore CitiesCities GroupGroup, Manchester today is a centre of , Manchester today is a centre of the the artsarts, the , the mediamedia, , higherhigher educationeducation and and commercecommerce and competes for and competes for the position of the United Kingdom's the position of the United Kingdom's secondsecond city city with with BirminghamBirmingham. It is . It is the third most visited city in the United Kingdom by foreign visitors, the third most visited city in the United Kingdom by foreign visitors, after London and after London and EdinburghEdinburgh..[8][8] Manchester is also well known for its Manchester is also well known for its sportingsporting connections, with two major connections, with two major Premier Premier LeagueLeague football teams, football teams, Manchester Manchester UnitedUnited and and Manchester CityManchester City, and hosted the , and hosted the XVII XVII CommonwealthCommonwealth GamesGames in 2002. in 2002.

Manchester is credited as the world's first Manchester is credited as the world's first industrialisedindustrialised cityand for cityand for the subsequent central role it played during the the subsequent central role it played during the IndustrialIndustrial RevolutionRevolution. It . It was the dominant international centre of was the dominant international centre of textiletextile manufacturemanufacture and and cottoncotton spinning spinning. During the 19th century it was nicknamed . During the 19th century it was nicknamed CottonopolisCottonopolis, , denoting that the area was a denoting that the area was a metropolismetropolis of of cottoncotton millsmills. . Manchester City Manchester City CentreCentre is now on a "tentative list" of is now on a "tentative list" of UNESCOUNESCO WorldWorld HeritageHeritage SitesSites, , mainly due to its network of canals and mills, which facilitated its mainly due to its network of canals and mills, which facilitated its development during the 19th century.development during the 19th century.

Liverpool Road railway station, Manchester

History of ManchesterHistory of Manchester

ManchesterManchester developed over little more than developed over little more than a century from a minor town into the a century from a minor town into the world's first and most industrial city. Its world's first and most industrial city. Its history embraces the world's first passenger history embraces the world's first passenger railwayrailway stationstation and first and first publicpublic librarylibrary. It also . It also led the political and economic reform of led the political and economic reform of 19th century 19th century BritainBritain as the vanguard of as the vanguard of freefree tradetrade. By the start of the 21st century it . By the start of the 21st century it had become a post-industrial city had become a post-industrial city dominated by dominated by sportsport, , broadcastingbroadcasting and and educationeducation..

The The PeterlooPeterloo massacremassacre..

Manchester (or Manchester (or CottonopolisCottonopolis as as it was sometimes referred) it was sometimes referred)

during the early 19th century. during the early 19th century.

Early history Early history The Manchester area was settled in or before The Manchester area was settled in or before RomanRoman times. times.[21][21] The The

original fort was constructed by General original fort was constructed by General GnaeusGnaeus JuliusJulius AgricolaAgricola as a as a staging post between staging post between ChesterChester ( (DevaDeva) and York () and York (EboracumEboracum). This ). This Roman settlement was named Roman settlement was named MamuciumMamucium ( (CelticCeltic for " for "breastbreast-shaped -shaped hill") after the hill that it was sited on to be better defensible. The hill") after the hill that it was sited on to be better defensible. The original location of the fort is now in the City of original location of the fort is now in the City of SalfordSalford..

The fort was abandoned in the The fort was abandoned in the DarkDark AgesAges, and at some point in , and at some point in time the focus of settlement shifted from this spot to the time the focus of settlement shifted from this spot to the confluence of the rivers confluence of the rivers IrwellIrwell and and IrkIrk..

In medieval times, this area included a fortified manor house. In medieval times, this area included a fortified manor house. Thomas De La Warre, a manorial lord who also happened to be a Thomas De La Warre, a manorial lord who also happened to be a priest, gave the site to the church for use as a College of Priests priest, gave the site to the church for use as a College of Priests around 1422, and commenced the construction of the Collegiate around 1422, and commenced the construction of the Collegiate Church. The former is now Church. The former is now Chetham'sChetham's SchoolSchool ofof MusicMusic, and the latter , and the latter Manchester Manchester CathedralCathedral..

Around the 13th century, Manchester grew heavily due to an Around the 13th century, Manchester grew heavily due to an influx of influx of FlemishFlemish settlers who founded Manchester's new cotton settlers who founded Manchester's new cotton industryindustry[[citationcitation neededneeded]] and sparked the growth of the city to and sparked the growth of the city to become become LancashireLancashire's major industrial centre.'s major industrial centre.

Industrial Revolution Industrial Revolution In the late 18th century, Manchester may have become the site of In the late 18th century, Manchester may have become the site of

England's first entirely artificial canal when James Brindley built England's first entirely artificial canal when James Brindley built the the BridgewaterBridgewater CanalCanal to bring coal from the eponymous Duke of to bring coal from the eponymous Duke of Bridgewater's mines at Worsley. During the 19th century Bridgewater's mines at Worsley. During the 19th century Manchester grew to become the centre of Manchester grew to become the centre of LancashireLancashire's cotton 's cotton industry and was dubbed "industry and was dubbed "CottonopolisCottonopolis". During this period the ". During this period the canal system grew, and Manchester became one end of the canal system grew, and Manchester became one end of the world's second passenger railway - the world's second passenger railway - the Liverpool Liverpool andand Manchester Manchester RailwayRailway..

Manchester quickly grew into the most important industrial centre Manchester quickly grew into the most important industrial centre in the world, and, significantly, the first industrial societyin the world, and, significantly, the first industrial society[[citationcitation neededneeded]]. The pace of change was fast and frightening. At that . The pace of change was fast and frightening. At that time, it seemed a place in which anything could happen — new time, it seemed a place in which anything could happen — new industrial processes, new ways of thinking (the so called "industrial processes, new ways of thinking (the so called "Manchester Manchester SchoolSchool", promoting ", promoting freefree tradetrade and and laissez-fairelaissez-faire), new ), new classes or groups in society, new religious sects, and new forms of classes or groups in society, new religious sects, and new forms of labour organisation. It attracted educated visitors from all parts of labour organisation. It attracted educated visitors from all parts of Britain and Europe. "What Manchester does today," it was said, Britain and Europe. "What Manchester does today," it was said, "the rest of the world does tomorrow.""the rest of the world does tomorrow."[[citationcitation neededneeded]] Also during Also during this period Manchester saw a rise in its population as this period Manchester saw a rise in its population as Lancastarians, the Lancastarians, the IrishIrish, , JewsJews and many other people immigrated to and many other people immigrated to the citythe city[[citationcitation neededneeded]]..

As well as being a centre of capitalism the city saw its fair share of As well as being a centre of capitalism the city saw its fair share of rebellion by the working and non-titled classes, with the most rebellion by the working and non-titled classes, with the most famous being the events on St Peter’s Field on famous being the events on St Peter’s Field on 16 August16 August 18191819 which have become known as 'which have become known as 'PeterlooPeterloo'. The first '. The first TradesTrades UnionUnion CongressCongress was held in Manchester (at the Mechanics' Institute, was held in Manchester (at the Mechanics' Institute, David Street), from 2 to David Street), from 2 to 6 6 JuneJune 18681868. Manchester was the subject of . Manchester was the subject of Friedrich EngelsFriedrich Engels' ' TheThe ConditionCondition ofof thethe WorkingWorking ClassClass inin EnglandEngland inin 1844 1844, , Engels himself spending much of his life in and around ManchesterEngels himself spending much of his life in and around Manchester[[citationcitation neededneeded]]. Manchester was also an important cradle of the . Manchester was also an important cradle of the LabourLabour Party Party and the and the SuffragetteSuffragette Movement. Movement.

Manchester's golden age was perhaps the last quarter of the Manchester's golden age was perhaps the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Many of the great public buildings (including nineteenth century. Many of the great public buildings (including the Town Hall) date from then. The city's cosmopolitan the Town Hall) date from then. The city's cosmopolitan atmosphere contributed to a vibrant culture, which included the atmosphere contributed to a vibrant culture, which included the HalléHallé Orchestra Orchestra. In 1889, when county councils were created in . In 1889, when county councils were created in EnglandEngland, the municipal borough became a , the municipal borough became a countycounty boroughborough with even with even greater autonomy. During this period, the greater autonomy. During this period, the Manchester Manchester ShipShip CanalCanal was created by the canalisation of the Rivers Irwell and Mersey for was created by the canalisation of the Rivers Irwell and Mersey for 36 miles from Salford to the Mersey estuary at the port of 36 miles from Salford to the Mersey estuary at the port of Liverpool. This enabled ocean going ships to sail right into the Liverpool. This enabled ocean going ships to sail right into the Salford docks. The docks functioned up until the Salford docks. The docks functioned up until the 1970s1970s, with their , with their closure leading to a large increase in unemployment in the areaclosure leading to a large increase in unemployment in the area[[citationcitation neededneeded]]..

Manchester suffered greatly from the inter-war depression and Manchester suffered greatly from the inter-war depression and the underlying structural changes that began to supplant the old the underlying structural changes that began to supplant the old industries, including textile manufacture.industries, including textile manufacture.

1996 Manchester bombing 1996 Manchester bombing

During During WorldWorld War II War II Manchester was involved in heavy industrial Manchester was involved in heavy industrial construction. It was home to construction. It was home to AvroAvro (now (now BAE BAE SystemsSystems) which built ) which built countless aircraft for the countless aircraft for the RoyalRoyal AirAir ForceForce (RAF), the most famous (RAF), the most famous being the being the AvroAvro Lancaster Lancaster bomber bomber[[citationcitation neededneeded]]. The city was . The city was attacked a number of times by the attacked a number of times by the LuftwaffeLuftwaffe, particularly in the , particularly in the "Christmas Blitz" of 1941, which destroyed a large part of the "Christmas Blitz" of 1941, which destroyed a large part of the historic city centre and seriously damaged the Cathedralhistoric city centre and seriously damaged the Cathedral

On On 15 15 JuneJune 19961996, the , the ProvisionalProvisional IrishIrish RepublicanRepublican ArmyArmy (IRA) detonated (IRA) detonated a large a large bomb bomb inin thethe city city centrecentre. The largest to be detonated on . The largest to be detonated on British soil, the bomb blast caused over 200 injuries and heavily British soil, the bomb blast caused over 200 injuries and heavily damaged nearby buildings.damaged nearby buildings.

World War II World War II

The devastation left by the The devastation left by the IRAIRA bombingbombing

RedevelopmeRedevelopment nt

Exchange Square undergoing regeneration.Exchange Square undergoing regeneration. Spurred by the regeneration after the Spurred by the regeneration after the 1996 IRA bomb1996 IRA bomb and aided by and aided by

the the XVII XVII CommonwealthCommonwealth GamesGames, Manchester's city centre has , Manchester's city centre has undergone a continued regeneration. New and renovated undergone a continued regeneration. New and renovated complexes such as complexes such as TheThe PrintworksPrintworks and the Triangle have become and the Triangle have become popular shopping and entertainment destinations. The completion popular shopping and entertainment destinations. The completion of the renovated of the renovated Manchester Manchester ArndaleArndale in September 2006 allowed the in September 2006 allowed the centre to hold the title of Europe's largest city centre shopping centre to hold the title of Europe's largest city centre shopping mallmall[[citationcitation neededneeded]]..

Large sections of the city dating from the Large sections of the city dating from the 1960s1960s have been either have been either demolished and re-developed or modernised with the use of glass demolished and re-developed or modernised with the use of glass and steel, including the and steel, including the Manchester Manchester ArndaleArndale. Old mills have been . Old mills have been converted into modern apartments, converted into modern apartments, HulmeHulme has undergone has undergone extensive regeneration programmes, and million-pound lofthouse extensive regeneration programmes, and million-pound lofthouse apartments have since been developed. The 169 metre tall, 47-apartments have since been developed. The 169 metre tall, 47-storey storey BeethamBeetham Tower Tower, completed in 2006, is the tallest building in , completed in 2006, is the tallest building in the UK outside London and highest residential accommodation in the UK outside London and highest residential accommodation in the United Kingdom. The lower 23 floors form the the United Kingdom. The lower 23 floors form the HiltonHilton Hotel, Hotel, featuring a 'sky bar' on the 23rd floor. Its upper 24 floors are featuring a 'sky bar' on the 23rd floor. Its upper 24 floors are apartments.apartments.

Exchange Exchange SquareSquare undergoing undergoing regeneration.regeneration.

SuperCasino SuperCasino

In January 2007, Manchester was briefly In January 2007, Manchester was briefly awarded the licence to build the only awarded the licence to build the only supercasinosupercasino allowed in the UK, but in March allowed in the UK, but in March 2007 the 2007 the HouseHouse ofof LordsLords rejected the rejected the decision by three votes rendering the decision by three votes rendering the HouseHouse ofof CommonsCommons acceptance meaningless. This acceptance meaningless. This leaves the supercasino and the other leaves the supercasino and the other fourteen smaller sites awarded smaller fourteen smaller sites awarded smaller concessions in parliamentary limbo until a concessions in parliamentary limbo until a final decision is made. final decision is made.

Politics Politics Manchester is represented by three tiers Manchester is represented by three tiers

of government: Manchester City Council of government: Manchester City Council ("local"), UK Parliament ("national"), and ("local"), UK Parliament ("national"), and European Parliament ("Europe").European Parliament ("Europe").

The City of Manchester forms part of the The City of Manchester forms part of the metropolitanmetropolitan countycounty of of GreaterGreater Manchester Manchester, the county council of which , the county council of which was abolished (along with the other was abolished (along with the other metropolitan counties) in 1986. metropolitan counties) in 1986. Manchester consists of several districts, Manchester consists of several districts, but these districts do not represent a tier but these districts do not represent a tier of government, though the names are of government, though the names are used as political wards.used as political wards.

Education Education

Universities Universities

Manchester is home to two major Manchester is home to two major universitiesuniversities - the - the UniversityUniversity ofof Manchester Manchester and and Manchester Manchester MetropolitanMetropolitan UniversityUniversity - which are - which are both located to the south of the city centre. The University both located to the south of the city centre. The University of Manchester is the largest full-time non-collegiate of Manchester is the largest full-time non-collegiate university in the United Kingdom, and was created in university in the United Kingdom, and was created in autumn 2004 by the merger of autumn 2004 by the merger of Victoria Victoria UniversityUniversity ofof Manchester Manchester and and UMISTUMIST. Manchester Metropolitan University was formed . Manchester Metropolitan University was formed out of the old out of the old polytechnicpolytechnic college college in the city. in the city.

The The UniversityUniversity ofof Manchester Manchester, , ManchesterManchester MetropolitanMetropolitan UniversityUniversity and the and the RoyalRoyal NorthernNorthern College College ofof MusicMusic are all grouped are all grouped together on the southern side of the city centre, and together on the southern side of the city centre, and effectively form one large campus along and near to Oxford effectively form one large campus along and near to Oxford Road (with the exception of the North Campus of the Road (with the exception of the North Campus of the UniversityUniversity ofof Manchester Manchester, which was the , which was the UMISTUMIST campus before campus before the merger). the merger). Manchester Business Manchester Business SchoolSchool, which offered the , which offered the first MBA course in the UK in 1965, forms a part of the first MBA course in the UK in 1965, forms a part of the University of Manchester.University of Manchester.

Schools Schools

One of Manchester's most notable One of Manchester's most notable secondary schools is the secondary schools is the Manchester Manchester GrammarGrammar SchoolSchool. Established in 1515 as a free . Established in 1515 as a free grammar school next to what is now the grammar school next to what is now the Cathedral, it moved in 1930 to Old Hall Lane Cathedral, it moved in 1930 to Old Hall Lane in Fallowfield, South Manchester, to in Fallowfield, South Manchester, to accommodate the growing student body. In accommodate the growing student body. In the post-war period, it was a direct-grant the post-war period, it was a direct-grant grammargrammar schoolschool (i.e. partially state funded), (i.e. partially state funded), but it reverted to independent status in but it reverted to independent status in 1976 after abolition of the direct-grant 1976 after abolition of the direct-grant system. Its previous premises are now used system. Its previous premises are now used by by Chetham'sChetham's SchoolSchool ofof MusicMusic. Also, . Also, ParrsParrs WoodWood TechnologyTechnology College College in south Manchester is one in south Manchester is one of England's biggest and most successful of England's biggest and most successful schools and has won many awards schools and has won many awards

Places of interest Places of interest Architecture Architecture

Manchester has a wide variety of buildings, ranging from Manchester has a wide variety of buildings, ranging from VictorianVictorian a global centre for the a global centre for the cottoncotton trade. Manchester also has a number trade. Manchester also has a number architecturearchitecture to modern. Much of the architecture in the city harks to modern. Much of the architecture in the city harks back to its days as of back to its days as of skyscrapersskyscrapers mostly built during the 1960s and mostly built during the 1960s and 1970s, although recently there has been a renewed interest in 1970s, although recently there has been a renewed interest in building more. building more. BeethamBeetham Tower Tower, completed in 2006, includes a Hilton , completed in 2006, includes a Hilton hotel, a restaurant, and residences. It is currently the tallest hotel, a restaurant, and residences. It is currently the tallest building in the UK outside of London. An even taller building, the building in the UK outside of London. An even taller building, the InacityInacity Tower Tower, is scheduled to commence construction in 2007 , is scheduled to commence construction in 2007 behind behind Manchester Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly stationstation..

Beetham Tower on Deansgate. An example of Manchester's new skyscrapers.

Monuments Monuments

Two large squares hold many of Manchester's public Two large squares hold many of Manchester's public monuments. monuments. Albert Albert SquareSquare, in front of the , in front of the TownTown Hall Hall, has , has monuments to monuments to PrincePrince Albert Albert, , BishopBishop James James FraserFraser, , Oliver Oliver HeywoodHeywood, , William William EwartEwart GladstoneGladstone and and John John BrightBright. . PiccadillyPiccadilly GardensGardens has monuments dedicated to has monuments dedicated to QueenQueen Victoria Victoria, , Robert Robert PeelPeel, , James WattJames Watt and the and the DukeDuke ofof Wellington Wellington..

Other notable monuments include the Other notable monuments include the Alan Alan TuringTuring MemorialMemorial (the father of modern computing)in (the father of modern computing)in SackvilleSackville Park Park, adjacent , adjacent to to SackvilleSackville StreetStreet. A monument to . A monument to Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln was was presented to the city by Mr & Mrs Charles Phelps Taft of presented to the city by Mr & Mrs Charles Phelps Taft of Cincinnati, Ohio. The statue, located in the eponymous Cincinnati, Ohio. The statue, located in the eponymous Lincoln Square, is the work of George Gray Barnard and Lincoln Square, is the work of George Gray Barnard and marks the part that marks the part that LancashireLancashire played in the played in the cottoncotton faminefamine and and AmericanAmerican CivilCivil War War of 1861–1865. The success of the of 1861–1865. The success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games is commemorated by 2002 Commonwealth Games is commemorated by B B ofof thethe Bang Bang, Britain’s tallest sculpture, located near the City of , Britain’s tallest sculpture, located near the City of Manchester Stadium in the Eastlands area of the City.Manchester Stadium in the Eastlands area of the City.

Queen Victoria statue in Piccadilly Gardens

Culture Culture NightlifeNightlife There has long been a thriving There has long been a thriving nightclubnightclub culture in Manchester. One of the culture in Manchester. One of the

oldest venues is the oldest venues is the Band on Band on thethe Wall Wall, a live music club in the , a live music club in the NorthernNorthern QuarterQuarter. It was built around 1862 as the flagship pub of a local brewery and . It was built around 1862 as the flagship pub of a local brewery and originally called The George & Dragon. In 1975 it was taken on by jazz originally called The George & Dragon. In 1975 it was taken on by jazz musician Steve Morris and Frank Cusick, and renamed The Band on the musician Steve Morris and Frank Cusick, and renamed The Band on the Wall, a longtime nickname for the club since the late 1920s alluding to its Wall, a longtime nickname for the club since the late 1920s alluding to its stage high on the back wall.stage high on the back wall.

MusicMusic Manchester is home to two Manchester is home to two symphonysymphony orchestrasorchestras, the , the HalléHallé Orchestra Orchestra and the and the

BBC BBC PhilharmonicPhilharmonic Orchestra Orchestra. There is also a . There is also a chamberchamber orchestra orchestra, the Manchester , the Manchester Camerata. In the 1950s the city was home to the so-called ‘Manchester Camerata. In the 1950s the city was home to the so-called ‘Manchester School’ of classical composers, which comprised School’ of classical composers, which comprised HarrisonHarrison BirtwistleBirtwistle, , Peter Maxwell DaviesPeter Maxwell Davies, , David David EllisEllis and and Alexander Alexander GoehrGoehr. Manchester is a centre . Manchester is a centre for musical education, with the for musical education, with the RoyalRoyal NorthernNorthern College College ofof MusicMusic and and Chetham’sChetham’s SchoolSchool ofof MusicMusic. The main classical venue was the . The main classical venue was the FreeFree TradeTrade Hall Hall on Peter on Peter Street, until the 1996 debut of the 2,500 seat concert venue Street, until the 1996 debut of the 2,500 seat concert venue BridgewaterBridgewater Hall Hall..

Manchester’s main pop music venue is the Manchester’s main pop music venue is the Manchester Manchester EveningEvening News Arena News Arena, , situated next to situated next to Manchester Victoria Manchester Victoria railwayrailway stationstation. It seats over 21,000, is the . It seats over 21,000, is the largest arena of its type in largest arena of its type in EuropeEurope, and has been voted , and has been voted International Arena International Arena of the Yearof the Year..[[citationcitation neededneeded]] Other major venues include the Other major venues include the Manchester ApolloManchester Apollo and the and the Manchester Manchester AcademyAcademy. Smaller venues throughout the city are the . Smaller venues throughout the city are the Bierkeller, the Roadhouse, and Night and Day Cafe.Bierkeller, the Roadhouse, and Night and Day Cafe.

Bands that have emerged from the Manchester music scene include the Bands that have emerged from the Manchester music scene include the BuzzcocksBuzzcocks, , TheThe FallFall, , JoyJoy DivisionDivision and its successor group and its successor group New OrderNew Order, , thethe Happy Happy MondaysMondays, , TheThe CharlatansCharlatans, The , The InspiralInspiral CarpetsCarpets, , JamesJames, , TheThe StoneStone RosesRoses, and , and OasisOasis. . TheThe ChemicalChemical BrothersBrothers, although from southern England, formed in Manchester. Ex-Stone Roses frontman , although from southern England, formed in Manchester. Ex-Stone Roses frontman IanIan Brown Brown and ex- and ex-SmithsSmiths MorrisseyMorrissey continue successful solo careers. Other Greater continue successful solo careers. Other Greater Manchester natives include Manchester natives include Richard Richard AshcroftAshcroft and and JayJay KayKay of of JamiroquaiJamiroquai..

LiteratureLiterature In the 19th century, Manchester figured in novels that discussed the changes that In the 19th century, Manchester figured in novels that discussed the changes that

industrialisation had brought to Britain. These included works such as industrialisation had brought to Britain. These included works such as Mary Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester LifeBarton: A Tale of Manchester Life (1848) by (1848) by Elizabeth Elizabeth GaskellGaskell, , [1][1], and , and The Condition The Condition of the English Working Class in 1844of the English Working Class in 1844, written by , written by Friedrich EngelsFriedrich Engels while living and while living and working in Manchester. working in Manchester. CharlesCharles Dickens Dickens is reputed to have set his novel is reputed to have set his novel HardHard Times Times in in the city, and while it is partly modelled on Preston, it shows the influence of his the city, and while it is partly modelled on Preston, it shows the influence of his friend Elizabeth Gaskell friend Elizabeth Gaskell [2][2]..

TheatreTheatre Larger venues include Larger venues include thethe Manchester Opera Manchester Opera HouseHouse, featuring large scale touring , featuring large scale touring

shows and shows and WestWest EndEnd shows, the shows, the PalacePalace TheatreTheatre, the , the RoyalRoyal Exchange Exchange TheatreTheatre in in Manchester’s former cotton exchange, and the Manchester’s former cotton exchange, and the LowryLowry CentreCentre, a touring venue in , a touring venue in Salford. Smaller sites include the Salford. Smaller sites include the LibraryLibrary TheatreTheatre, a producing theatre in the , a producing theatre in the basement of the central library, the basement of the central library, the GreenGreen RoomRoom, the , the ContactContact TheatreTheatre, and , and Studio Studio SalfordSalford. The . The DancehouseDancehouse is dedicated to dance productions. is dedicated to dance productions.

SportSport Two Two PremiershipPremiership footballfootball clubs, clubs, Manchester Manchester UnitedUnited and and Manchester CityManchester City, ,

bear the city’s name. Manchester City's ground is at the bear the city’s name. Manchester City's ground is at the City City ofof Manchester Stadium Manchester Stadium, (48,000 capacity); Manchester United’s , (48,000 capacity); Manchester United’s OldOld TraffordTrafford ground, the second largest club football ground in the ground, the second largest club football ground in the UnitedUnited KingdomKingdom with 76,000 capacity, and England's only UEFA- with 76,000 capacity, and England's only UEFA-rated 5-star stadium, is just outside the city in the borough of rated 5-star stadium, is just outside the city in the borough of TraffordTrafford..

First class sporting facilities were built for the First class sporting facilities were built for the 2002 2002 CommonwealthCommonwealth GamesGames, including the , including the Manchester Manchester VelodromeVelodrome, the , the City City ofof Manchester Stadium Manchester Stadium, the , the NationalNational Squash Squash CentreCentre and the and the Manchester Manchester AquaticsAquatics CentreCentre. Manchester has competed twice to host the . Manchester has competed twice to host the OlympicOlympic GamesGames, being beaten by Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, and , being beaten by Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, and various sporting arenas around the city will be used as training various sporting arenas around the city will be used as training facilities prior to the 2012 Olympics in Londonfacilities prior to the 2012 Olympics in London

The City of Manchester Stadium during the Commonwealth games