Where's the big idea?

Andrew Shanahan

Andrew Shanahan maps Manchester’s past

View Where’s The Big Idea In Manchester in a larger map

It’s been said many times that for a mid-sized industrial city Manchester punches well above its weight in terms of its contribution to global development. Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to get a sense of exactly what Manchester and its surrounding areas really have done for the world, so we thought we’d put it on a map.

Contained in our map are just a few of the big ideas that have had their birthplace in Manchester – from politics (there’s a lot of that) to retail and, yes, football. If you think we’ve missed anything out (which we inevitably have) then feel free to add your own point of interest – just click on EDIT, add a place-marker and fill in the information.

View Where’s The Big Idea In Manchester in a larger map.

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.