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.

Culture Guides

Cinema

We look at the ingenious, atmospheric outdoor screenings popping up across the North this summer.

Exhibitions

The spring season in museums and galleries continues, with an abundance of new exhibitions all over the North.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House

Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Anita Sethi

Literature

Festival fever has live literature land gripped, and libraries get their very own celebration in Greater Manchester, so you have your pick of performances from a star-studded cast this month…

Music

Some excellent bands descend on Manchester this month, with the old and new guard of post punk in particularly strong supply.

Theatre in Manchester

Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.

Classical Music

We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.

Food and Drink

Plan your May Bank Holidays with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.

Tours and Activities

New in our Tours and Activities section – drink and draw sessions, political reading groups and tours of some of Manchester’s most unique museums.