Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter
Overview
The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening.
The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses.
It was art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers the original ceramic art trail & uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We also take a dive into AirBnBs, gentrification, public space & where to sit down.
I donate 10% profit to local causes. Sustainable, thoughtful & inclusive tourism
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
This is a tour for those interested in the city's counterculture with an authentic voice from that scene, told through its street art.
Discussing not only of triumphs in architecture and heritage but real issues facing the city today from social justice to public spaces. The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening. The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the early 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses. Abandoned and ruined it was the public art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers that original ceramic art trail and uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We'll also discuss how the Northern Quarter is used as a film set, and we'll discover the backstreets of the area rather than the major streets and attractions as these are easy to discover on your own (though I'm happy to give you tips on where to explore after the tour, or where to go for lunch etc)
Duration: 2 hours
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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This tour was so good. I’ve recommended it to loads of other people. Such a good activity to do with a few mates and now my head is full of interesting facts about the northern quarter that bubble up whenever I hang out there. Not only did we see a load of things we never would have found on our ...
This tour was so good. I’ve recommended it to loads of other people. Such a good activity to do with a few mates and now my head is full of interesting facts about the northern quarter that bubble up whenever I hang out there. Not only did we see a load of things we never would have found on our own, hear a load of stories we never would have heard about, but we also got a sweet treat as an extra bonus. I’ll definitely do another tour on the future.Absolutely wonderful way to start a Saturday. Tour guide is so knowledgeable, extremely friendly and accommodating to people's needs. We learnt so many interesting things about the city, history, culture & art. I will be recommending the tour to family and friends. A perfect activity for locals a...
Absolutely wonderful way to start a Saturday. Tour guide is so knowledgeable, extremely friendly and accommodating to people's needs. We learnt so many interesting things about the city, history, culture & art. I will be recommending the tour to family and friends. A perfect activity for locals and visitors!Just THE perfect tour around town! I was impressed by the depth of information the guide was able to talk about. Thank You :)
Just THE perfect tour around town! I was impressed by the depth of information the guide was able to talk about. Thank You :)A brilliant way to spend an hour or so. I learned so much about my own city and with a different perspective. Whether you live in Manchester or are visiting a walking tour is a great way to learn and enjoy.
A brilliant way to spend an hour or so. I learned so much about my own city and with a different perspective. Whether you live in Manchester or are visiting a walking tour is a great way to learn and enjoy.Fantastic tour, really interesting insight into the history of the northern quarter and the art that I have never noticed despite living in the city for 25 years! Hayley was a super guide - very knowledgeable and engaging.
Fantastic tour, really interesting insight into the history of the northern quarter and the art that I have never noticed despite living in the city for 25 years! Hayley was a super guide - very knowledgeable and engaging.I'd spent a bit of time in the northern quarter and decided to find out a bit more about it. After the tour I can honestly say I never looked at it in the same way again and I feel like I know interesting bits of history behind every hidden corner. Highly recommend and Hayley is a lovely host. 5 ...
I'd spent a bit of time in the northern quarter and decided to find out a bit more about it. After the tour I can honestly say I never looked at it in the same way again and I feel like I know interesting bits of history behind every hidden corner. Highly recommend and Hayley is a lovely host. 5 stars!