From Grit to Glory

“NOEL GALLAGHER” BY SYLVAIN STRICANNE, CC BY-NC 2.0

“oasis” by Sylvain Stricanne, CC BY-NC 2.0

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Magazine

Contents Page

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A City That Sings - Poppy Fleming

From Grit To Glory - Lois Connolly

‘‘Theaters of Dreams” - Tilly Grint

Where Music meets The Soul

editors note Manchester is home for many of us, a place of resilience and pride Proud industrial roots and loud bands and mouths, we hope you enjoy this magazine!

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8-9 10-11 12

Grime and Youth - Ebony Worral

Manchester Pride - Alice Johnson

Refrences

Page 01

“Haçienda” by Jeremy Keith, Adapted, CC BY 2.0

MANCHESTER : A CITY THAT SINGS LThe music industry in Manchester has been a large part of putting the city onthe map. Manchester is seen as unrivalled as the UK’s music capital (IloveManchester, 2025). Music is important for the city as it has allowed many artists such as The Stone Roses and Joy Division to build there following and grow into the successful bands that they are today. Grassroots venues are incredibly important because that’s where most artists start out (Visit Manchester, 2026). Ellice Edie stated that ‘Manchester has always had anatural, deep-rooted musical heritage – it runs through the city’s veins’ (IloveManchester, 2025) highlighting the strong hold music has in the city and the pride that Mancunian people have towards their music industry. Karen Gaby says that the audiences ‘love to show love and loyalty to musicians’ (IloveManchester, 2025). Music allows for artists and crowds to express themselves and show the globe the passion and love Mancunians have for their hometown and why they are so proud of it.

Many Manchester Musicians such as Oasis, The Stone Roses and Aitch, were all Manchester born and rose to fame through grass root venues and music videos on the streets of their hometown. Manchester has produced some of the biggest artists in the world, yet they never lost their Manchester pride.

Oasis is one of the key bands to not lose their Mancunian attitudes in their music, with Liam and Noel’s loud-mouth, feisty personas matched with their

“Salford Lads Club” by dom fellowes, CC BY 2.0

distinctive Mancunian accents. (Guitarguitar, 2020) This shines a light on Manchester and how the citizens are not ashamed of where they came from.

On the contrary, they want to highlight it and make it recognisable. they want to highlight it and make it recognisable across the globe in the music industry.

All these make music important to Manchester as it allows for artists to express themselves and allow others to understand the culture of ‘the North’.

Additionally, without many of these bands sounds we know today, that had made several other artists popular, would not exist, modern music has a lot to thank for. (guitarguitar, 2020) Finally, none of this could be possible without the grassroot venues, the pride of Manchester, where creativity blossomed, and many continue to do so.

“Rolling Stones Manchester June 2018” by Dark Dwarf, CC BY-ND 2.0

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FROM GRIT TO GLORY How manchester Icons gave the city a voice

For decades, Manchester has represented the epitome of what it is meant to be ‘northern’, through challenging periods of industrial decline, economic hardship and enduring times, the people of manchester turned to music that represented a manifestation on their struggle and the projection of typical life. Manchester developed into a cultural powerhouse and became a beaming source of civil pride, community and northern staple as local people were given a voice. Bands such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Happy Mondays and The Smiths became iconic through their celebration of the working class resilience.

During the late 1970’s and 80’s Manchesters duindustrialistation, the closure of factories and mills, formed challenges of deprivation and unemployment brought new layers ofn hardship, deprivation and social unrest to manchester thying to find its footing through collective action and cultural expression (Ready2Shine, 2025). These somewhat dystopian times and a left political swing against Thatcherism laid rise to The Smiths who represented these ideas openly within popular culture (Peter Atkinson, 2015) . Fronted by Morrisey coupled with Johnny Marr’s innovated guitar work created an influential discography fulled with wit, sharp social commentary and self deprecating humor reflected with everyday experience and feeling within manchester tuning in to to unspoken and experiences that made disillusioned youth feel connected and celebrated against (Blake Emerson, 2024). The Smith established Manchester as a place of authentic feeling and hope against a backdrop of generational misery

“oasis.liam.gallagher.007” by freschwill, CC BY-SA 2.0 Similarly, The Stone Roses brought energy back to the city. Symbols of Manchester United, Stone island and “Madchester”, their indie music was a celebration of youth, nightlife and intrinsic freedom that was central to Manchester's developing eras( Simo. The Spike Island concert in 1990, reclaimed industrial land, celebrated northern pride, collective community and youth culture as 30,000 fans descended the venue epitomizing Manchester emergence as a centre of musical Innovation(Matthew Horton, 2015). Decades later, it is celebrated as capturing a period when Manchester “felt like apart of something” through a culmination of music, football, fashion and dance into a giant community experience to generation of mancunians (Barry Nicholson,2015).

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No band embodies Manchester civil pride more currently than Oasis. Noel and Liam Gallagher produced unapologetic rock music central to working class confidence, demonstrating a unique loyalty to the city that made them big that struck the hearts of all mancunians. Since their emergence in the 1990’s to today, their connection to civil pride through music was epitomised by their 2025 reunion tour after a 15 year split (Emily Zemler, 2024). Their series of homecoming performances at Heaton Park reignited pride within the public, as public transport, pubs, streets and homes were filled with anticipation of nostalgia. The tour also created an economic boom within manchesters crumbling hospitality sector as crowds of 80,000 people travelled to and from manchester to celebrate the musical heritage of manchester and to relive their youth(Thomas George, 2024).

“Morrisey 02” by Martin, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Today, idols of music remain central to manchesters civil pride as they gave back manchester its sense of community, freedom and attitude that had been lost.

Through inspiring lyrics and new tunes, the bands transformed manchester into a city that remembers its industrial past, but is celebrated due to its cultural sphere and unnerving spirit to carry on together.

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Theatres of Dreams How venues have changed the face of Manchesters Civil Pride “Manchester is at the forefront of the UK music scene” – Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council (BRIT Awards Limited, 2026)

Co-op Live is a venue in Manchester that holds 23,500 people, and the venue was opened by Elbow on 14th May 2024 after construction was approved in 2019. The general manager of Co-op live, Guy Dunstan, has referred to the venue as a “must play” (BBC, 2026). Co-op Live has put Manchester on the map and given it a reputation as one of the most prestige venues to host award shows, giving opportunities for Manchester to become equal with London for attractions. On Saturday 28th February 2026, the venue hosted the BRIT awards for the first time and is set to host again for 2027 with the 2026 winners taking home a trophy designed by Manchester-born interior designer, Matthew Williamson (Co-op Live, 2026). Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, referred to this move as an excellent decision due to the city’s “unparalleled music heritage known around the world” (BRIT Awards Limited, 2026). Co-op Live has added to its celebration of culture by hosting the MOBO awards on its 30th anniversary year, which celebrates black culture and excellence in the UK and international arts (Persad, 2026). The founder, Kanya King, said “music is in Manchester’s DNA” and to celebrate the award ceremony, a week long fringe festival was organised (Spina-Matthews and Riley, 2025).

The AO Arena Manchester holds 23,000 guests and brings in over 1 million attendees each year, and has hosted a wide variety of Manchester’s musicians, including Take That and Oasis. Additionally, the arena is the largest indoor sporting arena in Europe, amplifying its audience (AO Arena, n.d.). Opened in July 1995, as ‘The Nynex’, the venue cost £60 million to build and was the biggest indoor arena in the country before the Co-op Live was built, with a name change to the AO Arena following a sponsorship in September 2020 (Lee Grimsditch, 2025). Unfortunately, in 2017 during an Ariana Grande concert, the arena was the location of a terror attack that killed 22 people (National Emergencies Trust, 2024).

Following the attack, Grande hosted One Love Manchester to raise money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, with £2 million raised during the televised show alone, and many artists performing, including Robbie Williams who got the crowd to sing “Manchester, we’re strong” (Hanley, 2017). The attack only strengthened Manchester’s sense of community and showcased to the world how strong and hopeful the city can be, with an outburst of Mancunian pride following. The AO Arena’s history highlights how deeply intertwined music and civic pride is in Manchester.

Located on University of Manchester’s campus, Manchester Academy and its 2nd and 3rd venues have provided a stage for smaller artists since 1963 and has housed both Mancunian and international artists whilst connecting to both students and nearby residents (Students’ Union, n.d.).

Manchester Academy is vital in providing opportunities and chances for up-and-coming artists to reach from smaller venues to arenas, providing an important step between. The venue is well known for supporting Manchester’s own.

Academy 1 is the largest of the three venues and can host 2,600 people whilst the other two, located inside the Student Union, host smaller audiences (Tamzin Rowthorn, 2007). Manchester Academy nurtures new talent that adds to the long history of Manchester’s musical acts and allows for smaller talents to reach wider audiences, furthering the sense of pride these acts feel about their city.

Adapted photo, ”Manchester Is My Heaven” by Paul, CC BY 2.0

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GRIME AND YOUTH The Generational Link Between Civil Pride And Music Grime Music = An evolution of garage music with a heavy influence of hip hop and rap which emerged in the early 2000s.

(Materclass,2021) Grime is a contemporary Black-British music genre which was born out of poverty-stricken areas in East London as it allowed the younger generation to have a voice and present their struggles to an audience, as lyrics are often rapid-fire and raw ideas (Joy White, 2022). Although grime began within just small groups on street corners over the last 20 years it has taken the world by storm and gained not only a large space within the UK music scene but also on the global stage, shown with one of the largest grime artist, Skepta, announcing his 2016 album in Japan (Chantelle Fiddy, 2021).

Despite grime’s roots in East London, Manchester has carved out a distinct and confident place within the scene, one that fuels a strong sense of civic pride.

Manchester managed to take grime and twist it with its own northern twang creating some of the biggest grime artist to date. For many young people grime has become more than just a music genre, it is a way to selfexpress and discover positive role models that they can relate to. Whilst often associated with crime this stereotype is often broken by Mancunian artists.

“Bugzy Malone Silver Hayes” by neal whitehouse piper, CC BY-SA 2.0t

Bugzy Malone – the self-titled ‘King of the North.’ Born and raised in Crumpsall, a Manchester suburb he proudly represents the city’s resilience and civil pride.

Growing up surrounded by violence and instability, he experienced a difficult childhood that eventually led him into gang-related crime. However, after serving ashort prison sentence as a teenager, Bugzy Malone chose to transform his life rather than continue down that path. Using music as an outlet for his experiences and emotions, he released his first mixtape, SwaggaMan, in 2010 and began building a career that would make him one of Manchester’s most recognisable artists (Richard Smirke, 2021)

“Manchester November 2022 (70 of 76)” by gerald murphy, CC BY-ND 2.0

Manchester has many music focused youth groups and charity organisations.

Brighter Sound works with disadvantaged young people vulnerable to crime and gangs but offering music workshops and creative projects which helps grow confidences and fuel energy away from crime into something they can find pride in (Brighter Sounds, 2026) By encouraging self-expression through music, the charity gives many young people a more hopeful future. Similarly, Rising Stars NW CIC helps young people who are already interested in music develop their creative talents through training, mentoring, and industry opportunities, showing how Manchester’s music culture can inspire and create opportunities for future generations (Rising Star, 2026).

For many Mancunians facing hardship, Bugzy Malone has become a symbol of determination and selfimprovement. His story inspires young people to believe that their circumstances do not have to define their future, and that with resilience and hard work, it is possible to overcome adversity regardless of the hand they were dealt in life.

“Aitch @ Rolling Loud Toronto” by The Come Up Show, CC BY-ND 2.0

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MANCHESTER PRIDE A CITY, A COMMUNITY Manchester is a city famous for its music scene; it’s produced some of the most famous bands from Oasis to the Smiths. Not only that but Manchester’s music scene spans various genres that highlight communities and celebrates them. One key community that is celebrated through music is the LGBTQ + community within Manchester Pride.

Music plays a key role in building civic pride by creating unity, celebrating identity, and supporting sense of belonging among individuals who may otherwise feel marginalised. Through Manchester Pride, music becomes more than entertainment; it transforms into a powerful social tool that strengthens connections between people and the city itself (Shapley, 2017).

At the heart of Manchester Pride is its ability to bring together diverse groups through shared musical experiences. Events such as the Pride Festival feature live performances from a wide range of artists, DJs, and performers, creating an inclusive space where differences are not only accepted but celebrated (McQuillan et al., 2011). These performances encourage attendees to engage with one another, fostering a collective atmosphere that reinforces civic pride. When thousands of people gather to sing along, dance, and celebrate openly, it creates a visible and emotional expression of unity that reflects the values of Manchester as a progressive and welcoming city.

“Manchester Pride 2013” by Phil King, CC BY 2.0

Music also serves as a form of storytelling within Manchester Pride. Many songs performed during the celebrations carry messages of resilience, love, and self-acceptance, which resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community (Miyake, Cowgill and Scott, 2023). These narratives are important because they highlight both the struggles and triumphs experienced by the community. By amplifying these voices, music helps educate wider audiences and promotes empathy, allowing people outside the community to better understand its significance. This shared understanding contributes to a stronger sense of collective identity within the city.

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Furthermore, Manchester’s rich musical heritage enhances the significance of Pride celebrations. The city’s longstanding reputation as a cultural hub adds depth to the event, as it connects past musical achievements with present-day social movements (Shapley, 2017). Pride events often incorporate a mix of contemporary music alongside classic tracks associated with liberation and activism, creating a bridge between generations. This connection to history reinforces civic pride, as residents recognise the role Manchester has played not only in music but also in advocating for equality and social change.

“Manchester Pride 2010” by Phil King, CC BY 2.0

Another important aspect of music’s role in Manchester Pride is its ability to create safe spaces. For many individuals, particularly those who may not feel accepted in their everyday environments, Pride offers an opportunity to express themselves freely. Music enhances this sense of safety by creating an atmosphere of joy and acceptance. Whether it is through upbeat dance tracks or emotional ballads, music allows people to connect with their feelings and with others around them. This emotional connection strengthens the bond between individuals and the city, as Manchester becomes associated with positive and affirming experiences.

In addition to emotional and social impacts, music at Manchester Pride also has economic and cultural benefits for the city. The festival attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. Venues, artists, and event organisers all benefit from the increased attention, reinforcing Manchester’s status as a vibrant cultural destination.

This economic contribution further enhances civic pride, as residents can see the tangible value of events that celebrate diversity and inclusion (McQuillan et al., 2011). Moreover, the collaborative nature of music events during Pride highlights the importance of community involvement. Local artists, organisations, and volunteers all play a role in shaping the festival, ensuring that it remains representative of the people it serves. This sense of ownership is crucial in building civic pride, as individuals feel that they are contributing to something meaningful. Music becomes a shared resource that brings people together not only as spectators but as active participants in the celebration.

“Manchester Pride 2013” by Rachel D, CC BY 2.0

It is also important to recognise how music during Manchester Pride can inspire activism. Many performances incorporate political messages or pay tribute to key moments in LGBTQ+ history, reminding audiences of the ongoing fight for equality. This combination of celebration and awareness encourages individuals to reflect on their role within society and motivates them to support positive change. In this way, music helps transform civic pride into civic responsibility, as people are inspired to contribute to a more inclusive community.( Manchester Pride, 2025) Ultimately, music shapes civic pride in Manchester by acting as a unifying force that celebrates diversity, amplifies voices, and creates lasting connections. Through Manchester Pride, music becomes a symbol of the city’s values openness, resilience, and inclusivity. It allows individuals to feel seen and heard while also bringing people together in a shared celebration of identity.

Page 3 BibliographyThom Bradford, ‘Why Manchester is the best UK city forb live music’, IloveManchester, 3 March 2025, https://ilovemanchester.com/whymanchester-is-the-best-uk-city-for-live-music

Refrences

‘Introducing Band on the Wall’, Visit Manchester, 21 January 2026, https://www.visitmanchester.com/ideas-andinspiration/blog/post/introducing-band-on-the-wall-manchester/ Ray, ‘7 Best Ever bands From Manchester’, guitarguitar, 6 November 2020, https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/news/141199/-

Page 4-5 BibliographyAtkinson, Paul, ‘The Sons and Heirs of Something Particular: The Smiths’ Manchester Aesthetic, 1982–1987’, in Regional Aesthetics, ed. by Ian Franklin, Hugh Chignell, and Karl Skoog (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2015), pp. 95–112 https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137532831_5 [accessed 21 May 2026].

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Page 7 BibliographyAO Arena (n.d.), “About”, AO Arena. Available at: https://www.ao-arena.com/about (Accessed 22 April 2026) BBC (2026), “How Co-op Live went from falling air con units to hosting the Brits”, BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy67q6pkpwo (Accessed 3 April 2026) BRIT Awards Limited (2026), “The BRITs moves to Manchester!”, https://www.brits.co.uk/news/2026/the-brits-moves-to-manchester/ (Accessed 3 April 2026)

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Co-op Live (2026), “Brit Awards 2026 with Mastercard Winners”, Co-op Live. Available at: https://www.cooplive.com/britawards-2026-with-mastercard-winners-fhzq (Accessed 3 April 2026) Grimsditch, Lee (2025), “The story of ‘The Nynex’ as the iconic Manchester Arena celebrates 30 years”, Manchester Evening News. Available at: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/nostalgia/story-the-nynex-iconicmanchester-31991698 (Accessed 22 April 2026) Hanley, James (2017), “One Love Manchester: The inside story of pop’s most moving concert – by the people who made it happen”, Music Week. Available at: https://www.musicweek.com/interviews/read/one-love-manchester-the-insidestory-of-pop-s-most-moving-concert-by-the-people-who-made-it-happen/068761 (Accessed 22 April 2026) Persad, Max (2026), “MOBO Awards 2026: Full list of winners including Olivia Dean, Jim Legxacy, Pharrell Williams and more”, Official Charts. Available at: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/mobo-awards-2026-winners-olivia-deanjim-legxacy-manchester-co-op-live-arena/ (Accessed 3 April 2026) National Emergencies Trust (2024), “Seven Years On: Remembering those affected by the Manchester Arena Attack”, National Emergencies Trust. Available at: https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/manchester-arenaattack-seventh-anniversary/ (Accessed 22 April 2026) Spina-Matthews, Sarah and Simone Riley (2025), “Manchester to host Mobo Awards in 2026”, BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd63j6zw7wqo (Accessed 3 April 2026) Students’ Union, “Manchester Academy”, Students’ Union University of https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/manchester-academy (Accessed 22 April 2026)

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Page 8-9 Bibliography-

Brighter Sounds, ‘Our Story’, https://www.brightersound.com/about/ [accessed 17 May 2026].

Fiddy, Chantelle, ‘The Global Rise of Grime’, UD Music, 26 September 2021, https://www.udmusic.org/blog/featured/theglobal-rise-of-grime/ [accessed 20 April 2026].

‘Grime Music Guide: Understanding British Grime Music’, MasterClass, June 2021, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/grime-music-guide#2Z5fNoyKOwfjoafE7cWnHU [accessed 20 April 2026].

Rising Stars, ‘About Us’, https://risingstarsnw.com/about/ [accessed 17 May 2026].

Smirke, Richard, ‘Bugzy Malone: Creation Story’, Big Issue North, https://www.bigissuenorth.com/features/2018/10/bugzymalone-creation-story/#close [accessed 27 April 2026].

White, Joy, ‘Grime Music: From the Corner to the Mainstream’, London Museum, December 2022, https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/blog/grime-music-from-the-corner-to-the-mainstream/ [accessed 20 April 2026].

Page 10-11 BibliographyHowcroft, M. (2023) The cultural politics of civic pride through Hull UK City of Culture 2017. Arts and the Market, 13(3), pp. 138–158.

Manchester Pride (2025) Manchester Pride official history and event overview. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_Pride (Accessed: 15th May 2026).

McQuillan, N., Quinn, U., Murray, A. and Copeland, G. (2011) Belfast’s EMAs 2011 – Beyond economic impacts: Civic Pride. Ulster University.

Miyake, E., Cowgill, R. and Scott, D.B. (2023) Mancunian Pride: The city, lesbian and gay culture, and local music-making practices. In: Music and the Idea of the North. Routledge.

Shapely, P. (2017) The continuing tradition of civic pride: municipal culture in post-war Manchester. In: Tebbutt, M. and Kidd, A. (eds.) People, Places and Identities. Manchester University Press.