The Bee that Never Sleeps

NEVER SLEEPS

Stories of resilience, identity, and belonging in Manchester

A city built on industry, shaped by identity, and sustained by pride.

DISCOVER . CONNECT . INNOVATE . DISCOVER . CONNECT . INNOVATE . DISCOVER . CONNECT . INNOVATE . DISCOVER . CONNECT . INNOVATE

THE BEE THAT

ENGAGING THE HUMANITIES II

MANCHESTER Manchester City Centre Photographed by William McCue for copyright free use.

Created collaboratively by Claudia Royle Olena Speak Manchester Metropolitan University Year II Students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CATHOLIC IDENTITY IN MANCHESTER SCHOOLS 01-02 VICTORIAN MANCHESTER AND IMPACT ON CIVIC PRIDE 03-04 DAY & NIGHT LIFE IN THE CITY, BELONGING AS A MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AND THE MANCUNIAN MUSIC SCENE 05-07 Mangopear Creative, Manchester.

Free for use under Unsplash License.

Fore Image: Manchester, UK Published on September 12, 2021 Free to use under the Unsplash License Background Image: Manchester, UK\ Published on December 2, 2020 Free to use under the Unsplash License

FAITH, FORMATION, AND BELONGING Catholic Identity in Manchester's Schools

Xaverian, Loretto, Holy Cross Shared Identity beyond the Classroom In a city defined by industry, diversity, and cultural resilience, civic pride in Manchester is often understood through its visible landmarks — its red-brick mills, its music scene, its football legacy. Yet, beneath these more recognisable symbols lies another, quieter force shaping the identity of the city: its Catholic schools. Institutions such as Xaverian College, Loreto College, and Holy Cross do more than provide education; they cultivate a sense of belonging, moral formation, and shared identity that extends far beyond the classroom.

In this way, Catholic education becomes not only a personal experience, but a significant contributor to Manchester’s civic fabric.

At the heart of this tradition is the legacy of figures such as Elizabeth Prout, whose work in nineteenth-century Manchester exemplifies the intersection of faith and civic responsibility. As the founder of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, Prout was deeply committed to serving the poor and educating young people in an industrial city marked by inequality. Her mission extended beyond spiritual guidance; it was rooted in a belief that education and care were essential to human dignity. The enduring presence of Catholic schools across the city can therefore be understood as part of a Elizabeth Prout, Public Domain longer tradition of faith-driven engagement with community life.

The foundations of many of Manchester’s Catholic institutions are rooted in the experiences of Irish immigrants, who arrived in large numbers during the nineteenth century, particularly in the wake of the Great Famine. Initially small, these communities established schools and places of worship not only to preserve faith, but to create stability and identity in an unfamiliar and often hostile urban environment.

Institutions such as Xaverian College can be traced back to these beginnings — modest, community-driven efforts that gradually expanded alongside the city itself. Over time, what began as spaces for a specific migrant group evolved into inclusive institutions reflecting the changing face of Manchester. Today, colleges such as Xaverian, Loreto, Holy Cross, and Aquinas are characterised by striking diversity, drawing students from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

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Photograph taken by Isabelle and Kasra, Year 10 pupils at Stockport Academy, who joined the College’s Marketing Schools Liaison Team on Work Experience during Year 10 Taster Days.

Continued...

This transformation mirrors the broader demographic reality of the city: according to the 2021 Census, only around 57% of Manchester’s population identifies as White, with significant Asian (around 21%) and Black (around 12%) communities contributing to its multicultural identity.

Religious identity is equally varied, with Christianity now representing just over a third of the population (36.2%), alongside a substantial Muslim population (22.3%) and a growing proportion of residents identifying with no religion.

Catholic schools no longer represent a single tradition or ethnicity, but instead function as spaces where diverse identities converge, reflecting the lived reality of Manchester itself. Civic pride, therefore, is not rooted in uniformity, but in the city’s ability to sustain and integrate difference while maintaining a sense of shared belonging.

This sense of continuity between past and present is further reflected in the enduring presence of religious communities such as the Sisters of Loreto, whose commitment to education has shaped institutions like Loreto College and contributed to the broader landscape of Catholic schooling in Manchester.

While these institutions have evolved far beyond their original contexts, their foundational emphasis on care, discipline, and moral formation continues to resonate within increasingly diverse student bodies. Importantly, this influence is not confined to secondary education. The Catholic presence remains embedded within the wider educational fabric of the city, most notably through the university chaplaincy centred at Holy Name Church, which serves students from Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester, and Royal Northern College of Music. In a city often characterised by constant movement and reinvention, this sustained connection between faith and learning offers a form of stability — a quiet but persistent thread linking generations of Mancunians. Civic pride, in this context, is not only found in visible symbols or public achievements, but in these enduring networks of support, education, and belonging, which continue to shape the identity of Manchester today, often quietly, but profoundly.

Sources ·

UK Census 2021, Manchester demographic data

·

Manchester City Council, Census 2021: Identity Summary

·

Historical records on Irish migration to Manchester (19th century)

· Biographical material on Elizabeth Prout and the Sisters of the Cross and Passion · Information on Catholic education institutions in Manchester (Xaverian College, Loreto College, Holy Cross College, Aquinas College) ·

University Catholic Chaplaincy, Holy Name Church

Authored by Claudia Royle

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Image published on September 28, 2022 Licensed under the Unsplash+ License

BUILT IN BRICK AND STEAM: The Legacy of Victorian Manchester Manchester’s identity is often framed through its present: a city of music, sport, and cultural innovation. Yet, beneath this contemporary image lies a deeper foundation, one forged during the Victorian period, when Manchester emerged as the world’s first industrial city. It was here, among the mills, factories, and red-brick architecture, that a distinct sense of civic pride began to take shape — one rooted not only in economic power, but in resilience, community, and cultural expression.

The rapid industrialisation of Manchester in the nineteenth century transformed it into a global centre of production, particularly in cotton manufacturing. This growth brought both prosperity and profound social challenges, as workers navigated overcrowded housing, long hours, and stark inequalities. Yet, it was precisely within these conditions that a unique urban identity began to form. Manchester became a city defined not only by what it produced, but by how its people endured. Civic pride, in this context, was not simply celebratory; it was hard-earned, emerging from the collective experience of labour and survival.

Alongside its industrial expansion, Victorian Manchester also witnessed a flourishing of cultural and intellectual life. The rise of literacy, journalism, and public debate contributed to the development of a distinctly Mancunian voice. Writers such as Elizabeth Gaskell captured the realities of industrial life with both empathy and critique, most notably in works like North and South, which explored the tensions between progress and human cost. Through literature, Manchester was not only documented but interpreted, allowing its identity to be shaped as much by narrative as by industry. In this sense, civic pride extended beyond material success, encompassing a growing awareness of the city’s social and moral complexities.

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Victorian Manchester Media included with adobe premium.

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This interplay between industry and culture is also reflected in the city’s architecture.

Landmarks such as Victoria Baths stand as enduring symbols of Victorian civic ambition.

Opened in 1906, the baths were designed not merely as a functional space, but as a statement of public investment and communal value, with their ornate tiles and grand interiors reflecting a belief in dignity and accessibility for all citizens. Such spaces illustrate how civic pride was embedded not only in economic achievement, but in the creation of environments that fostered community, well-being, and shared identity.

Importantly, the legacy of Victorian Manchester is not confined to the past. The city’s contemporary identity continues to draw upon this period, both consciously and unconsciously. The preservation of historic buildings, the celebration of industrial heritage, and the continued emphasis on Manchester as a city of resilience all point to an ongoing relationship with its Victorian roots. Even the visual character of the city — its red-brick skyline and repurposed mills — serves as a constant reminder of the foundations upon which modern Manchester is built.

Civic pride in Manchester, therefore, cannot be understood without reference to its Victorian origins. It is a pride shaped not by perfection, but by perseverance; not by a singular narrative, but by the complex interplay of industry, culture, and community. In remembering this history, Manchester does more than honour its past — it reinforces a collective identity that continues to evolve, grounded in the enduring spirit of a city that has never stopped building itself.

Sources •

Historical accounts of industrial Manchester (19th century)

•

Works of Elizabeth Gaskell, including North and South

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Information on Victoria Baths and Victorian public architecture

•

Studies on urbanisation and industrialisation in Manchester

Authored by Claudia Royle

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THE NORTHERN QUARTER - Olena Speak

Northern Quarter is a popular area for shopping, eating and drinking. Located between Ancoats, Shudehill and Piccadilly the area contains a wide variety of independent shops, creative spaces, bars and restaurants.

The Northern Quarter you experience today stems from the redevelopment of the area that took place during the 90s. Prior to the 90s the area was mainly residential with some clothing wholesalers then in the 80s the opening of Affleck’s Palace saw the return of “young people and ‘creatives’” (Manchester’s Finest, 2020). So, by the 90s, it had become a “hotbed” for the counterculture when the city council decided to start redeveloping the area, bringing in local developers Urban Splash. Throughout the 90s the area saw the rise of young people moving in and independent businesses setting up shop (ibid).

Taken by and used with the permission of Olena Speak.

Northern Quarter is a go to spot for many people, for those who love the creative side of life the place has street art, craft & design shops and spaces, and music shops and venues. Some standout places include Piccadilly Records, an independent record shop which opened in 1978, and Manchester Craft and Design Centre, which has been open for over 40 years and offers studios for independent artists and sells art, ceramics and jewellery.

For those going to see the shops there are plenty of independent and vintage stores. A highlight for shopping in the area is Afflecks, this indoor market established in 1982 contains many independent stalls and small shops across three floors in one building. Afflecks offers something for everyone with clothing stores all offering a variety of styles, collectables, tarot readings, crystal shops, makeup, piercings, tattoos, food and drinks. There are also plenty of shops outside of Afflecks. These include vintage shops, such as Best Vintage, American Graffiti which offers vintage, retro and fancy-dress clothes and accessories as well as homeware form the 1940s-1980s. There is also the Empire Exchange, which has sold second-hand collectables for over 35 years.

Moving on to food and drinks, there is a wide variety of cuisine available in the Northern Quarter. For brunch there is 19 Café Bar and Gulf, a Middle Eastern café offering food and Arabic coffee. For food there is Asmara Bella Restaurant, an Eritrean & Ethiopian restaurant, Crazy Pedro’s pizza parlour and cocktail bar, and Evuna NQ a Spanish tapas and wine bar, and Hinterland, an alcohol-free bar and vegan café. Finally for drinks there is Bar Fringe which specialises in Belgian, Czech and German beers, Definitely Maybe Bar located in Afflecks this is an Oasis fan-bar experience with live music and Lost in Tokyo a Japanese inspired cocktail bar.

References: Manchester’s Finest (2020) How did the Norther Quarter become a haven for independents? And is it still? 9 June, Available at: How did the Northern Quarter become a haven for independents?

- Manchester’s Finest Marketing Manchester (n.d.) Explore the Northern Quarter, Available at: Explore the Northern Quarter | Visit Manchester

Taken by and used with the permission of Olena Speak.

There are also various events held in Northern Quarter.

Running from 20.02.26 to the 19.12.26 there is a street art & local stories walking tour which explores hidden corners of the are to offer a closer look and the places and people in the area who bring about the street artworks. For people who like quizzes, from 18.06.25 to 30.06.2027 the Northern Quarter Smartphone Quiz is held at Wilson’s Social every Wednesday at 7pm.

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NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC IN MCR - Olena Speak

Moving away from Northern Quarter there are plenty of other areas and venues offering a busy nightlife Manchester also has an infamous music scene with highly popular bands and artists coming out of the city.

NIGHTLIFE AND LGBTQ+ HUBS

Manchester night life is consistent all week with many club nights which are particularly popular among students, especially the midweek nights. Some student heavy clubs and club nights include: Fac251 “Dirty Antics” (Mondays), Amber’s “After Dark” (Tuesdays), Ark “We Love Wednesdays”, The Deaf Institute “Whip Round” (Thursdays), 256 “We Love The 00s” (Fridays) and 42’s “Urban Legends” (Saturdays) among many more (Fatsoma, 2026). If these aren’t for you then there is also a wide range of other venues offering different tastes in music such a Gorilla and Soup Kitchen.

The Warehouse Project is a standout popular music venue that hosts a variety of club nights and music experiences. Originating in Manchester it holds down the individuality of the city’s music scene (The Warehouse Project, n.d.).

Canal Street, home to Gay Village, is Manchester’s LGBTQ+ hub with plenty of bars and clubs offering a safe space and a good night. Some standout places include G-A-Y, a nightclub centred around pop music with music video walls, a roof terrace and drink offers’, Via is a bar with a gothic interior the place offers nightly entertainment with drag shows and DJs, New York New York which has popular “camp comedy cabaret nights,” (Marketing Manchester, n.d.). Vanilla is a popular lesbian bar that hosts events every Friday and Saturday. There are also some more traditional pubs such as New Union which also offers karaoke. I would highly recommend Gay Village to young adults who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community as this is somewhere that I frequent with my friends. Some of the nights I would recommend are Tuesdays, for students in particular, Thursdays offer a relatively busy fun night without everywhere being overly packed, then Fridays and Saturdays offer busy References: Marketing Manchester (n.d.) Explore weekend vibes. A great thing about the Village is The Village, Available at: Explore The Village | Visit Manchester that it holds a strong sense of pride for the LGBTQ+ community and is an inclusive hub for locals, Fatsoma (2026) Discover all events, Available at: students and visitors alike.

Fatsoma | Discover all events | Fatsoma The Warehouse Project (n.d.) Home, Available at: Home - The Warehouse Project

MUSIC AND BANDS OF MANCHESTER

Evidence of Manchester’s pride in its music is ‘Manchester Music Tours’ set up by Craig Gill. The tours aim to celebrate the music of Manchester by giving fans a tour of the music scene and specifically the roots of the Manchester bands The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses and Joy Division. The tours are now given by Rose Gill since Craig’s passing in 2016. In June this year there are the ‘Manchester Music Tour Special’ and the ‘Joy Division Tour’ with another ‘Joy Division Tour’ in August.

References: Manchester Music Tours (2026) Manchester Music Tours: The Smiths, Joy Division, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Available at: Manchester Music Tours | The Smiths, Joy Division, Oasis, The Stone Roses See Tickets (2026) Manchester Music Tours: Tickets and Dates 2026, Available at: See Tickets - Manchester Music Tours Tickets and Dates 2026 Taken by and used with the permission of Olena Speak.

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Here is some information about some of the most famous bands coming from Manchester

The Happy Mondays – 1980

NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC IN MCR CONTINUED - Olena Speak

The Happy Mondays formed in 1980 in Salford, and pioneered the “Madchester sound.” The band was founded

by Shaun Ryder and Mark “Bez” Berry, who played maracas and did some “bizarre” dancing. In 1990, Rowetta Idah joined as a singer.

Reference: The Manchester College (2026) Happy Mondays | Greater Mancunians, Available at: Happy Mondays | Greater Mancunians

The Smiths – 1982

The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982 and were an indie rock band and were considered to mark the beginning of guitar rock music which dominated 90s English rock. The name was an “ordinary” name as they believed it was time for ordinary people to show their faces. They achieved mainstream success with all four albums reaching the top five in the UK Albums Chart. The members still kept their Manchester routes with Morrissey and Rourke being Manchester United fans and Marr and Joyce being Manchester City fans. Their last album took its title from Strangeways Prison, Manchester (“Strangeways, Here We Come”, 1987).

Reference: This Day In Music (2024) The Smiths, Available at: The Smiths - This Day In Music

Joy Division – 1976/1977

20th July 1976, Bernard Sumner (Barney), Peter Hook and Terry Mason, three friends from Salford, went to the Sex Pistols, supported by the Buzzcocks, gig at Lesser Free Trade Hall, Manchester. They were inspired to make their own music with Barney playing guitar, Peter Hook playing bass and Terry Mason on the drums. Ian Curtis also had an interest in making music and lyric writing, he knew the other three from attending gigs in the city. By 1977 the group were practicing together and would rehearse at the Black Swan pub in Salford.

On January 25th, 1978, they played their first gig at Pips Disco in Manchester. In the summer the band were members of the “Manchester Musicians Collective,” and rehearsed in a converted warehouse which “seemed to reflect and amplify the band’s haunting sound.” In April 1979, they recorded the album ‘Unknown Pleasures’ at Strawberry Studios in Stockport. The album was released in June and three years later, in 1982, the sales reached 100,000 copies. Joy Division had the hit ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ (1980). The band is remembered alongside the legacy of Ian Curtis (1956-1980).

Reference: Joy Division: A history part 1 JoyDiv.org, Available at: Joy Division history - Part 1

Oasis – 1991

Oasis formed in 1991 with brothers Liam and Noal Gallagher who grew up in the Manchester suburb of Burnage. They grew up around music as their father was a former singer and their mother encouraged them to find creative outlets. Noel had a more strained relationship with some of the family which was when he started his songwriting. These songs were some that gave the band success later down the line. Liam had a love for punk rock and was more of a troublemaker. The other members were all from Manchester too: Paul Arthurs, Tony McCarroll (from Levenshulme) and Paul McGuigan (from Salford). Their music is described as “a blend of guitar-driven rock and a catchy, football chant-influenced style,”which became a noticeably Manchester-like sound. Oasis’ music helped to put Manchester on the musical map, enhancing the legacy of previous bands.

Reference: The Manchester Shop (2025) What part of Manchester are Oasis from? Available at: What Part Of Manchester Are Oasis From? | The Manchester Shop Blossoms - 2013 Blossoms first formed in 2013 and released their debut album in 2016 with their members being Tom Ogden (vocals and guitar), Charlie Salt (bass and backing vocals), Josh Dewhurst (guitar and percussion), Joe Donovan (drums) and Myles Kellock (keyboard, synth and backing vocals). The members all lived close to each other in Stockport and came together after they each previously played in different bands, with Ogden and Donovan going to school together. They got some supporting slots for the band The Rifles and were spotted by their manager when playing the O2 Ritz. Blossoms is a band that I have seen live when they played at the ‘Radio X turns ten’ gig in November 2025.

Reference: Mensah, J. (2025) Where did Blossoms get their name and how did they form?

Radio X, 5 August, Available at: Where did Blossoms get their name and how did they form? - Radio X

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“This is Manchester, we do things differently here.”

— Tony Wilson

Manchester, UK Published on September 12, 2021 Panasonic, DC-GX9 Free to use under the Unsplash License The Wall Café, São Paulo, Brazil Published on January 20, 2017 Canon, EOS 60D Free to use under the Unsplash License