Council commemorates 50th anniversary of Manchester visit by first man in space

A visit to Manchester by the first man in space, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is to be remembered next week, fifty years on.

Following Gagarin's extraordinary transformation from an unknown pilot into one of the world's most famous names, there was a rush of publicity, and on July 12 1961 Yuri Gagarin flew into Manchester .

It was just three months after he flew into space on Vostock 1 and he was greeted by rapturous crowds of thousands at Ringway, now Manchester Airport , before going on a tour of the city in an open topped car.

His route saw school children lining the streets outside their schools to catch a glimpse of the man who had been in space, and also included driving past Manchester United's football ground, where all of the players came out to cheer him on as his car drove past.

His visit to Manchester was prompted by an invitation from the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers - one of the world's largest unions, with a strong presence in the then union-strong industrial north, and whose headquarters were in Moss Side.  Before he became a pilot, Gagarin was a foundry worker and the Union decided to honour his out of this world achievement by offering him honorary membership of the Union .  They duly invited him to the city to receive this and to present him with a medal.

After meeting Union members at their Moss Side HQ, Gagarin's visit ended with a lavish reception at Manchester Town Hall .

Next week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this memorable visit, the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Harry Lyons will be hosting a civic event in the Banqueting Room of the Town Hall to unveil a large framed photograph from his visit and a reproduction of the medal presented to Gagarin by the foundry workers, all marking Gargarin's historic visit to the city.  

The photograph and medal will go on permanent display in the Banqueting Room as a reminder to all those who visit the Town Hall of the city's own small involvement through Gagarin's visit fifty years ago in the history of space travel.

Amongst the crowds lining the streets for Gagarin's visit to Manchester back in 1961 was eight year old Jim Battle - now Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of the Council - who saw Gargarin pass by from his dad's shoulders.  He said: "Yuri Gagarin was welcomed as a super hero.  To see a real spaceman was breathtaking.  It was really something."

The Council is extending an invitation to next week's event to anyone who has their own personal memories of Gagarin's historic visit to the city fifty years ago.  Anyone who would like to attend the event  and share their memories should email:  cllr.j.battle@manchester.gov.uk  cllr.j.battle@manchester.gov.uk  to register their interest.

A red plaque is also going to be unveiled next week at Manchester Airport to mark Yuri Gagarin's arrival point into the city fifty years ago.