People’s pride: consultation responses
In spring 2024 we gathered more than 10,000 responses to the question: What makes you proud of Manchester?
We have listened to as many voices as possible - including those who say they aren’t proud of their city (yet, or any longer).
By listening to everyone, we can shape a future Manchester that we can all feel part of and proud of.
Here are some of the responses that were most common:
- “This city’s got heart.” The people have their welcoming approachable character, open-minded attitude, and how we pull together when it’s tough.
- “Art that’s everywhere, for everyone...music culture and football vibes.” Our impact on culture, music, sport and creative industries.
- “A proper melting pot.” The mix of languages and ethnicities living together, accepting and celebrating what’s different.
- “Adapting to the new...with world-leading history.” The growing, modern, busy, public transport-fed, innovative vibe of the city. But with credit to our pioneering industrial past.
- “Different people together...being accepted for what you are.” There's opportunities for all generations, faiths, lifestyles and cultures to get on, and do well.
- “Punching above its weight.” An international reputation for the blue/red sporting rivalry, music, top-rank universities and as a global business head quarters.
- “We’re hard working – and we’ve accomplished a lot.” Our economic growth is outpacing other UK cities. Balancing and complementing the capital’s dominance, showing how regional leadership works for the whole nation.
The most common responses we collected were about our people. We are ‘kind’, ‘helpful’, ‘supportive’, ‘resilient’, ‘amazing people who care about each other’.