As Manchester hosts today's Chanel event, City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig reflects on a remarkable year for the city on the international stage - and the bigger picture.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:
"Manchester is having a year to remember. The city is buzzing and throughout 2023 we have further cemented our position as an innovative and creative world-class city which can proudly take its place on the global stage.
"Today’s Chanel event, a global fashion highlight which Chanel have chosen Manchester to host, won't just put the international spotlight on the city but will boost the city's economy with an influx of guests and visitors supporting our hotel industry and spending on everything that goes around staging and supporting such a high profile event.
"It's one example of how the city is capturing investment, visitors and attention and accolades from around the world. It comes in the same week as English National Opera announced plans to relocate to the city and in the wake of the official opening of our new world-leading venue Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International. Earlier this year we saw blockbusting queues as the refurbished Manchester Museum re-opened to great acclaim.
"This year we’ve reasserted our credentials as a sporting city too, hosting games in the Davis Cup – the World Cup of tennis and other international events such as cycling’s Tour of Britain and netball, taekwondo and para swimming. We are also the home of the European and English champions in men’s football in Manchester City, and it has been announced we will host games in EURO 2028.
"A host of new start-ups and a development and investment pipeline which will see the creation of 82,000 new jobs adds to the sense of momentum.
"It’s no wonder international publications such as Lonely Planet and National Geographic named Manchester among their top places to visit in 2023.
"Next year promises to be every bit as exciting, whether it’s the opening of another top class venue in Co-op live, Manchester being poised to become the European City of Cycling or our ongoing work to be recognised as a UNICEF Child-Friendly city.
"These are not just exciting accolades or sources of Mancunian pride and bragging rights. They project the reputation of the city, support jobs and help attract further investment. As a city we know how to have fun but we won’t get distracted by the glitz. We know that there’s still a lot to do to ensure the benefits of the city’s growth are more inclusive and that’s what our economic strategy and other plans are all focused on: Making sure everyone in the city can share in its success.
"But as 2023 draws to an end, our city is brimming with the pride and can-do attitude for which we are renowned."