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Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter

101 Reviews 4.99 out of 5 stars Based on 101 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Manchester, England
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from $20.68 per person

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Ceramic art in the Northern Quarter
Public realm and urban infrastructure
Inside local art studios
Post war sculpture
Finding public art installations (Ryan Gander for Manchester International Festival)

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Explore the back streets for urban art & discover how ceramic art transformed the area into the city's coolest district. We cast a critical eye & learn about issues facing the city from social justice to public spaces, and look at the ethics behind public art itself.

The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening.

The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses.

It was art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers the original ceramic art trail & uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We also take a dive into AirBnBs, gentrification, public space & where to sit down.

I donate 10% profit to local causes. Sustainable, thoughtful & inclusive tourism

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Shudehill
    Manchester M4 1EZ, UK

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Church Street
    Manchester M4 1PW, UK

    What To Expect

    Manchester

    This is a tour for those interested in the city's counterculture with an authentic voice from that scene, told through its street art.Discussing not only of triumphs in architecture and heritage but real issues facing the city today from social justice to public spaces. The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening. The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the early 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses. Abandoned and ruined it was the public art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers that original ceramic art trail and uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We'll also discuss how the Northern Quarter is used as a film set, and we'll discover the backstreets of the area rather than the major streets and attractions as these are easy to discover on your own (though I'm happy to give you tips on where to explore after the tour, or where to go for lunch etc)
    Read more

    2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-240329P1

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    Reviews

    4.99
    101 reviews

    Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 101 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    100
    4 stars
    1
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
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    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • All Fees and Taxes.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • All Fees and Taxes

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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