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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 |
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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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

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    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)
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    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?

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    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
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    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • All Fees and Taxes

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • 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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    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Free Cancellation

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    100% refund
    No refund

    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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