Whether you can believe it or not, someone has actually gone to the trouble of ranking the design of every single Council logo in the UK.
It’s mad, but the commitment to the cause can only be applauded.
There are a total of 403 Councils right across the UK which have been featured on this “totally objective” list compiled by freelance writer and graphic designer Robin Wilde – who also “once worked in politics” – and published to their blog website.
How have the logos been ranked? Robin explains that: “Each has been ranked using some broad criteria accounting for the adherence to design principles, the originality of the concept, and the technical execution, with nebulous bonus points added or subtracted on a whim.”
And out of the 403 Councils in the UK, Bury is at 402.
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“Bury sits north of Manchester,” Robin explains, “and is notable for having one of the UK’s largest Jewish population clusters outside of London [but] unfortunately, it’s also got a logo like a dodgy construction company you’d see on ITV2.
“Bury Council pay cash in hand for a skip they never bother to collect,” they conclude.
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Bury Council ranks the lowest on the list at 402 out of 403 / Credit: Bury Council
Credit: Manchester City Council | Tameside Council
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council ranks at 275, Trafford comes in at 241, and Rochdale takes the 207th spot.
Manchester City Council itself then comes in at number 150.
Wigan takes 108th spot on the list, with its “understated and cute” heart and “generic colour combo” making the logo appear like “a mid-range gym chain”.
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105th place on the list goes to Salford City Council, with Robin saying that although they “adore the bold hot pink” and the font is “nicely chosen”, the logo “doesn’t quite justify the existence of a council area which should by rights have been absorbed into Manchester years ago.”
Oldham Council takes 88th spot on the list, with Robin Wilde writing: “A gradient fill is best avoided with logo work as it limits your range of use cases, particularly against busy backgrounds or when no colour can be used.”
“The overall look is striking at a glance, however,” they added.
Bolton Council takes the highest spot at 28 / Credit: Bolton Council
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council has claimed 66 on this list, with it’s “crest, but make it tasteful” praised and noted that it “seems particularly prevalent in the North”.
Out of all the 10 Councils in Greater Manchester, it’s the borough of Bolton that has taken the highest spot on the list – and it’s the highest on the list by quite some way, we might add – coming in at number 28, with Robin Wilde explaining: “A solid slab serif wordmark on its own, it’s enhanced by its use in masking the colourful patchwork emphasising the city’s variety and diversity.”
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The number one spot on the list has been awarded to Bedford Borough Council, which was praised for its “very strong use of pretty much every element” in its logo.
York, Renfrewshire, Wirral, and West Lothian each round out the top five.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2021 
