Even though the essence of the city, the heart of the people who inhabit it, and the unique buzz it possesses will always remain relatively unchanged at its core, we cannot exactly say the same for the landscape around us. Whether its a new high rise building added to the skyline, streets becoming pedestrianised one by one, or new green spaces cropping up, Manchester is not what it once was over 40 years ago.
Perhaps nothing illustrates this more than two photographs by a prominent Manchester photographer taken a total of 41 years apart.
Kevin Cummins – an award-winning and highly revered photographer born and raised in Manchester, who is best known for his work with the NME, on the Madchester and Cool Brittania music scenes, and for photographing famous musicians such as Joy Division, Oasis, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and more in the 1970s onward – snapped a photo of the Manchester skyline whilst on a job last week and noticed it look remarkably different to a photo he took in the same place in 1979.
He posted the two comparison photos on his social media platforms this week and residents cannot believe their eyes.
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Kevin said: “When I was in Manchester last week to shoot [Manchester band Blossoms] for [Manchester City and Puma], I took a photo of the view from the Joy Division (Epping Walk) bridge to match my shot of it during the Joy Division shoot in 1979.
The two photos – which have thousands of likes, comments and shares across each of Kevin’s social platforms – have understandably got a lot of people talking about what has changed in the city over time, both the good ans the bad, and sharing their own personal anecdotes too.
A post showcasing the two photos on the r/manchester Reddit has also garnered attention this week as well, with one person saying: “Love this city. It’s constantly improving all the time. Okay we lost some gems, but I get a feeling more will be created.”
Another echoed Kevin’s comment saying: “I visited Manchester after 28 years away. I used to go by train every weekend, shop, play laser tag, generally hang out as a teenager. I was completely lost. I had to put my back to Manchester Piccadilly and walk for about 10 mins before I got my bearings.
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“Manchester has changed a lot.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcRaR-g7eH/
The famous “Joy Division Bridge” mentioned in his post is also Kevin’s own bit of history in itself.
The Epping Walk Bridge – which is located over Princess Street in Hulme – is famously known for the iconic Joy Division image taken by Kevin in 1979 and is now branded as “a must visit [attraction] for music lovers” by the city’s tourism board to attempt to recreate the famous photograph.
It’s 40 years ago today since Joy Division graced the Epping Walk Bridge in Hulme, Manchester.
What Manchester will look like another 40 years then?
We’ll just have to wait and see.
You can find more of Kevin Cummins’ work via his photography portfolio website here, and you can find him on Twitter and Instagram too. You can also pre-order Kevin’s upcoming photography collection book titled ‘While We Were Getting High: Britpop and the ’90s’from the Rough Trade website here.
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
4th September 2020 
