Rock and Goal Tour
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Rock and Goal is a great way to hear the real stories behind two of Manchester’s cultural monoliths, music and football. As you walk through the city centre with Joe, you’ll see how the people behind these two creative powerhouses exist side by side.
Traces of Manchester’s culture are hidden in plain sight all over the city, whether it’s the room in which the football league started or the shops, bars and restaurants owned by great Mancunian footballers and musicians alike. As a native who has lived in Manchester for decades, Joe Feeley has a very personal perspective to share. As a musician, he has performed in cultural landmarks such as The Free Trade Hall and was a regular attendee of the Haçienda. His stories are a first-hand account of the bands, people and strange occurrences that happened in this infamous era of music.
Joe will show you how Manchester really is a city built on the people who call it home, through the rise and fall of music venues, public artworks and the other traces that these people leave behind. As someone who claims to be unbiased when it comes to football, expect an even coverage of both blue and red Manchester teams.
Aside from the city’s rich sporting and musical cultures, you’ll also check out the Northern Quarter’s street art, Hollywood’s alternative film set, sat under our noses and the fascinating modern history behind areas such as little Italy. So for those who are more broadly interested in culture, you won’t be left wanting.
Tours run Friday through to Sunday starting at 1pm from the Mercure Hotel. Each tour lasts around 2 hours and will give you a great introduction to the city centre. Tours have to be booked in advance so be sure to get in contact via the Rock and Goal website. Depending on demand, extra tours can sometimes be scheduled at alternative times so keep an eye out if you’re only in town during the week.
