You can sit down next to me

A Poem for Manchester, by Mike Duff, appears on mirrored art signs studded like beautiful blue jewels into a wall in Piccadilly Place, not far from Piccadilly station.

The poem was chosen from 4,000 entries as winner of a BBC National Poetry Day competition. Its message of solidarity, equality and acceptance seems particularly fitting following the dreadful Manchester Arena attack this week.

First Street

Attractive sign for First Street, the new city centre neighbourhood in Manchester. The cut-outs allow you to glimpse the activity behind the metal sheeting, which has been decorated by summer rain.