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Over the last thirty years, the 24 Hour Party People of Madchester have produced bands which have shaped the city's identity and that of British music, making Manchester a cultural capital across the world.

“When thinking of the Most Musical City surely you look north? That lot down the road may have had a popular little beat combo in the 60's, but surely the accolade should go to Manchester - Definitely, not even Maybe.

Firstly, there's the bit your familiar with - in the early 80's The Smiths took alternative music to the masses. New Order, building on the brilliance of Joy Division, produced the world's biggest selling 12” record in Blue Monday, and with the help of Tony Wilson became part of the legend that is Factory Records, The Hacienda, the Happy Mondays and the Second Summer of Love. The Stone Roses proved they were what the world was waiting for and imploded just in time for Oasis to come along signaling the dawn of Britpop and Cool Britannia, as well as playing to a quarter of a million people in two days at Knebworth. Not forgetting the Inspiral Carpets (who should be remembered for more than just their roadie Noel Gallagher), The Charlatans and Doves.

But there's much more to the music of Manchester than just guitars, cool haircuts and great front men. The City's pop history is second to none thanks to Take That and Simply Red and the Bee Gees route to being the kings of disco started on the streets of Manchester. We even win X-Factor (Shayne Ward is from Clayton).

Delving deeper into Manchester's past and George Formby and Gracie Fields were the most famous names in British music before there were even charts, although The Hollies and 10cc both made sure the city was top of the pops in the 60's and 70's.

Back in the 50s, the city was known as the home of the so-called 'Manchester School' of classical composers, comprising Harrison Birtwistle, Peter Maxwell Davies and David Ellis. Today Manchester is still a hub of classical music - home to two symphony orchestras, the BBC Philamonic Orchestra and a centre for specialist music education with the Royal Northern College of Music and Chetham's School of Music.

Add into the mix a thriving folk, blues, jazz and Irish music scene in the city, Northern Soul, The Fall, James, Georgie Fame, The Chemical Brothers, a touch of Morrissey, plus an endless list of other artists and I'm confident we have found the Most Musical City!”