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The community-driven city brand and iconic symbol of civic pride championing Manchester by spotlighting people, projects and promotions.
This is the story of how a simple graphic design idea became a powerful symbol of civic pride for Greater Manchester.
It all began in 2011, when riots hit Manchester and Salford. At that moment, we saw the damage being done to the city we love. Rather than fighting fire with fire, we chose love and out of carnage came creativity.
Inspired by Tony Wilson’s legendary civic pride and the success of New York’s “I Love NY” campaign, we knew that Manchester needed a unifying symbol, something that represented the city’s resilience, spirit and community. I Love MCR became that symbol. We posted it on social media, and it quickly spread, gathering thousands of followers and inspiring volunteers to clean up the damage left behind by the riots.
People across Greater Manchester adopted the I Love MCR logo as a way to show love and solidarity. Local businesses, charities and even Manchester City Council rallied behind the campaign. The ubiquitous logo appeared everywhere, from posters and billboards to shop windows, and merchandise sales raised thousands for local charities. According to the Local Enterprise Partnership, the campaign helped boost the local economy by over £1 million.
But I Love MCR was always more than a logo. It became a community-driven brand, committed to championing Manchester’s culture, creativity and spirit. We shared inspiring stories, supported good causes and helped local businesses bounce back. We filled a gap in the market for positive news and affordable advertising, but above all, we stayed true to our core values: spreading love and optimism.
In 2017, the Manchester Arena attack shook the city to its core. Twenty-two innocent people lost their lives. Once again, the I Love MCR symbol became a sign of defiance, unity and compassion. It was held up at vigils and projected on the global stage. How the city found love through the brand was palpable. Merchandise sales raised funds for those affected, and our message reached every corner of the world.
From those first days in 2011 to the present, our city has faced dark times more than once. I Love MCR has always been about uniting people and constantly celebrating what makes Manchester special. Our brand has become a symbol of community, pride and hope, a testament to the power of coming together even in the toughest times.
Love Manchester is a city media platform that connects brands, people and organisations with Manchester audiences through trusted storytelling, campaigns and partnerships rooted in the city.
Through positive and meaningful storytelling, we celebrate the people and promote the places and projects that make Manchester thrive. We highlight everyday heroes, grassroots groups, charities, cultural gems, independents and businesses that deserve to be seen.
We use digital media and out-of-home media to create marketing and advertising campaigns that amplify voices, support good causes and connect people. We tell stories with heart, sell ideas with soul and speak like normal people. Because Manchester’s strength has always been its people, and our job is to help them feel seen, valued and celebrated.
We’re not just posting. We’re representing.
Our work spans content, campaigns and partnerships that help organisations show up in Manchester in a way that feels relevant, visible and credible. That may include digital content, social distribution, email marketing, out-of-home media, experiential activity, events or brand storytelling, depending on what will create the strongest connection and outcome.
The I Love Manchester Awards is our flagship event and the clearest expression of our mission in action. It’s where our brand values come to life. Through the Awards, we recognise and celebrate the people, places and organisations shaping Manchester for the better. We don’t just hand out trophies. We amplify impact, grow awareness and connect change-makers to help the city prosper.
For brands and partners, this means more than reach. It means meaningful connection with Manchester people, places and culture, delivered through a platform the city already trusts.
Want to advertise in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place.
I Love Manchester exists to champion the city and the people who make it what it is.
We believe Manchester is more than a place. It’s a community, a culture and a shared identity that people feel proud to belong to. Since the beginning, our role has been to celebrate that spirit, boost the local economy and help it grow.
Especially when the world can feel noisy, divided and overwhelming. Politics and media often amplify fear, anger and conflict. Bad news travels fast. The headlines can feel heavy.
So we make space for hope, humanity and heart.
Behind the headlines, good things are happening every day. In schools, hospitals and universities. On buses and trams. In local shops, offices and living rooms. In the kindness of strangers and the quiet efforts of people doing the right thing.
These everyday moments often go unseen. But they’re what truly connect us.
We do this work because cities thrive when local businesses, organisations and communities are visible, supported and connected. When good things happening in Manchester are seen and heard, the whole city benefits.
Our commercial partnerships play a part in that. By helping brands connect with Manchester audiences in a meaningful way, we create campaigns that support both business growth and the city’s cultural and economic life.
We’ve always believed that positive stories, local pride and shared experiences matter. They strengthen belonging, encourage participation and inspire people to invest in where they live.
That’s why we do what we do. To help Manchester feel seen, celebrated and connected, every day.
Our heart’s in the right place. Manchester.
Our Mission
Using a combination of digital and media, we advertise and market Manchester businesses by targeting different demographics and interests in a huge captive audience. From editorial and email marketing to video and digital billboards, we connect the right people.
Brand Values
The I Love MCR brand is about bringing people together through shared positive values, no matter who they are or where they come from. Our values aren’t just what we believe – they guide how we think, how we act, and the way we choose to make a difference in our city every day.
We’re proud to call Greater Manchester home, and we’re committed to helping make it an even better place to live, work and enjoy.
We care about people. We celebrate what brings us together - shared values, mutual support and a sense of belonging.
We stand together. Our aim is to unite the people of Greater Manchester and help everyone feel part of something bigger.
Manchester has faced tough times, but our community always finds a way to adapt, recover and keep going with strength and spirit.
We believe everyone should feel welcome. That means making space for all people, especially those who are often overlooked or left out.
We look forward with hope. We focus on what’s good, respond with optimism and shine a light on the things that move Manchester forward.
Sustainability pledge
Social Responsibility
The I Love Manchester charity campaign raises vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester. Assets and revenue from the I Love MCR advertising and marketing department are used to fundraise which means that more money goes directly to great causes.
What’s more, 100% of profit from the I Love MCR Shop is donated to our beneficiary charity. The fund is shared across a diverse array of Greater Manchester based community groups and causes as and when it’s needed the most. Learn more >>
Declare your love for Manchester and show the world what the city stands for with our I Love Manchester merchandise, Manchester gifts and souvenirs available from the online Manchester shop. Natural materials, renewable energy and products made the right way. What’s more, 100% of profit is donated to our charity partner. Get the mug and the t-shirt.
Classic I Love MCR Christmas stocking with a premium burlap-style look. Bright print and perfect for festive gifting.
Festive Zippy Santa stocking with a premium burlap-style finish. Bright dye-sublimation print. Ideal for adding Manchester charm to your mantel.
Festive cotton Christmas gift sack featuring our Zippy Santa design. Strong drawcord closure and plenty of space for presents. Perfect for a Manchester Christmas.
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