Manchester is the centre of the universe.

A myth that the BBC are still trying to propagate. They know that it was a scandalous waste of £1 billion to move people and programmes up there so they try to justify it at any opportunity. On the World Service the other night, there was a documentary hosted by a “Proud Mancunian” bleating on about Manchester’s pivotal role in the industrial revolution, communism, feminism, even vegetarianism. No doubt true but all a very long time ago. Manchester now is about as globally significant as Ancient Rome. Even twenty years ago it could give London a run for its money but now it’s been left way, way behind. The BBC’s other current obsession is “20 Years of Britpop” because that allows them to go on and on about Manchester’s then thriving music scene. So let’s join them in celebrating the last time Manchester actually had any cultural significance.