Manchester Metropolitan University is marking its 200th anniversary by lighting iconic buildings around Manchester with eye-catching animations, reflecting on the University’s historical and ongoing connection to the city.

Projecting onto Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall and St Ann’s Church on the evening of January 10th, the vibrant displays will launch a year-long campaign celebrating the University’s rich heritage, and the progress it continues to make in transforming lives through the power of education and research.

The celebratory graphics offer a glimpse of what is to come throughout 2024, which includes a series of activities and events to showcase five key areas that Manchester Metropolitan University is passionate about driving forward: economic growth, transforming health, creative excellence, sustainability, and tackling inequalities.

Tracing its roots back to the establishment of the Manchester Mechanics Institution in 1824, Manchester Metropolitan University has grown and evolved to become one of the largest universities in the UK, delivering world leading research and education that have a far-reaching impact on the city region, UK and the world. The University is now home to 43,000 students, 5,100 members of staff and has 330,000 alumni across more than 170 countries. It also boasts world-class facilities including its School of Digital Arts (SODA), the Institute of Sport, and the new Faculty of Science and Engineering building due to complete this year.

While the bicentenary celebrations this year offer an opportunity to highlight past achievements, the University will also be using 2024 to continue its legacy of transforming lives and making higher education accessible to all.

Professor Steve Rothberg, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Met, said: “We are sharing the launch of our anniversary celebrations at some of the city’s most iconic buildings to emphasise how proud we feel about being right in the heart of Manchester over the last 200 years. We have been part of what makes Manchester great, championing innovation to drive progress in the region and beyond, since 1824. Innovation has always been central to our mission, never more so than now through the world-class research and top-quality education we deliver today.

“We would like to thank all our students, staff, and partners, past and present, who have been part of our remarkable journey and shaped our modern identity. As we set our ambitions and aspirations for the future of Manchester Metropolitan University, we are passionate about enabling and inspiring the next generations of people, businesses, and communities to reach their full potential and make their mark on society, culture and economy in a complex world.”