In 2006, Manchester City Centre became a racetrack for the A1 Grand Prix, Tony Blair was still Prime Minister, and Take That reunited after a decade apart. A series of photographs from the Manchester Evening News archive captures the city two decades ago, offering a glimpse into a world before the 2008 economic crash and the Covid-19 pandemic.
A1 Grand Prix Takes Over City Streets
On 13 August 2006, the streets of Manchester were transformed into a Grand Prix circuit for the A1 Grand Prix. The event drew large crowds who lined the temporary track to watch international teams compete in single-seater cars. Several photos show the race cars speeding past landmarks, highlighting the unusual sight of a motor race in the city centre.
Political and Cultural Milestones
2006 marked Tony Blair's final speech as Labour leader at the party's conference in Manchester. A photo shows Blair and his wife Cherie leaving the G-Mex Centre after his address. Meanwhile, pensioners staged a naked protest outside the same venue, drawing attention to issues affecting older people.
The year also saw the launch of Twitter, and the first ever tweet was sent. Justin Timberlake's 'SexyBack' dominated the summer charts, and Christina Aguilera performed at the MEN Arena.
Take That's Comeback
Take That reunited in 2006 after splitting in 1996. The band—Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, and Mark Owen—signed copies of their new CD at HMV in Manchester, where hundreds of fans queued for autographs. Photos show the band members interacting with excited supporters, marking the beginning of their successful comeback.
Sporting and Community Events
Boxer Ricky Hatton trained at the Phoenix Gym in Denton ahead of his fight against Louis Cullaza in America. Denise Welch completed the BUPA Great Manchester Run, and the Trafford Centre stood empty during England's World Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago, as fans stayed home to watch the game.
Everyday Life in 2006
Children played in the newly renovated water feature at Piccadilly Gardens, and pedestrians passed by Primark on a shopping trip. Annabel Williams celebrated 11 A* grades in her GCSE results at Manchester High School for Girls. The photos also show Morrissey performing in Salford and George Michael backstage with the Coronation Street cast at the MEN Arena.
Remembering the Past
Rita O'Connell, injured in the 1996 IRA Manchester bomb blast, returned to the city centre and stood next to the iconic post box that survived the explosion undamaged. The images serve as a reminder of how much has changed in two decades, from fashion and technology to major events that shaped the city.
