England, Part 2: The Buzz About Manchester

The worker bee. Plastered on signs, graffitied on walls, printed across t-shirts, mugs, scarves and postcards, and even displayed on trash bins, you’ll find this symbol throughout the city of Manchester, England.

The iconic bee represents the Mancunians’ strong work ethic, resilience, sacrifice and unity.

Before our trip, Brent had given me a brief history on the importance of this emblem. As we explored his home city my eye was frequently searching for the little, or sometimes not so little, bee.

Rainbow bees were found along Canal Street, a popular LGBTQIA area. A giant bee emblem was centered on the glass of a Primark department store, and a eye-catching beehive was found in the window of a trendy restaurant. A quick glance at the scenery around you and you are sure to find the fuzzy insect displayed somewhere nearby.

Provided the nickname "Cottonopolis", the city of Manchester is known for its booming success in cotton production during the 1800's. A leader in industrial and technological advancement, mills and factories dominated the city. These mills and factories acted like hives, where hard working citizens labored together to help the city thrive. Hence, the worker bee became a fitting symbol for the industrialized city.

After the 2017 suicide bombing of the Manchester Arena during the Ariana Grande concert, the bee has become even more symbolic, further pushing forward a narrative of solidarity and perseverance. In the wake of this tragedy, many Mancunians had the Manchester bee tattooed, with several tattoo artists rendering their services free of cost.

The overall message? ‘Together we’re stronger’

So the next time you find yourself in Manchester, make sure to keep an eye out for the iconic worker bee. How many can you spot?