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The city’s worker bee motif has been part of the city’s heraldry for more than 150 years as an emblem of the industrious Mancunian spirit. During 2017, it took on an even more powerful meaning as a symbol of unity following the tragic events of May 22 Link .

Bee in the City was a large-scale public art event which took place in Manchester between 23 July and 23 September 2018. More than 100 large, fibreglass bee sculptures were placed at the city’s landmarks and some lesser-known “undiscovered gems”. Each of the bees, which stand 1½ metres in height, was decorated with its own unique design, created by regional professional, emerging and amateur artists to celebrate the unique buzz of Manchester, from its industrial heritage to its vibrant music scene (Link Bee in the City website).

Alongside the event, young people from schools, colleges and youth groups across Manchester participated in a learning programme linked to the curriculum. A further 131 smaller bee sculptures were decorated as part of the learning programme and were included on the trail during the summer of 2018. The designs explored various themes, from equality and diversity to local history and bee conservation Link (Wild in Art).

At the end of the event, the majority (77) of the large bees were auctioned to raise funds for the We Love MCR Charity Link . All 131 “Little Bees” created by children and young people as part of the Learning Programme were returned to the schools and youth groups that designed them.