CITY OF FIRSTS

The City of First campaign celebrates many of the world’s milestone innovations pioneered in Manchester, and introduces the city's’ next first ‘CityVerve’ by Cisco; a blueprint for smarter cities worldwide. Featuring over a dozen Mancunians who were chosen as a true and authentic reflection of Manchester, the film pays homage to innovations, such as the first public library, passenger railway, football league and first life through IVF. The cast includes Helen Pankhurst, great granddaughter of suffragette movement leader Emmeline Pankhurst; University of Manchester engineering students Alex Agboola-Dobson and Sebastian Preston-Jensen; and seven times gold medal winning Paralympian Jody Cundy. Directed by David Petch through the Sweet Shop.

The emotive City of Firsts statement and messaging was applied across a variety of channels, throughout the city and on social platforms. A hero wall mural was designed to get all Mancunians feeling proud about their city – and its many world-first accomplishments.