Manchester City Council considers permanent return of popular clock tower tours

By Alex McIntyre

Tours of Manchester Town Hall’s iconic clock tower could return as a permanent fixture.

The council’s decision follows the tours astounding success during its initial run from November 17 to December 22, with over 1,500 taking up the rare opportunity to gain access to the tower.

Cllr Mike Amesbury, Executive member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The clock tower tours have really captured the imaginations of Mancunians and visitors alike.”

"We are now considering whether to make these tours a permanent fixture but on the face of it they certainly have the potential to be an essential on anyone's 'must do' list when visiting Manchester."

As well as learning about the history and mechanics of the clock tower, visitors gazed in wonder at the mighty eight-tonne hour bell Great Abel and experienced the spectacular, panoramic views of the city, the Pennines and the Cheshire Plains. 

There was even love in the air at one particular tour as one visitor, Steven Hennessy, used the occasion to propose to his girlfriend Lucy Moore.

Tour Guide Emma Fox spoke of how much she enjoyed taking people up the 280-foot tower and experiencing their reactions along the way.

She said: “I can see they feel the giddy thrill of gaining access to hidden parts of the Town Hall that until now had only been seen by a select few.”

With the tower having only been opened to the public a handful of times in its 134-year history, a council-decision to make these tours permanent would certainly be a historic moment for the city. 

More information on tours around Manchester can be found on www.manchesterguidedtours.com or by following @mcrguidedtours on twitter.