Manchester 🐝 Bees

The Manchester bee, a worker bee to be specific, has long been the symbol of Manchester and it’s hard working (specifically Industrial Revolution) past, but since the horrific Manchester terror attack - which saw 22 people killed at an Ariana Grande concert on 22nd May 2017 - the symbol has taken on a life of its own.

First adopted as a motif for Manchester in the 18th Century, the bee reflected a time when the city became a leader in the Industrial Revolution, symbolising it being a hive of activity and enterprise for its hard-working citizens.

When young music fans were targeted at an Ariana Grande concert, Manchester sprang into action and proved itself to be a city of hope, unity and defiance.

The worker bee took on a new life and a new meaning, with artists and muralists depicting the insect across the city's buildings.

Adults of all ages and from all walks of life showed their solidarity by getting bee tattoos, with a huge amount of money donated to charity as a result.Read more