When we talk about Manchester icons, there are few names that instantly come to mind – Tony Wilson, the Gallagher brothers, Matt Busby, Emmeline Pankhurt, the list goes on. But this city is full of extraordinary people, who have dedicated their lives to making this city what it is today, and not all of them are famous.
Here are some Mancunians who you may not have heard of in the news day to day, but have definitely helped put Manchester on the map over the years.
1. Anna Phylactic
Anna Phylactic is one of Manchester’s most well-known drag queens – you may recognise her from her mural on Richmond Street. (Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
2. Qubek
Russell Meeham, aka Qubek, is one of Manchester’s most prolific street artists. His work can be seen on walls all over the city centre and beyond. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
3. Stu Allan
Stu Allan was one of the legendary Hacienda DJs and responsible for the rise of house music in the UK. He sadly passed away in 2022 but his legacy lives on. Photo: Stu Allen on Facebook
4. Qaisra Shahraz
Qaisra Shahraz is an educator, author and activist, who received an MBE in 2020 for her community work in gender equality and inter-faith dialogue. (Photo: Qaisra Shahraz MBE)