Salford celebrates history and the invention of the weekend

Salford is approaching its centenary of city status in 2026, having been officially granted the title by King George V in 1926. While often overshadowed by its neighbor Manchester, the city holds significant historical claims.

One notable historical milestone occurred in 1843 when activist Robert Lowes successfully campaigned for workers at a Salford mill to receive Saturday afternoons off. This movement is credited with helping to establish the concept of the two-day weekend across the United Kingdom.

Other historical highlights include Chapel Street, which was reportedly the first street in the UK to be lit by gas in 1806. Today, the city features a mix of modern offices and traditional architecture, with Salford Quays serving as the location for the annual ‘We Invented the Weekend’ festival.