People in Salford have their say on the city’s identity
07:11, 09 Aug 2025Updated 08:32, 09 Aug 2025
A sign at the boundary of Salford and Manchester.
It’s a question that divides Salford.
Historically, the city was part of Lancashire, a county which once stretched from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria down to Manchester.
Since 1974, Salford has been part of Greater Manchester, one of the ten boroughs that make up the city-region.
Some Salfordians hold on to their Lancashire roots and say the city has always felt a connection to the historic county, whereas others feel it stands on its own, different from anywhere else.
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In a borough which stretches from the city centre by the River Irwell out to Worsley, Little Hulton, and Irlam, it’s no wonder people feel differently about where Salford belongs.
With Salford getting ready to celebrate 100 years of gaining city status, its identity remains an important topic.
“Salford has always felt more like Lancashire to me, because we’re not Manchester,” said Sharon Smith, who lives in Little Hulton. “It’s always been its own place, its own city.”
Sharon is out shopping at Salford precinct with her friend Maria Hampson. The two have been friends since nursery, 53 years in total, and say they feel more like sisters.
Sharon Smith (L) and Maria Hampson (R) live in Salford.
Maria adds with a smile: “Salford is a place of its own, do not ever call us Manchester.
“I was born here and we’re a proud city, I am glad to be from here. We’ve always been ‘Salford, Lancashire’ – rather than Greater Manchester.”
Salfordians are very different from Mancuians, they say, and should not all be lumped together despite the two cities sharing a boundary and much of their history.
“I love the people in this city,” Sharon says. “You get all walks of life. Most of us are mad as a box of frogs but that’s why we’re from Salford. Most people are very friendly here.”
Maria agrees: “People here keep in touch with each other, they go out of their way to help each other. If you’re friends with someone from Salford, they’re a friend for life.”
The two ladies point out that Salford, like many other places, does have hardship, but it’s something they feel brings people together more than being a dividing point.
A short walk to the other side of the shopping centre, Steve Wunderley is out to pick up a few bits, and offers his take on the question.
Steve Wunderley lives in Lower Broughton in Salford.
“Salford has always had a proud identity, but it’s changing so much now,” the Lower Broughton resident says.
“Manchester is very busy, everyone’s in a rush, I wouldn’t dream of going there. People here have got more time.
“It winds me up when you hear people say that somewhere like Salford Quays is in Manchester, because it’s not.
“but things are becoming different and it’s not the same way it was when I was growing up.”
Steve’s right – the changes happening in Salford are huge.
Large parts of the city centre from MediaCity to Greengate have been transformed into destinations for living and work.
The city’s story and history has been one of constant change, once known as a ‘dirty old town’, it has become one of the best places to live in Greater Manchester, with a growing population and huge demand for housing.
Alan lives in Higher Broughton and is proud to be a Salfordian.
Alan is a Salford resident living in Higher Broughton.
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“I’ve lived in Salford all my life. It annoys me when people say we’re all Manchester, we’re Salford and we’re different, with our own identity and name.
“But I don’t feel close to Lancashire either, Salford is its own place. A lot of people I know from here have passed away over the years, so things are changing.”
In 1926, King George V officially granted Salford city status by Royal Charter, a feat which is being marked next year in the city’s centenary celebrations.
City mayor Paul Dennett said a year-long programme of events will take place in 2026 backed by up to £1.5m of funding from the council, including street parties, arts events – and some surprises along the way.
He said in July: “This isn’t about fireworks and fanfare, it’s about heritage, community, and civic pride.
“Our history has its roots in our mills, docks and working-class heritage. We have become a modern, global city, with world-class media, arts and education institutions.
“Our communities remain strong, with proud neighbourhood and cultural identities and sense of place.”