Lead Partner
Manchester: A UNESCO City of Learning
Manchester City Council supports Manchester Digital Festival as a key partner in championing innovation, skills and inclusive growth across the city’s digital economy.
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Manchester is a city that believes learning should be for everyone, at every stage of life. As a UNESCO City of Learning, we’re proud to work with hundreds of partners across our communities to make learning accessible, enjoyable, and connected to real opportunities.
In 2025, the UNESCO Manchester City of Learning partnership were honoured with the Get the Nation Learning Regional Growth Award, recognising Manchester for leading by example in weaving adult learning into regional growth plans and opening doors for people from all backgrounds, a powerful reminder that skills are at the heart of local and regional prosperity.
The Digital Skills Festival is a brilliant example of what happens when a city comes together around learning. It brings employers, educators, and local talent into the same space, opening doors for Manchester residents and helping businesses find the skills they need for the future. We’re excited to support the next chapter of this work and to continue shaping a city where learning is part of everyday life, at home, at work, and in our communities.
Manchester continues to lead the way as one of Europe’s most dynamic and digitally ambitious cities. We’re proud to once again support the Manchester Digital Festival 2027, a celebration of the innovation, talent and opportunity that define our city’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Our Doing Digital Together Strategy is making a real impact, from expanding access to digital skills and careers, to supporting the growth of our digital economy that’s home to global names and groundbreaking startups alike. Manchester’s strengths in AI, gaming, cyber, and immersive tech are not only creating jobs, but shaping the future of how we live and work.
