Salford’s Member of Parliament, Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, and Tommy Charlton, brother of the late footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton, officially re-launched the Quays Mosaic Trail in the heart of Salford Quays. 

21 years ago this September Sir Bobby Charlton formally launched the Quays Mosaic Trail. Following recent restorations, Rebecca unveiled the new plaque for The Quays Mosaic Trail with Tommy Charlton, as a Guest of Honour.

Rebecca said, “I was thrilled to join the launch of the newly renovated Quays Mosaic Trail.

“The theme of the original project was ‘the future’ and to me, the trail is now a celebration of all our children and future generations in Salford, and their potential.

“Originally created by children from 19 schools, including those across Orsdall and the Quays, with guidance from mosaic artist Mark Kennedy (who also helped with the restorations), it was lovely to see children from those same schools taking part in today’s event.”

“Launched by Sir Bobby Charlton 21 years ago, it was really nice to be joined by his brother, Tommy, and those who have been instrumental in the renovation including Jo Joliffe, Mark Kennedy, the Salford Quays Community Forum, Salford City Council and local supporters and businesses — and of course, those children who created the trail.

“I hope everyone will visit the Quays to take a look.” 

Over 25 years ago Salford and Trafford Education Action Zone was established as a partnership involving 19 schools in neighbourhoods close to the Quays, including Langworthy, Ordsall, Old Trafford and Stretford. The Education Action Zone developed partnerships between schools, businesses and communities. Kellogg’s, Quayside at Media City Shopping Centre (previously known as The Lowry Outlet Mall) and The Lowry Theatre and Galleries were among our key partners.

The Quays Mosaic project created much excitement. Hundreds of children from the schools were the very first to perform on the stages of the newly built Lowry Theatre in a day long performance. Our main theme was the Future, through the unifying nature of a mosaic. Working with local artists, children from the schools had made costumes and scenery, written and performed songs, poems and cameos and helped to produce the performances. The performances were attended throughout the day by thousands of parents, and guests from London and different parts of the country.

As part of the longer-term project, children worked with a renowned Manchester mosaic artist, Mark Kennedy, to design a series of mosaics. These now form The Quays Mosaic Trail which are set into the pathways around the Mall, The Lowry and across the bridge onto the Trafford side of The Quays.

21 years ago this September Sir Bobby Charlton formally launched the Quays Mosaic Trail, which was sponsored by Peel, The Lowry, Kellogg’s and other businesses. The plaque which mapped out the individual mosaics and pathway was on the wall at the front entrance of the Mall until seven years ago, when it was taken down as it had deteriorated.

Since then, a small group of local supporters have worked together with the support of local councillors and Salford Quays Community Forum, to have the mosaics renovated and a new plaque engraved. We have been supported by Salford Council, Bowmer & Kirkland, Kellogg’s and Quays Culture. Mark Kennedy carried out minor repairs to the mosaics, which had stood up very well to twenty years of wear and tear. The beautiful mosaics designed by local children are now in good repair and the new plaque is ready to go back into position on the wall at the front of Quayside Mall.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford, unveiled the new plaque for The Quays Mosaic Trail. Tommy Charlton, Sir Bobby Charlton’s brother attended as a Guest of Honour. The important role that the Lowry Theatre has played in the history of this beautiful piece of children’s artwork was acknowledged, along with the support from Quayside at Media City Shopping Centre and Salford City Council.

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