Manchester can quite rightly claim to be the original, modern city.

The birthplace of everything from the industrial revolution and the computer to the football league and Top Of The Pops, Manchester is truly a city of firsts.

Manchester, a diverse and vibrant city full of culture, is the perfect location for such an international event and no doubt participating teams will relish the entertainment the city offers. The city is founded in deep traditions and old cultures, yet its forward looking attitudes and ability to present the world with the most up and coming trends, music, and biggest events highlights the suitability of the city to the championships.

Manchester's newest progress include, the BBC moving to The Quays, the development of Spinningfields and New East Manchester, two of the latest districts created by the people of Manchester’s infectious enthusiasm to improve their city. Manchester is ever changing, and not surprisingly, it’s doing things its own way.