THEN & NOW ALBERT SQUARE, MANCHESTER

Welcome to Then and Now, where each week we compare images of Manchester streets, landmarks and buildings from bygone days with how they look today

OUR historic main image this week shows Victory over Japan Day celebrations in Albert Square on August 15th 1945. Undeterred by the rain, the crowd is singing to the music of the Manchester City Police band to mark the end of World War II.

They are huddled around the imposing Albert Memorial, itself enclosed by bill posters announcing a new planning vision for Manchester.

The post-war proposals were on show at an exhibition in Mosley Street.

Although Japan surrendered on Wednesday August 15th, the news broke the previous day in the USA due to time zone differences.

The official surrender document was signed on September 2nd aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

As well as singing in Albert Square, street parties were held around Manchester over two days as the weather improved.

The V-J Day celebrations were mirrored across Europe as allied soldiers formed a conga line in London’s Regent Street and American and French troops paraded down the Champs Elysees.

The Albert Memorial, unveiled in 1867, is a Grade I listed monument, commemorating Queen Victoria’s consort who died in 1861. It was designed in the medieval Gothic style by architect Thomas Worthington.

The statue of Prince Albert at its centre is the work of sculptor Matthew Noble, who was commissioned by Manchester’s mayor Thomas Goadsby.

The designs were personally approved by Queen Victoria.

Many more images from Then and Now are featured in The Changing Face of Manchester published to mark the 150th anniversary of the MEN. It’s on sale at £14.99, including postage and packing. Order your copy online at inostalgia.co.uk or ring the order hotline on 01928 503 777.