The favourite sounds project originated in London in 1998 and led to radio programs and a CD “Your Favourite London Sounds”. The project has also been carried out in Chicago and Beijing. The long term aim is to build up a comprehensive idea of what people feel about the sounds of their cities and how they effect us individually. The sound environment has a strong impact on our lives, but is in constant change. Developments in transport and a host of other technologies have already made significant differences to the soundscape and this will certainly continue into the future.

What these differences are and how they will benefit us, or otherwise, and how we might influence them is becoming of increasing interest.

Manchester Favourite Sounds is part of the Positive Soundscapes Project: a group of scientists, social scientists and artists currently researching these issues in the UK. The replies to Favourite Manchester Sounds are an important contribution as they show what is liked about our sound environment.

The intention is to record as many sounds as possible, so please give information about where and when the sound may best be heard. Many thanks for your help. As the project develops it will be possible to read your suggestions and listen to recordings of the sounds on this site.