Albert welcomes you back to his Square …… Friday in May*

For those in the know and heaps more who just wandered into Albert Square, the place has been progressively reoccupied by office workers, tourists and me.

Our Albert, 2026

The sun was shining and having completed a trip to the Crescent in Salford, the bus deposited me back by the Town Hall.

On Albert's steps, 2026

Sitting below Mr. Heywood, 2026

And as you do, I took a stroll across this much-loved open space which along with the Town Hall went dark while the builders, and restorers got to work.

Sharing the moment, 2026

I can remember the square back in the 1960s when buses and taxis vied with parked cars to dominate what should have been a grand civic statement framed by the Town Hall and shared with two public lavatories, Prince Albert, and four 19th century worthies.

It was busy and not always a place you wanted to linger.

Confused and cluttered, 1979

Passing through, 2026

But judging by the numbers sitting in the sun yesterday that has changed, and it is now becoming popular again and will rival  St Peter’s Square just round the corner.

Mr. Gladstone approves, 2026

Of course, the square by the trams does have one of the only statues to a woman, while Albert shares his spot with Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Heywood, John Bright, and Bishop Fraser.

What we have lost, 1979

Still the fountain will soon be working again leaving me just to reflect that Albert and hs four chums should be pleased with the place they inhabit.

Location; Albert Square

Pictures; Friday in May sharing the square with office workers and tourists, 1979 & 2026, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Ofcourse Eric would dispute that the square is Albert's ... pointing outt that it is and always was a place for everyone.