Tony Walsh donates use of This is the Place poem to Forever Manchester charity

The poem has already been used to make a book, record, piece of artwork and used on buildings across the city, raising over £150,000 for three charities.

The gift will now formalise the arrangement for future donations and new uses to Forever Manchester going forward.

Nick Massey, CEO at Forever Manchester, said: “Back in 2013 we asked Tony Walsh to bring our cause to life, to give it a voice and a personality to our local communities. What we got back was the amazing poem ‘This is the Place’. 

“But it was never intended to mark a moment in time, it’s a poem that should always remind us just how important our local communities are, in bad times, sure… but perhaps more importantly, in good times too. Communities matter now more than ever. Let’s recognise their value and make sure that we nurture them and play our role in ensuring they thrive, now and forever.”

Licensing of the poem will be available through www.thisistheplace.info and details the condition of use including correct spellings and context of the use to enhance the visitor experience or community spirit of Manchester. 

The poem will be available for free for educational purposes in school libraries and colleges, and businesses will be requested to make a donation to the Forever Manchester charity in accordance with their size and usage and profits from any requests to produce merchandise will benefit the charity also. Businesses who have contributed a donation already include Manchester City Football Club and PwC.