The B of the Bang - The Rise and Fall
A Cautionary Tale from Manchester
In the heart of Manchester, near the iconic City of Manchester Stadium, once stood a towering testament to architectural ambition and engineering prowess—the B of the Bang.
Conceived as a symbol of the city's vibrancy and progress, this ambitious sculpture quickly became a source of controversy and disappointment, ultimately meeting an ill-fated demise.
The B of the Bang was the brainchild of renowned sculptor Thomas Heatherwick and was commissioned to commemorate the 2002 Commonwealth Games hosted by Manchester.
The name itself, "B of the Bang," was inspired by a quote from British sprinter Linford Christie, describing the explosive energy of the starting pistol in a race. Christie said that he started his races not merely at the "bang" of the starters’ pistol, but at "the B of the Bang".
The concept aimed to capture the dynamism and spirit of sport, serving as a lasting reminder of the Games' legacy.
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