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All about the Vimto Statue in Manchester
- Fun Facts about Vimto
- Vimto is a Manchester thing
- The Vimto statue used to stand on the John Noel Nichols Factory
- Kerry Morrison created the Vimto statue in 1992
- The original Vimto recipe was simpler
- The Vimto statue underwent renovation in 2018
- The Vimto drink was originally marketed as a health tonic
- The Vimto brand has been involved in charitable initiatives
- The Vimto brand is now sold in over 85 countries worldwide
- How to Get to the Vimto Statue in Manchester
If you’re new to Manchester, you might have seen a giant monument of a bottle surrounded by fruits while you’re out and about at the city centre. In that case, you may be wondering why a soft drink has its own statue.
The Vimto statue, aptly named “A Monument to Vimto,” was created to commemorate a popular Manchester-born soft drink that is loved by thousands of Mancunians. It was also built to add another artistic repertoire to the city’s rich lineup of monuments.
So, what is Vimto and why does this particular fizzy drink have gained a cult following? Well, we’ve got some fun facts for you, where we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Mancunians’ favourite beverage and its memorial. Read on!
Fun Facts about Vimto
Now let’s start with why exactly Vimto is an interesting place to visit and add to your collection of experiences you’ll be having when coming to Manchester.
Below are a few interesting and fun facts about this amazing beverage and its statue that erects at the heart of the Greater City!
Vimto is a Manchester thing
You might be wondering why a Vimto statue is erected in the middle of the city. Well, it’s certainly an interesting story for most tourists, and Mancunians just grew accustomed to the oddness throughout the years— it also gained a lot of its charm as well.
Most Mancunians prefer drinking Vimto more than any other soft drink. Since it has continuously gained popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, it has taken on different forms, such as slushies, bonbons, ice lollies, chewy bars, and more.
The Vimto statue used to stand on the John Noel Nichols Factory
Vimto was invented in Granby Row, Manchester near the old John Noel Nichols Factory by a man with the same namesake way back in 1908 to celebrate this iconic drink.
Now, what makes this monument so special is that it celebrates the creation of Vimto, a delicious fruity soft drink that was invented by John Noel Nichols in Manchester way back in 1908.
The monument is located near the site of Nichols’ original factory, where Vimto was first produced.
Although the factory has since been demolished, the legacy of Vimto still lives on in the city of Manchester. People still love the drink today and it remains a local favourite.
Kerry Morrison created the Vimto statue in 1992
Did you know that the Vimto statue was commissioned to a renowned artist? This incredible sculpture was created in 1992 by the talented artist Kerry Morrison.
He’s a well-known figure in the UK art scene and has created some truly amazing sculptures, installations, and public art projects.
The Vimto brand actually commissioned Morrison to create the monument as part of their 85th-anniversary celebrations.
They wanted a sculpture that would capture the essence of Vimto and its history in Manchester, and boy did he deliver! The finished piece is a beautiful bronze statue of a human figure pouring a bottle of Vimto into a glass.
The sculpture stands at an impressive 3.5 metres tall and is located in Granby Row, right near the original site of John Noel Nichols’ factory where Vimto was first produced.
It’s become an iconic symbol of the city and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to snap a photo and learn more about the drink’s history.
The original Vimto recipe was simpler
The original recipe for Vimto was a special blend of grapes, raspberries, and blackcurrants, mixed together with a secret blend of herbs and spices to give it that one-of-a-kind flavour.
Can you just imagine what it must have been like to be one of the very first people to try this amazing drink?
Right now, it’s heavily commercialised which means we actually taste a different kind of Vimto compared to when it was first created.
It’s amazing to think that only a select few individuals know the secret recipe, and they’re responsible for making sure that every bottle of Vimto is as delicious as the last.
The Vimto statue underwent renovation in 2018
The Vimto Monument underwent a massive restoration project in 2018. This was an important initiative that aimed to restore the monument to its original glory and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The project involved cleaning, repairing, and repainting the sculpture, and was funded by the Vimto brand in collaboration with Manchester City Council.
The restoration project was a testament to the commitment of Vimto and the local authorities in preserving the cultural heritage of Manchester.
It’s great to see that they care so much about this iconic landmark and its importance to the city. Thanks to their efforts, the Vimto Monument is now looking better than ever and is sure to continue to be a beloved symbol of Manchester for many years to come.
The Vimto drink was originally marketed as a health tonic
Back in the day, Vimto wasn’t just a refreshing drink—it was marketed as a health tonic with some serious restorative powers!
The drink was claimed to have ‘invigorating and medicinal qualities’ that could cure all sorts of ailments.
While we can’t guarantee that a glass of Vimto will cure anything that ails you, it’s certainly a tasty way to quench your thirst and get your daily dose of fruity goodness.
The concept of Vimto as a health tonic dates back to its creation in 1908. John Noel Nichols was a wholesaler of herbs, spices, and medicines.
He believed that the combination of fruits, herbs, and spices in Vimto could provide health benefits, and he marketed the drink accordingly.
Nichols claimed that Vimto could aid digestion, provide energy, and even cure the common cold. He even used the slogan ‘Vimto—the health tonic of the north’ to promote the drink.
This marketing strategy was quite effective, as many people were interested in trying a tasty beverage that also claimed to be good for their health.
Today, Vimto is no longer marketed as a health tonic, but it remains a popular soft drink that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
The Vimto brand has been involved in charitable initiatives
The Vimto brand is not just about making delicious soft drinks but also giving back to the community.
One of their notable charitable initiatives is sponsoring the Manchester Pride festival, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes equality and acceptance.
Vimto has been a proud sponsor of the festival for several years and their involvement has helped raise awareness and support for the cause.
In addition to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Vimto is also committed to helping those in need.
They have partnered with Mustard Tree, a charity that supports the homeless and people in poverty. Vimto has provided funding, donations, and volunteer support to help Mustard Tree carry out their mission and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
It’s inspiring to see a brand that’s not only focused on producing quality products but also using their influence and resources to make a difference in the world.
Vimto’s involvement in charitable initiatives shows that they care about the community and are committed to making a positive impact.
The Vimto brand is now sold in over 85 countries worldwide
It’s amazing to think that a drink that was first created in Manchester over a century ago has now become a global phenomenon! Today, Vimto is enjoyed by people all around the world, with the brand being sold in over 85 countries.
Interestingly, Vimto has become especially popular in the Middle East, where it has become a staple drink during the holy month of Ramadan.
The drink is a popular choice for breaking the fast, and it’s not uncommon to see families gathering together to share a bottle of Vimto during the evening meal.
Vimto is also popular in Africa, where it’s enjoyed as a refreshing beverage and used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. In Nigeria, for example, Vimto is often mixed with other ingredients to make a drink known as ‘Vimtochap’.
Its success can be attributed to the brand’s ability to adapt to local tastes and preferences. In the Middle East, for instance, Vimto has been modified to appeal to the local palate by reducing its sugar content and adding more fruit flavours.
The drink is also marketed as a non-alcoholic alternative during Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast during the day and break their fast at sunset.
Over the years, the Vimto brand has expanded its product line to include other fruit-based drinks, including cordials, still, carbonated drinks.
Despite its global reach, Vimto has remained true to its roots as a Manchester-born brand with a unique flavour and a loyal following.
It’s remarkable to think how far the Vimto brand has come since its humble beginnings, and it’s exciting to see how it will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.
How to Get to the Vimto Statue in Manchester
Trains: The easiest (and often, the fastest) way to get around the Vimto Monument is by train. You can take the Manchester Piccadilly station train to Granby Row.
Buses: The bus stop by the Piccadilly Gardens offers a great, above-ground alternative to the Manchester Piccadilly Train system. All you have to do is pick between the 101 and V1 bus routes to get to Manchester Chinatown.
Taxis: There are several taxi companies in Manchester — Taxicode is a great option that accepts credit cards and has its own app and online website.
While it’s certainly odd to have a huge bottle of Vimto in the middle of the park, the company and the beverage itself has had quite a unique history.
With so many monuments and rich history to tap on, Vimto is certainly one that’s worth a visit from time to time. You can count on Manchester to have these quirky stories, and expect more to come as you visit this great city!
