Salford is celebrating its 100th birthday and while it might be best known for its modern media industry and industrial past, it also has long-standing links with communities across Europe.
Through town twinning, the city has formed partnerships with Clermont-Ferrand (France), Narbonne (France), Saint-Ouen (France), and Lünen (Germany). Town twinning is not widely discussed, however it continues to offer opportunities for local residents.
These relationships are built on shared interests and a commitment to cooperation, helping connect Salford to other communities outside of the UK.
What are they?
Twinned towns, also known as sister cities, are places in different countries that form partnerships to promote cultural and social links. In the UK and across Europe, the term “town twinning” is most commonly used.
The first recorded modern twinning took place in 1920 between a town in West Yorkshire and a community in France. The idea became more widespread after World War II, when towns and cities across Europe began forming partnerships to encourage international understanding and cooperation.
These agreements are formal partnerships, usually organised by local councils and community groups, but they are not legally binding.
Why is Salford twinned with other towns?
Twinning agreements are typically based on certain criteria. Local authorities often look for places with similarities in size, function, or resources, as well as any existing cultural or historical links.
In Salford’s case, its partnerships reflect these kinds of shared characteristics. The aim is to build long-term relationships that encourage cultural exchange and cooperation between communities.
What happens with twinning?
Town twinning can involve a range of activities. These often include cultural events, community visits, and educational exchanges, giving people the chance to experience different ways of life and build connections with others abroad.
In Salford, twinning is described as broad and community-orientated. The Salford Town Twinning Committee meets every two months at Swinton Civic Centre and is open to members of the public who want to get involved.
The Salford Twinning Association also helps organise events and exchanges between Salford and its partner towns, supporting ongoing relationships between communities.
Why does it matter?
Although town twinning may not always be widely discussed, it continues to play a role in connecting communities internationally. By encouraging cultural exchange and shared experiences, these partnerships help build understanding between different countries at a local level.
Salford’s four twin towns are part of that wider effort, showing how international links can exist not just between governments, but between everyday communities.
From student exchanges to community visits, these partnerships can provide real-world experiences beyond the classroom.
The Salford Town Twinning Committee encourages residents to get involved, with meetings open to the public. As cities become more globally connected, these partnerships remain a simple but effective way of building understanding between communities.
