To be appointed a UNESCO City of Literature, cities must demonstrate they are pursuing excellence in literature, engaging citizens and encouraging the creation and sharing of stories. Other successful cities include Durban (South Africa), Lillehammer (Norway), Quebec (Canada), Utrecht (Netherlands), Seattle (USA), Milan (Italy) and Bucheon (Republic of Korea).
Manchester is home to the UK's oldest public lending library and is the birthplace of Anthony Burgess, Elizabeth Gaskell and Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The successful bid was led by the City Council, Manchester’s universities and the Manchester Literature Festival.
The city will develop a programme of cultural events to celebrate.
You can read more about Cities of Literature here.
Sources: The Bookseller; BBC News.