Seventy years have passed since Manchester last watched a Coronation. For most of us, it's the first we've seen in our lives, and for some it will be the last.
So there was near-silence from visitors inside Manchester Cathedral as King Charles III entered an abbey 200 miles away. Young and old appeared frozen in their seats at times, as they took in the moment of history unfolding on the big screens before them.
People had been warmly greeted with a flag as they arrived at the historic building's entrance while red, white and blue bunting could be found inside. But this wasn't a party.
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The sound of the national anthem, God Save The King, was met with enthusiastic waving of flags inside the cathedral each time it was played out during the procession. A booklet was handed out to visitors with the words of hymns being sung during the ceremony.
An artist sat among the rows of spectators, sketching scenes from the day. As the ceremony began, eyes seemed glued, with each detail being etched into the memories of those watching.
In some ways, the scene from Manchester Cathedral was a snapshot of today's city. People of different ages, different races and different faiths had come together to witness history.
There were even moments where phones were raised to film scenes from the proceedings as they unfolded in the big screen, like when a band plays their biggest hit at Manchester Arena. The empty seats inside the cathedral perhaps also reflected Manchester's views on the pomp taking place, with slightly more than half the chairs taken.
Manchester's other big screens were at Piccadilly Gardens. Walking along Market Street to get there - at the same time the crown was being placed on King Charles III's head - the number of people going about their Saturday as normal was striking.
Shoppers rushed by, some stopping to watch the street performers entertaining crowds along Market Street. Some stopped to speak to the Socialist Workers Party, which had a stall halfway along the bustling street, with masks of Charles and Camilla alongside signs which read 'abolish the monarchy'.
Street food traders and bars were keeping the crowds fed and watered at Piccadilly Gardens. Greater Manchester Police says around 1,200 people passed through the entrance to experience the festivities.
Just as in the cathedral, spectators had their eyes fixed to the screen as the Coronation continued. Families sat together on picnic benches, with children watching on with flags, while at Dock53 a row of comfy seats had been snapped up by visitors who had settled in for the duration.
There was no carnival atmosphere with people too engrossed by what they were watching. Nor was there any audible enthusiasm for Archbishop of Canterbury's invitation to pledge allegiance to the King - with any oaths being sworn at Piccadilly Gardens done in hushed tones or privately, if at all.
A small, peaceful gathering of anti-monarchy protesters stood on the other side of the fence at Piccadilly Gardens - highlighting the cost of the ceremony at a time millions of Brits have been struggling to pay their bills, perhaps another reason why the celebration seemed rather muted. But for many in the crowds, there was a feeling of comfort from the sense of togetherness in the occasion.
Today's events will eventually be looked back on as a part of Britain's history. Whatever the future holds for the city, the country and the monarchy, the crowds at Manchester Cathedral and Piccadilly Gardens won't forget where they were on May 6, 2023.
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