City prepares to celebrate Manchester Day
Thousands of performers are set to make their way down Deansgate later
Last updated 19th Jun 2022
There are only hours to go until Manchester Day is set to return to the city centre after a nearly three-year break.
Thousands are expected to turn out to watch hundreds of dancers and musicians in the first parade since the pandemic began.
There will be the spectacle of brand new iconic floats representing everything Manchester.
This years theme is all about youth and a celebration of the city's young people.
Amongst others, this year's floats will include the 'Queen Bee Gondola,' paying homage to the city's rich industrial heritage and a giant moth sculpture telling the story of how Pepper Moths in Manchester changed their colour in the industrial revolution.
There will also be an appearance from Little Amal, the giant puppet of a Syrian refugee who arrived in the city last Summer.
Earlier in the week, we were allowed a sneak peek at some of the floats that will be making their way down Deansgate later:
What time does the parade start?
The Parade will start on Liverpool Road at 1pm before making its way up Deansgate towards the Cathedral.
It will then travel along St Mary's Gate and onto Cross Street and John Dalton Street.
The parade will finish by making its way back down Deansgate towards the Beetham Tower.
Manchester Day Parade in numbers:
- This year will mark the 11th Manchester Day.
- 1,300 participants are set to take part including 896 dancers and 298 musicians.
- 100 volunteers have helped put the parade together
- The length of the parade from start to finish is 10 football pitches long!
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: "There really is nowhere quite like Manchester, and as anyone who has ever been along to Manchester Day or watched our spectacular parade knows, there is absolutely nowhere on the planet that can match Manchester on Manchester Day.
"The atmosphere in the city is fantastic, it's always amazing and the parade never fails to impress and surprise. It's a day when everyone smiles and the sun always shines.
"We've had to wait a bit longer this time for Manchester's favourite day of the year to come round because of Covid - but we're all set now and raring to go and I can't wait for the parade to start. Come down and join us - you're in for a treat!"