St. George's Day Parade
Manchester hosts the Country's biggest St. George's Day parade.
This Sunday (24 April) Manchester celebrates all things England as it hosts the largest St George’s Day parade in the country.
The patriotic spectacular will include floats from local schools, mods, jesters, music, fair maidens, knights of old and more – the whole diverse tapestry that makes our city region so great. Pride of place will of course be given to a giant St George riding his trusty steed.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle will be taking part in the parade. He said:
“I congratulate the St George’s Day committee for organising this fantastic event which will attract people from all communities across Greater Manchester. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase our history, hospitality and humour! It will be especially poignant this year as we celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.”
Set to be the biggest St George’s Day parade in England, the event is expected to be cheered on by thousands as it winds its way through Miles Platting, Ancoats and then on to a street festival in Piccadilly Gardens, which will feature street theatre, music, and a large dose of English eccentricity.
The parade returns to Miles Platting for a triumphant finish and post-parade party celebrations, including fairground rides, brass bands, food, music, and dance.
A number of roads will be closed as a result.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) advises anyone coming into the city to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, avoid driving and use public transport.
A street festival celebrating English culture will take place from 11.30am to 6pm in Piccadilly Gardens, perfect for travel by Metrolink, bus or train.
The parade will travel a circular route, starting and finishing at Varley Street in Miles Platting, travelling along Oldham Street, through Piccadilly (expected at 12.30pm), the Northern Quarter and Ancoats. See a map of the route.
There will be some temporary road closures along the route from 9am, with city centre roads affected from around 11.15am-2pm.
Full traffic diversion signage will be in place across all areas affected by road closures. The following bus services will be diverted around the area.
- 18, 42(FM), 59, 74, 76, 81, 83, 88, 112, 118, 135, 149, 163, 181, 182, 184, 192, 201, 203, 204, 205, 216, 217, A40, Metroshuttle 1, Vantage 1 and Vantage 2.
Metrolink services run direct to Piccadilly Gardens, which is also one of the city’s main bus termini. Over 3,000 Park & Ride spaces are free to use for Metrolink customers at stops across the tram network.
Plan your journey at www.tfgm.com or call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays).
For live travel updates follow @OfficialTfGM and @MCRMetrolink on Twitter.