CELEBRATE & REMEMBER...

MANCHESTER Day is back on Sunday, and this year thousands of people will flock to the city centre to take part in the festivities. Now in its eighth year, Manchester Day encapsulates the city’s pride, diversity, community spirit, strength and solidarity – aiming to be a proud celebration of Manchester people and their shared history.

At the heart of the festival is the parade - a collection of community groups, dancers and performers around a mile long, which will collectively wind their way through the city.

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Eddy Newman, and Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, will join Chair of Manchester Day, Cllr Pat Karney, marching in the parade, which has the theme of ‘Abracadabra’ this year.

The parade leaves Liverpool Road at 1pm on Sunday June 18, before weaving its way through the city centre to finish in Exchange Square at approximately 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners will be bringing their footstomping 90s classics to Exchange Square, where audiences can also enjoy the finest live jazz from the Northern Quarter jazz bar Matt and Phreds.

Head down to St Ann’s Square for vibrant international flavours - from Indian and Ghanaian dance, to the sounds of calypso. Magician and illusionist Van Buren will also be entertaining crowds with moments of magic.

At 5.20pm, head to Cathedral Gardens for the grand finale. Here, some of Manchester’s finest young talent will be performing, including bands from Xaverian College and the Royal Northern College of Music. Prepare to be entertained with magical performances from Dr Diablo’s sideshow, while Circus House conjure up some daring acrobatic stunts.

This year’s festival also will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the arena, their families, and those who were injured during the attack at the Manchester Arena on May 22.

Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “Manchester Day will show the city’s resilience and collective spirit where people come together to celebrate a shared love for our city.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their lives last month – as well as those who were injured – and we believe it is important that Manchester Day pays tribute.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s right and fitting that Manchester Day is devoted to those who lost their lives and those that continue to live with the aftermath of last week’s attack.

“It will also give us all an opportunity to pay tribute to our heroic public servants and celebrate the incredible Manchester spirit that has sustained us all through these dark days.”

See our eight-page Manchester Day pullout for more details, and a parade route map.