Manchester Day will be talk of the town!
MANCHESTER Day is back for another colourful celebration of our city and its people this summer.
This year’s theme is ‘Word on the Street,’ celebrating Manchester’s reputation as a pioneering voice throughout history.
Organisers say it will be a chance to remember what the word on the street was 100 years ago when the Suffragettes were fighting to get votes for women, or the streets around the city’s universities as some of history’s greatest discoveries were being made, and the streets of the industrial revolution during the birth of the world’s first modern city.
Producer Liz Pugh, co-founder of outdoor arts specialist Walk the Plank, said: “For our ninth Manchester Day we’re delighted to be exploring Manchester’s reputation as a vocal and pioneering voice at so many key points in history, and the way in which it has given confidence to so many different groups of people and sections of society.
“We’re looking forward to a wide range of interpretations on this exciting theme which we think will resonate with people of all ages.”
Commissioned by Manchester council, the annual event sees more than 2,000 people parade through the city, while tens of thousands of spectators line the streets to watch. Public squares across the city also host performances and food and drink stalls as part of the festivities. Luthur Rahman, the council’s executive member for schools, culture and leisure, said: “Manchester is an incredibly diverse and exciting place to live and this event is a celebration of everything that makes our city special. It’s always fantastic to see communities come together on the day and remember that we are only as strong as the sum of our parts.” Every float, artwork, prop and costume in the parade is made completely by hand and organisers are looking for an army of creative volunteers to help be part of this year’s spectacle.
Groups can apply now and individuals can also join The WOW Crowd, which gives those not connected to a community group the chance to be involved. The deadline for applications is Monday, February 5.
Manchester Day chairman Pat Karney said: “Manchester Day has grown and grown in the past few years and we are incredibly excited to be able to invite people to be part of the show in June.
“Tens of thousands of people turn out each Manchester Day to cheer on the parade and enjoy the entertainment, and this is your chance to be part of the show of the year.
Manchester Day 2018 takes place on Sunday, June 17. For more, visit manchesterday.co.uk