City buzzing again as festival returns
AFTER a long three years, Manchester Day has returned with a bang, a shimmy and plenty of buzz.
Thousands crowded along Deansgate to celebrate everything about Manchester - and what a party it was.
From the Queen Bee leading the Parade to the bouncing babies in their oversized pram, nothing could top the incredible atmosphere of a city that has come together following numerous lockdowns and the Covid pandemic. The theme was ‘Our Year,’ and focussed on the children and young people of Greater Manchester.
There was also extra emphasis on the environment and sustaining our natural world.
On the 50 floats taking part there were magnificent butterflies, peppered moths and lots and lots of little bees.
Music emanated from every section of the parade including a fabulous steel band that got the crowd dancing, and the delightful drums of the British Pakistani Agricultural Society. Also joining in the party atmosphere were some brilliant dancing groups, who added to the festival vibes.
And making her long-awaited return was a crowd favourite – Little Amal. The 3.4 metre high puppet of a Syrian girl refugee left both adults and children in awe as she joined at Quay Street and made her way round the city centre. Handing out flowers to some participants of the parade and waving to the crowd, she was a highlight.
Internationally acclaimed and award-winning production designer Dan Potra was the Creative Director behind this year’s parade. He said: “It’s an amazing number to see and hear. It’s very exciting to be here, I really hope people will be out here enjoying themselves.”