Sunday Funday: Things to enjoy during Manchester Day 2019

“Sustainability is at the heart of Manchester Day 2019” say the organisers of this year’s event, a city-centre celebration ran by the people of Manchester for the people of Manchester that takes place on Sun 23 Jun. Thinking of heading down to soak up this year’s festivities? Here’s a few key things to look out for…

The Parade
The main event of the day will be the spectacular parade running this year between Princess Street and Manchester Cathedral at the end of Deansgate, promising to be bigger and better than ever. It is of course free to watch and spectate, and those taking part will be community groups and volunteers, meaning that after seeing what they have to offer, anyone can access and explore these organisations at a later date (further information on the website). The parade will celebrate the city of Manchester and all it has to offer and will have a certain emphasis on the environment, which has proved a popular subject matter in the last few years and will no doubt be successful in raising even more awareness through the means of the parade. This is such an easy and fun way to get friends, family and children enjoying the day whilst also learning to protect the environment we live in by encouraging sustainability.

Artwork
Artwork is a massive part of each Manchester Day so this year Mayfield Depot will open its doors to the public in order to showcase the masses of art being created just for the event. As 2019 marks the 10th year of the celebration, artists from around the world, and the North West, will be joined by volunteers in preparing the props, costumes, floats and art needed for the event and the sheer amount of (mostly recycled) material being reworked is sure to be immense. A visit to Mayfield Depot near Piccadilly Train Station will inspire creativity and give a sense of the magnitude of this event, giving you an appreciation for the preparation needed to put on such a show.

Food and Drink
All this excitement and venturing around will no doubt call for food and drink – but don’t worry, you’ll be catered for by the street-load. Lining the streets of Manchester will be independent food and drink companies offering everything from tapas and fish and chips, to breweries and ice cream parlours – whatever the weather, you’ll be happy to find something to fill up on. This may be the only part of the celebration that isn’t free – but how can you complain when the quality is so good and you’re contributing to your local economy? Extra points for sustainability too! Again, there’s something for the kids, adults and everyone in between to enjoy.

Performers and Stalls
Providing even more entertainment during Manchester Day 2019 will be local performers and those from further afield, putting on shows in Manchester’s various squares. You’ll find an ode to Manchester in the 90s alongside circus performances at the parade’s end point, Cathedral Gardens, with choirs, orchestras and DJs alike calling the gardens home for the day. Exchange Square will house the Manchester Day markets with independent traders offering everything from glass artwork, chilli sauce, honey and photography, along with a promise of small music performances to entertain the masses. Manchester’s beautifully historic St Ann’s Square will also be part of the celebrations, with dancing and music as well as a ‘making station’ for children (and adults) of all ages to get involved, whether that’s making your own parade hat, getting creative advice from the experts or just having a go at whatever tickles your fancy. St Ann’s Square is the place to get involved and feel like part of a community.

Various Locations, Sun 23 Jun, www.manchesterday.co.uk/