Manchester Day returns with city-wide musical celebrations this July

Early plans have been revealed ahead of July’s Manchester Day celebrations.

Taking over the city on Sat 26 Jul, Manchester Day 2025 will focus on the city’s homegrown musical talent amidst another huge summer of live music right on our doorstep.

The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities.

From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

Activity hubs will be hosted in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens and various spaces in between the two, with visitors young and old encouraged to stop by and try their hand at a variety of workshops and performances, including ukulele sessions, sing-alongs, steel pan bands and ska groups.

The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.

The route will be accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more.

Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day.

“Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”

Manchester Day festivities will kick off at 12pm and run until 5pm.