Manchester Day returns on Sunday, July 26, with a host of family-friendly events across the city centre from midday to 5pm. This year's event features a Catalan twist as performers from Barcelona join the celebrations, and the parade follows a new route.
Parade route and timings
The parade sets off from St Peter's Square at 1pm. It travels down Peter Street, turns right onto Deansgate, then right onto St Mary's Gate, right onto Cross Street, left onto Princess Street, and finishes back at St Peter's Square. Over 500 performers will take part, including community groups, giant puppets, and costumes inspired by Catalan tradition.
Albert Square
Albert Square returns for the first time since 2018 due to the Town Hall restoration. Activities include musical performances, acrobats, facepainting, and food. The main stage schedule features Baked A La Ska (12.40pm-1.15pm, 3.10pm-3.40pm), Mr Swing's Dance Orchestra (1.20pm-2pm, 4.10pm-4.35pm), Mr Wilson's Second Liners (2pm-2.30pm), Always Drinking Marching Band (3.40pm-4.10pm), and a finale at 4.35pm. Pop-up shows include Motionhouse – BLOCK (12 noon-12.40pm, 2.30pm-3.10pm).
St Peter's Square and Central Library
Highlights include Circo Rum Ba Ba's giant inflatable sperm whale for immersive storytime, and pop-up acts like TS Crew, The Circus House's acrobatic librarians, and roaming performances featuring dragons, knights, and polar bears. Central Library opens specially for Sunday Funday (11.30am-5pm) with book-themed activities.
Exchange Square
A music-led programme features Kemoy and the KYSO Collective, Rochdale in Rhythm CIC, Royton Ukulele Group, The Bridgewater Hall Singers, Prestwich Community Choir, and Soulbeats Dance Troupe performing Bollywood fusion.
St Ann's Square
Expect book-themed fantasy with Birdcage Stage's reimagining of Alice's Wonderland, Told by an Idiot's duelling Shakespeares, and harp performances by Rebecca Mills. Barcelona performers Joan Català and Kamchàtka also feature.
Brazennose Street and Lincoln Square
Sports activities include a bike circuit with British Cycling, a running track, giant games, and a football cone challenge. Skateboarding information is available for Ramp on the Roof festival.
Road closures
Closures are in place on Sunday from 11am to 3pm on Peter Street, Mount Street, and Deansgate, and from 11am to 4pm on St Mary's Gate, Market Street, St Ann's Street, Cross Street, Princess Street, John Dalton Street, and King Street. Parking suspensions apply from Saturday 9pm to Sunday 9pm on several streets. Bus lane suspensions on Deansgate and Princess Street run from 7am to 7pm.
Tram disruption
No trams run on Altrincham, Eccles, and Trafford Centre lines. East Didsbury and Airport services terminate at Firswood, and Rochdale services terminate at Exchange Square.
