Manchester Day 2023: Exciting new ‘day-til-dusk’ format announced - but without a parade

Manchester City Council have announced big changes for this year’s Manchester Day event. Instead of the usual parade, there will be a city-wide “day-to-dusk” celebration of all things Manchester.

The new format Manchester Day will take place on Saturday 29 July, lasting all day from 12pm to 9pm. There will be “surprises on every street corner” for children and adults of all ages, with live music, pop-up performances, have-a-go activities, art installations, crafts, a Manchester market, and food and drink.

Salford-based outdoor events specialists Walk the Plank will be working with council to provide the day’s entertainment, along with Tameside-based carnival arts company Global Grooves. On the day, some of the city centre roads will be closed, allowing visitors more space to wander around and enjoy the event safely.

City centre spokesperson, Councillor Pat Karney, said: "Everyone knows how much we love doing things differently here in Manchester, and after more than a decade of Manchester Days we’ve decided it’s time to do just that and also showcase our famous Manchester nights.

"And so on Manchester Day this year - for the very first time - we’re really excited to be bringing a special night city celebration to our streets and squares to round off what is set to be a fabulous day-long celebration of everything that is great about Manchester. It’s going to be brilliant, a show-stopping finale to an amazing day and you won’t want to miss it!"

Last year’s June event was a big hit with folk in the city centre and featured a parade through town,