St George’s Day parade Manchester 2022 returns - where to watch it plus road closures for the parade

Manchester is gearing up to host the annual St George’s Day parade once more.

The colourful procession celebrating England’s patron saint will take place on Sunday 24 April, following a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.

The parade, featuring community groups, music and people in costume, will leave Varley Street in Miles Platting around noon on Sunday and make its way into the city centre.

Organisers estimate it will get to Piccadilly Gardens about 12.45pm.

It is expected to make its way back to Adactus in Oldham Road, Miles Platting, between 2pm and 2.30pm.

You can also get involved in advance if you wish with some garland and banner making sessions on Friday and Saturday, from 2pm-6pm in St Cuthbert’s in Oldham Road, Miles Platting.

You can find out more about all the events on the parade’s Facebook page here.

Where are the road closures for the St George’s Day parade in Manchester?

Road closures will be in place on Sunday as the parade passes through. These are:

Varley Street, from Ridgeway Street to Oldham Road - 9am to 4pm

Oldham Road (southbound), from Varley Street to Great Ancoats - 12 noon to 2.30pm

Great Ancoats Street, from Oldham Road to Newton Street - 12.30pm to 12.45pm

Oldham Street, from Great Ancoats to Piccadilly - 12.30pm to 2pm

Piccadilly, from Oldham Street to Newton Street - 12.30pm to 2pm

Newton Street, from Piccadilly to Hilton Street - 12.30pm to 2pm

Hilton Street, from Newton Street to Lever Street - 12.30pm to 2pm

Lever Street, from Hilton Street to Great Ancoats - 12.30pm to 2pm

Great Ancoats Street, from Lever Street to Oldham Road - 1.30pm to 1.45pm

Butler Lane, from Oldham Road to Bradford Road - 12 noon to 2.30pm

Bradford Road, from Butler Street to Varley Street - 1pm to 2.30pm

People are being asked to avoid these areas and expect congestion.

Anyone wanting to watch the parade in the city centre is being advised by TFGM to catch a tram to Piccadilly Gardens.

Why do we celebrate St George’s Day and when is St George’s Day 2022?

St George is the patron saint of England and 23 April marks the annual celebration of all things English.

However, St George’s Day is not a bank holiday like St Patrick’s Day in Ireland or St Andrew’s Day in Scotland.

St George’s origins are a little hazy, with varying reports as to whether he was from Turkey, Palestine or Greece.

It’s thought St George may not even have visited England but he was made the country’s patron saint in 1415.

Legend has it he slayed a dragon but it’s thought the story symbolises him standing up to persecution from the Romans for his Christian faith.

It is believed he was executed in 303AD as part of the persecution of early Christians, and crusaders brought his story to England some centuries later.

St George was noted for his valour and chivalry.