Thousands turned out this weekend (Saturday 26 July) for Manchester’s favourite day of the year that saw a fantastic programme of free music-themed family fun to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.
More than fifty thousand people took to the streets during the day for the annual celebration of the city which once again did not disappoint.
Inspired by what is proving to be a sensational summer of music in Manchester, they enjoyed pop-up performances, astounding acrobatics, and banging beats throughout the city’s streets and squares as the whole city came together for Manchester Day 2025.
The council worked with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that was full of surprises and lots of free fun, all with a musical twist.
The day kicked off with a mini parade at 12 noon from St Peter’s Square, that made its way along Deansgate and on to the Cathedral.
Led by two fantastical creatures, and with over 400 participants, including live bands, dancing birds, plenty of drummers, and Manchester’s very own Queen Bee, as well as some of Manchester’s many community groups dancing and performing their way along the route in a riot of colour and sound, it was a clear crowd-pleaser.
Sparks flew as the world’s largest dhol drum rolled into town, opening up to reveal amazing dancers and drummers, whilst award-winning dance company Levantes were dressed to impress with their ‘High Tea with a Twist’ performance in the middle of the crowds on New Cathedral Street.
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