Launching on 1 September in Platt Fields Park, the event promises ‘a fling of fun for all the family’
Missed Manchester Day this year? Well you’re in luck, because the council has announced the ‘Festival of Manchester’ - a new celebration of the city’s communities - to round off the summer in Platt Fields Park on 1 September.
Set to be an annual fixture, the day promises ‘a non-stop programme of activities and performances to keep everyone entertained’ until sunset; including street parties, talks, crafts and (naturally) street food.
It’s going to be a fantastic fiesta - a real celebration of our different communities
There’ll also be music, dance and circus across three performance areas - alongside walkabout entertainments throughout the park - plus have-a-go activities and professional demos across a wide range of sports.
What’s more, entry is free.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: “The Festival is a chance for every different community living in Manchester to show off the best bits of their culture.
“Behind the fun is the serious contribution that culture makes to our city, and especially the value of the communities that make our diverse and vibrant city such a great place to live, work and play.
“It’s going to be a fantastic fiesta - a real celebration of our different communities, our dance, food, music, crafts, sports, traditions and languages. What better way to finish off this spectacular summer?
“So come down, get involved in some fantastic free activities and help us celebrate our differences and everything that helps make Manchester so amazing.”
What’s on?
The programme is evergrowing, but here’s what’s confirmed so far…
STAGE 1
Jet Black dance
African Caribbean dance piece, with colourful costumes based upon African tribes and carnival style
Mcr Gay and Lesbian Choir
Cappella singing group for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Songs of Manchester and beyond
Manchester International Roots Orchestra (MIRO)
Musicians, singers and MCs of all styles and genders. Involves refugees and other culturally diverse musicians, as well as Royal Northern College of Music
Chorlton Country Music Group
Country, soul, blues and Americana from the likes of Dave Hassle and Clive Mellor (who has played Harmonica for Liam Gallagher and Richard Hawley)
STAGE 2
Manchester Malayalee Association
Traditional dance from the Indian state of Kerala, performed by ten sari-clad Malayalee women
Ferdousi Hoque
Bangladeshi folk tunes on flute
Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK
Traditional colourful dances, featuring authentic costumes from Mexico
Ri Ri’s Dance Academy
Guinness World Record-breaking Bollywood entertainment
Manchester Day attracts tens of thousands to the city centre each year
PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
Arts of China
The dance academy will host a Chinese Classical dance performance and workshop by choreographer Susie Lu
Manchester School of Samba
A noisy fun-filled celebration of the joys of being alive, using dance and percussion to play the rhythms of various styles of Brazilian Carnival
LAKESIDE
Peacock walk about and feather making
Rickshaw rides
Vegetable Nannies
Hats Off! Parade around the Lake
BOWLING GREEN
Manchester Incident Response dog display team
The police trained dogs will show off all their agility and obedience as they sniff out evidence, chase down ‘criminals’ and navigate their way around obstacles
Platt Fields
ARTS AND CRAFTS MARQUEE
Creative Design & Manufacture UK (CDM UK)
Workshop on brooch making, block printing, fabric collage and embroidering names of community heroes on denim pieces, which will be joined to make a community quilt
Manchester Libraries and Archives
Join Libraries and Archives for some hat-raising design. Make your own hat and badge, then feature in the hat parade and photo shoot
STREET TALK
Ananna Young Girls Group
Poetry amplifying female voices; exploring identity, home and Britishness
LCB Language & Culture of Bangladesh
A little play with dance performances spoken in English, with traditional Bengali Music
Living History: Moving Stories - Migration and Identity
Meet Anita Sharma at school in Manchester as she describes her summer holiday trip to Bombay with her parents who were born there. Follow her journey to adulthood as she explores her identity
SPORTS
BMX
American football
Basketball tournaments
Cycling try-outs
Yoga
Street sports
Pop up family games
There’ll also be plenty of arts and craft activities The Bazaar, as well as stalls from local makers.
Festival of Manchester takes place on Saturday 1 September in Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, M14 6LA - more info on the website
