Manchester Day Parade - Pictures and Words

Confidentials 11 June 2012

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets to celebrate all things Manchester for the third Manchester Day Parade and its theme – The Sky’s the Limit: A celebration of heroic achievements.

"The parade made the streets of Manchester come alive today. Rio has nothing on Manchester."

Up to 80,000 people enjoyed the sunshine and watched as the floats, artworks and participants marched their way down Deansgate and snaked through the city centre.

Highlights included a supersized superhero baby, a spinning metropolis floating above the parade and the return of Concorde.

More than 2,000 people participated in the parade, made up from more than 90 charities, communities and companies who brought alive the theme in colourful fashion.

Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, and Manchester's Minister for Fun, said: "The parade made the streets of Manchester come alive today. Rio has nothing on Manchester today - it felt like there was about a million people in the city centre.

"It was lovely to see so many young people and families out on the streets today enjoying the spectacle. It makes you so proud to see Manchester celebrated like this – a day that people will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Councillor Pat Karney is, of course, never been one for exaggeration.

Pat Karney

The parade was produced by event organisers Walk the Plank, who connected celebrated artists from across the North West with participating groups to create the wonderful artworks seen today.

Liz Pugh, Producer at Walk the Plank, said: "Every group that took part gave their all today and the parade was once again magnificent and a true reflection of the diversity of this city.”

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The parade received significant private sector sponsorship. Returning once again with founding sponsors Siemens were Gold Sponsors The Co-Operative Group, Laing O’Rourke and Lend Lease. Wates Construction also returned as Silver Sponsors with Bronze Sponsors GB Building Solutions this year being joined by Redgate Holdings Ltd and Manchester College.

Our other supporters were: Transport for Greater Manchester, NCP, Broderick’s Coffee Shop, Z Arts (formerly Zion Arts Centre), Manchester Metropolitan University, Real Lives Wythenshawe, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Junk Jam.

Media partners were Key 103 and MEN Media.

THANKS TO THE EXCELLENT MARK WAUGH FOR THE PHOTOS: (www.markwaugh.net)

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