Manchester Day: The Photo Gallery

Confidentials 3 June 2013

TENS of thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate Manchester for the fourth Manchester Day Parade and its theme – Wish You Were Here.

More than 2,000 people participated in the parade, made up from more than 100 charities, communities and companies.

This time many more from the UK and around the world took to twitter and watched the livestream of the Manchester Day.

This was the best attended Manchester Day yet, as sunshine helped transport the crowds to Manchester-on-Sea. There was a a mile of floats, costumes, musicians and volunteers dancing down Deansgate and snaking through the city centre.

Albert Square also saw a 500-strong choir, the 'Sing for Water' mass choir made up of Manchester voices sing a repertoire of songs including 'I do like to be beside the Manchester seaside'.

The parade was led by a stunning Cyber Beast flying into the future, courtesy of principal sponsor BT, while other highlights included a glittering octopus, gigantes and parading fun fair rides.

More than 2,000 people participated in the parade, made up from more than 100 charities, communities and companies.

Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: "It was lovely to see so many young people and families out on the streets today enjoying the show."

Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, added: "I’m always proud to be a Mancunian, but this parade reminds us all of exactly why. The passion and excitement is always infectious – a brilliant family day out.

"The parade also provides a real boost to city centre businesses – the cafes and bars were teeming today which is great to see and really important in these difficult economic times.”

The parade was produced by Manchester 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. We can only do this because of the passion of everyone involved and I would like to thank all the groups and artists that took part as they are at the heart of this wonderful event.”

The parade also received significant private sector sponsorship. BT stepped in this year as principle sponsor, while Laing O’Rourke returned once again as gold sponsor.

Photographs are from Mark Waugh at www.markwaugh.net and follow him on Twitter here.

Manchester Day