MANCHESTER is preparing to celebrate its heroes with a high flying parade in June.
This year's Manchester Day will see more than 90 community groups come together to produce floats and performances that will parade through the streets.
Each year I think we can’t beat last year, and every year I am proved wrong – it just keeps getting better and better
The theme – The Sky's the Limit: A Celebration of Heroic Achievements – has inspired artists to create a whole range of displays for the parade, from a giant air hostess to a superhero baby.
Councillor Pat Karney, chair of Manchester Day, said: "The annual Manchester Day Parade has become indelibly printed on the minds of people across the region as one of the best loved events in the city’s summer calendar. It’s not surprising as the last two years have shown how spectacular the day can be.
"Each year I think we can’t beat last year, and every year I am proved wrong – it just keeps getting better and better.”
Manchester Day Parade 2011
Last year more than 50,000 people showed up to celebrate Manchester Day and the council is expecting even more this time around.
Now in its third year, the parade will start and end in Castlefield, travelling along Deansgate and past Albert Square en route.
Council Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: "Manchester Day is the perfect opportunity to get the family together for a memorable day out in the city centre. The Parade has something for all ages and the artworks are truly something to behold. The celebration is not only a great day out, but also generates a massive economic benefit for city centre businesses.”
Liz Pugh, producer at parade organisers Walk the Plank, said: "Many groups are using the Parade as a chance to celebrate their own heroes - volunteers and participants who give up their time in order to make a difference. The atmosphere at the workshops has been fantastic as people work together to create their individual floats and costumes and we’d love lots of people to come along with their families to support the Parade on the day by cheering us on along the route.”
The parade will take place on Sunday June 10, starting at 2pm.
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Manchester Day Parade 2011
