THE Manchester Day parade in June was captured in all its chaotic and colourful glory by a whole host of amateur photographers looking to claim the Manchester Day photography crown.
Ross ConstableFrom a long list of snap happy hopefuls the winning photographer has been announced as Ross Constable from Didsbury. His photo (pictured at the top of this page) of horn blowing tree-like men was judged to best capture the size, vibrancy and colour of the parade.
Confidential admires the enterprise Mr Constable must have shown to get in amongst the action to take a picture from the particular angle he did while managing to incorporate Deansgates redbrick buildings and iconic Beetham Tower. Although it appears there is a rogue tree man second from the left who has sneaked into the mix in his jeans and coat.
Mr Constable prize winning effort was rewarded with an iPad and leather case donated by Manchester Day sponsor Siemens.
Ray Dumpleton from Burnage was named runner-up, catching the judges’ eyes with his photo of the imps and demons that led this year’s parade before a backdrop of quotes celebrating the city. One such quote from Judge Parry in 1912 reads: "For Manchester is the place where people do things.... Don't talk about what you are going to do, do it. That is the Manchester habit”.
Ray Dumpleton's Second Place Photo
The third and final prize went to Mr Steven Ever, of Gosport Portsmouth, who confounded and delighted the judges with his bizarre snapshot of a Godzilla-sized bird eyeing up afternoon tea at the Cloud 23 bar of the Hilton Hotel.
Stephen Ever's Third Place Photo
Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: "Each year the standard of the photography gets better and better and the competition has become a real highlight for many people. We were spoiled for choice by the hundreds of entries that we received and it was a real job to settle on the best photos – but the energy captured in Ross’s picture really made it stand out from the crowd."
Judges felt the standard of entries to this year’s competition was so high that a further ten entries were afforded honourable mentions. Due to the growing popularity of the competition next year’s parade the Town hall will host an exhibition featuring the best of Manchester Day photos.
