Some of the world’s best-loved games will be brought to life as Manchester Day returns on Sunday 14 June 2015 for a free, family-friendly celebration of all things marvellously Mancunian.
This year’s Game On! theme will see both computer games and those of the more traditional variety given imaginative interpretations as more than 2,500 participants – from more than 80 community groups – take to the streets for a spectacular parade through the city.
Commissioned by Manchester City Council and produced by local outdoor experts Walk The Plank, the event will see artists from the region work closely with community groups to develop costumes, structures and performances.
Among the parade highlights are more than 100 dancers bringing different genres of computer gaming to life in a high energy display.
This year’s Manchester Day official character Pixel will be appearing in the parade, given shape by the Moss Side-based St Mary’s Voice of Unity group.
Manchester’s Chinese Community is creating a terracotta army, in a reference to SunTzu, the famous Chinese military strategist who maintained that strategy could win wars without bloodshed.
Meanwhile, the Indian Association of Manchester is paying homage to chess, reputedly invented in India, with a mobile game and a collective of Wythenshawe groups creating a giant rolling compendium of games.
The parade will leave Liverpool Road at 1pm, weaving its way through the city centre and finishing in Exchange Square at approximately 2.30pm. Last year tens of thousands of people attended the day-long event and expectations are high for an even bigger turn out this year.
Now in its sixth year, Manchester Day has become a must-see event with tens of thousands of spectators flocking to celebrate the best of Manchester.
Last year, Manchester Day extended its celebrations to areas away from the main parade route and this successful format is being repeated. Once again,the city centre squares will play host to activities and performances throughout the afternoon with mouthwatering street food and drink available from noon to 6pm.
Tweeting enthusiastically about Manchester’s incredible history is this year’s official Manchester Day character Pixel. Follow @PixelMcrDay for some fascinating facts and all the Manchester Day news.
Councillor Pat Karney, chair of Manchester Day, said: “The wait for Manchester Day is excruciating! Christmas excitement pales into insignificance and birthdays are all but forgotten as we wait for the return of one of the most incredible outdoor events the UK has to offer, which is now only weeks away.”
Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “Nothing quite matches up to the atmosphere that Manchester Day brings to the city. As free family events go, the parade and all the entertainment in the squares cannot be beaten. My kids love it – and I bet yours will too.”
Liz Pugh, co-founder of Walk The Plank, said: “This is a community celebration in the true sense of the phrase. From local artists to local groups, it’s a day to come together and delight in everything that makes this city great.”
For more information visit www.manchesterday.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter via #MCRDay
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