Following a successful debut as part of the Manchester International Festival just last year, Little Amal is set to return to the city, this time in aid of Refugee Week. Arriving in Manchester after a lengthy 5,000-mile journey from Syria, Little Amal arrived in her new home of Manchester to huge crowds and cheers late last year, and now, she’s set to make a grand reappearance – giving those who missed out last time the chance to see her in all of her 3.4-metre high glory.
Making up part of this summer’s Manchester Day parade, Little Amal will potter through the streets of the city centre this June 19th, alongside an array of impressive floats, local performers, and outlandish costumes.
It is hoped Little Amal’s appearance will bring families out in droves this June, with Manchester Day, in particular, planned around Manchester City Council’s bid to become a UNICEF recognised child-friendly city. Manc children will be invited to ‘extend the hand of friendship to her’, showing true Manchester spirit on the celebratory day.
Little Amal originally walked from Syria to the UK as part of a campaign to “rewrite the narrative” about refugees.
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “Manchester Day is the city’s way of celebrating everything we love about our incredibly diverse city and all its brilliant communities, who together help make Manchester the best place in the world to be.
“And this time we’re dedicating it specially to all our children and young people who we know had such a rubbish time and missed out on so much during the pandemic.
“After an absence of three years since the city was last able to get together and celebrate, this year’s will be the best – magical, musical, magnificent and unmissable!
“We’re honoured also to have Little Amal with us this year, joining families and children as our iconic Manchester Day Parade makes its way through the city, and can’t wait to show her some Manchester love to hold in her heart and take with her on the next leg of her important journey.” Liz Pugh, Walk the Plank’s Creative Producer, said: “This year, we’re focusing on the contribution of children and young people to our city, and the future of our planet – so we’re delighted to welcome Little Amal, one of the city’s most famous children, to the celebration. And she will take the spirit of Manchester’s youth with her as she sets off on her next journey at the start of Refugee Week.”
Manchester Day will return after two years off, bringing parades, live entertainment, food and so much more to the city this June 19th.