The Manchester Day celebrations are back for 2023, with this year being called Manchester Day on Holiday, and Mancs will be able to feel like they’re at the beach without leaving the city. The event – which will take place on Saturday 29 July– promises to bring the charming holiday vibes to the heart of Manchester and, will be offering up first-class events for Mancunians of all ages to enjoy.
Manchester City Council are once again working with Creative Partner, Walk the Plank, to put a new spin on everyone’s favourite Manchester Day celebrations, instead of hosting a traditional parade, fun seekers will be able to enjoy free activities, entertainment, music and dance in different sites across the city centre.
For one day only, as part of the famous Manchester Day celebrations, Deansgate is set be transformed into a dazzling seaside haven. Us Mancs have always wanted to be closer to the beach and now we can as Deansgate will become the seaside destination of choice as part of Manchester Day on Holiday.
Visitors can expect a jam-packed day of fun, complete with a traditional helter skelter, cabin crew performances and sand sculptures. Fun seekers are encouraged to break out their deckchairs and head on down to the city centre on July 29, where they’ll be transported to a vibrant seaside without even having to leave the M60.
When and where will Manchester Day on Holiday take place?
Residents can expect a jam-packed day of immersive activities across the city on Saturday 29 July as Manchester Day on Holiday fun will be taking over all areas of the city centre the weekend. The city centre will come to life between 12 noon and 6pm with all kinds of unexpected things to see and do, before the party moves up to Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter for the new, night time showcase.
Deansgate, 12pm – 6pm
Deansgate will be completely transformed into a seaside destination, complete with a helter skelter, a Venetian Gondola, sand sculptures and even passport control. Deansgate will be the hub of the holiday celebrations will also feature live performances on the main stage from a number of groovy and upbeat local artists– perfect for an afternoon boogie.
St Ann’s Square, 12pm – 6pm
Residents are invited to grab a deckchair and enjoy a relaxing summer’s afternoon of Opera classics, Indian brass music and salsa dancing to get in the holiday mood.
New Cathedral Street, 12pm – 6pm
Explorers will be welcomed into the Animal Kingdom where all can enjoy an afternoon of fun and zoo mayhem. Complete with lions, orangutans, kangaroos and even a hippopotamus, performers and street artists will transform New Cathedral Street into a jungle safari.
Market Street, 12pm – 6pm
Visit the craft market where you’ll find local goods from homemade bakes to candles, books to locally sourced honey, brought to you by Manchester Markets.
St Mary’s Gate, 12pm – 6pm
From Lithuanian dance to Bhangra, it’s all happening at the dance floor on St Mary’s Gate, and when the professionals take a break, you can show off your moves as we open the floor to all boogie lovers.
Exchange Street and Exchange Square, 12pm – 6pm
Artists will be able to let their creative juices flow on Exchange Street, where there will be several creative and educational activities for families to enjoy including face painting, tie dying and seed planting.
St Peter’s Square, 12pm – 6pm
Budding cyclists will be able to try out top of the range balance bikes, take part in bike repairs and test out the city’s new e-cargo bikes.
Cathedral Gardens, 12pm – 6pm
Watch over 250 firefighters compete in the toughest 6 minute race to find the UK’s Fittest Firefighter.
Stevenson Square, 6pm – 9pm
Dancers and drummers will fill the vibrant streets of Northern Quarter with futuristic funk. The entertainment will hit its peak around 8.45pm when the groups converge in Stevenson Square to engage in an adrenaline-fuelled drum off.
Manchester Day was created in 2010 with the purpose of celebrating the creativity and diversity of Manchester. Find out more about the Manchester Day celebrations here.