Manchester’s favourite day of the year is making a return for 2025 with details of this year’s annual event now confirmed by the local council. Manchester Day is a celebration of the city and all things Mancunian and will be taking place on Saturday 26th July 2025. With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.
What is Manchester Day?
Manchester Day was created in 2010 with the purpose of celebrating the creativity and diversity of Manchester. When it first began, Manchester Day revolved around a parade through the city, but in recent years the format has become a ‘promenade style’ event with activities across the whole of the city centre.
However, a music-filled mini parade will take place for Manchester Day 2025, which will makes its way from St Peter’s Square, along Deansgate, to Manchester Cathedral. Like previous years of the event, activities will also take place in a number of city centre locations, with this year’s event is set to feature plenty of fun-filled, free activities for all the family to experience and enjoy.
When and where will Manchester Day 2025 take place?
Manchester Day will take place on Saturday 26th July 2025 across Manchester city centre between 12pm and 5pm. The locations where activities will take place include Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, Exchange Street, St Ann Street, New Cathedral Street, St Mary’s Gate, St Ann’s Square, Deansgate, St Peter’s Square, Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
What entertainment can visitors expect at Manchester Day 2025?
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none. From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – Manchester Day 2025 has got all musical tastes covered.
Activities will take place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, with plenty of chances for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover their hidden musical talent. Visitors can expect a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band and some surprising Ska.
Manchester Day 2025 will also see a musical takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral. Expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.
Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade aims to get everyone moving and in the music groove.
Locations and timetable of Manchester Day 2025 events
Deansgate
12 noon–1pm Mini Parade
Manchester Day officially starts with a Mini Parade at 12 noon, led by two giant fantastical griffins and followed by live bands, dancing birds, drummers and some of Manchester’s many community groups in a riot of colour and sound.
1.30–5pm Pedal Party
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner, everyone is invited to the Manchester Day Pedal Party. Hop onto a balance bike, try out an ICE Trike, or test your MTB skills. In collaboration with British Cycling and MCRactive.
Dhol Drum Stage
1.30–2pm Gnawa Manchester
Moroccan trance music.
2–2.45pm Kemoy Walker x KYSO Collective
Young people’s dance and rap collective.
2.45–3.15pm Nachda Sansaar
Award-winning Punjabi folk dancers and the world’s biggest dhol drum bring traditional bhangra dancing to the streets of Manchester.
3.15–3.45pm Soul Beats Dance Troupe
Folk and Bollywood grooves.
4.15–4.45pm Nachda Sansaar
Award-winning Punjabi folk dancers and the world’s biggest dhol drum bring traditional bhangra dancing to the streets of Manchester.
Cathedral Gardens
Main stage
12 noon–12.25pm Manchester International Roots Orchestra
Global music by international musicians who call Manchester home.
12.45–1.10pm Splintered Ukes
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles.
1.35–1.55pm Michael Aldag
A special acoustic performance from viral sensation Michael Aldag.
2.10–2.40pm Baked A La Ska
Original tunes and ska-infused covers of your favourite songs.
3.10– 3.45pm Splintered Ukes
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles.
4.15–4.40pm Baked A La Ska
Original tunes and ska-infused covers of your favourite songs.
4.45–5pm PERFECT PITCH Finale
A mass choir performance featuring football fans, community choirs, internationally acclaimed soprano Camilla Kerslake and some extra surprises!
Street Theatre and Performance
12.25–12.45pm The Urban Playground present Zoo Humans
Jaw-dropping parkour set to a narration by David Attenborough – will the humans remember how to move and break free from their cages?
1.10–1.35pm Arthur’s Class Act
Be transported to the Caribbean with the smooth sounds of the steel pans.
2.40–3pm Zoo Humans
Jaw-dropping parkour from Urban Playground.
3–3.10pm Three o’clock kick-off
Five of Bury FC’s Women’s top players will be taking part in a penalty shoot-out like no other.
3.45–4.15pm Arthur’s Class Act
Be transported to the Caribbean with the smooth sounds of the steel pans.
Look out for these pop-up performances during the day:
Proper Football
A pair of post-match footballers who are not afraid of getting down in the dirt.
Cocky Robins
These seven-foot birdies love to chat – but can you speak robin?
Butterflies
Our beautiful, giant butterflies are spreading their wings and exploring the city.
Giant Seagulls
Keep an eye on your sandwich as our giant seagulls strut around Cathedral Gardens.
St Ann’s Square
Wrestling Ring Stage
12 noon–12.10pm Flat Pack Music
Opera with a twist.
12.15–12.30pm Danielle de la Wonk
Hula hooper extraordinaire.
12.40–12.55pm Future Shock Pro Wrestling
Live wrestling demonstrations.
1–1.10pm OneDa
Internationally renowned Manchester rapper.
1.10–1.25pm Fay Presto
Incredible illusions for all the family.
1.25–1.40pm Sam Buttery
West End show tunes.
1.40–1.55pm Future Shock Pro Wrestling
Live wrestling demonstrations.
1.55–2.10pm Flat Pack Music
Opera with a twist.
2.10–2.25pm Future Shock Pro Wrestling
Live wrestling demonstrations.
2.30–2.45pm Michael Aldag
Acoustic performance from viral sensation Michael Aldag.
2.50–3.05pm Fay Presto
Incredible illusions for all the family.
3.05–3.20pm Flat Pack Music
Opera with a twist.
3.20–3.35pm Sam Buttery
West End showtunes.
3.40–3.55pm Danielle de la Wonk
Hula hooper extraordinaire.
4–4.15pm Fay Presto
Incredible illusions for all the family.
4.20–4.30pm OneDa
Internationally renowned Manchester rapper.
4.45–5pm Future Shock Pro Wrestling
Live wrestling demonstrations.
Street theatre
The Summer Lion
Look out for a lion on the loose.
Borneo Again
Encounter a mischievous stowaway from Borneo.
Birdcage stage
12.10–12.40pm Cartoon Capers
Slapstick silliness, aerial magic and cartoon mayhem.
3.35–4.05pm Cartoon Capers
Slapstick silliness, aerial magic and cartoon mayhem
New Cathedral Street
12 noon–12.30pm Wigan Ukulele Club
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles.
12.35–12.55pm Levantes Dance Theatre present High Tea (With a Twist)
Daring dance and acrobatics above a tastefully laid tea table.
1–1.30pm Wigan Ukulele Club
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles.
2–2.30pm Royton Ukulele Group
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles.
2.35–2.55pm Levantes Dance Theatre present High Tea (With a Twist)
Daring dance and acrobatics above a tastefully laid tea table.
3.15–3.35pm Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band Bolton UK
East meets West via Bolton.
3.35–4pm The Bridgewater Hall Singers
Pop songs and classic tunes.
Street Theatre 12 noon – 5pm
Football Crazy
Silliness reigns supreme at the world’s only mobile football stadium.
Fireman
Hilarious heroes delivering a sizzling mix of slapstick comedy.
Market Street
French street theatre company Stoptoï combine dance, drumming, and juggling in a brand-new, high-energy show. Plus, visit Circus House to learn a new skill. From home-made bakes and locally sourced honey, to hand dipped candles and artisan doughnuts, discover the finest regional produce at the Manchester Day Craft Market, brought to you by Manchester Markets.
St Mary’s Gate
12 noon–5pm Circus House
Enjoy astounding acrobatic performances and master a new skill with the folks from Circus House.
12 noon–5pm Manchester Originals
Dive into the fast and furious world of The Hundred, a turbocharged version of traditional test cricket. Try batting, bowling, and catching, meet players from Manchester Originals, and be in with the chance of winning prizes.
12 noon–5pm Athletics
Get your blood pumping at the pop-up athletic track supplied by GLL. Challenge your mates, stage a family relay, or beat your own personal best.
12.25–1.05pm Stoptoï present Pocket Loop
French street theatre company Stoptoï combine dance, drumming and juggling in a high-energy show full of rhythm and imagination.
2.15–2.55pm Stoptoï present Pocket Loop
French street theatre company Stoptoï combine dance, drumming and juggling in a high-energy show full of rhythm and imagination.
Opera House
Take a free, guided, behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic Manchester venue, craft a band poster from recycled show posters and take part in a performance themed workshop.
King Street
King Street turns into Guitar Street as the Music for the Senses art trail takes over the city centre, with amazing artworks and interactive installations that celebrate Manchester’s legendary music scene. In association with Wild in Art.
Exchange Street
12 noon – 5pm Make and take magic
Make some noise with Manchester Libraries and craft a harmonica or tambourine to take home.