Returning following a successful 2024 event, The Manchester Flower Festival is set to bloom once again, brightening up the lovely streets of our city this bank holiday weekend. Organised annually by Manchester City Centre BID, will be a fabulous floral spectacle, featuring a ‘Manchester in Flowers’ floral trail plus lots of al fresco dining, live music and family entertainment.
Now in its fifth year, Manchester’s floral takeover attracts tens of thousands of additional visitors to the city centre and launches the summer event season in the city. Taking place across the late May Bank Holiday weekend, Manchester Flower Festival transforms the city centre with themed decorations and green installations, alongside live music, entertainment, alfresco food and drink, talks, demonstrations and workshops – this year along the theme of ‘Manchester and Other Great Cities Around the World’.
Since 2018, the event has taken place as part of the annual King Street Festival, however, has expanded over the years to bring a little bit of colour to the rest of the city centre. The region’s best floristry and gardening talent will team up for the occasion, turning shop windows, lampposts, vintage cars and even pop-up gardens into floral pieces of art.
When is Manchester Flower Festival?
Manchester Flower Festival will take place during the late May Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 23rd – Monday 26th May 2025).
Where will Manchester Flower Festival take place?
Spanning across the entire city, visitors will be able to experience a stunning trail of flowers and greenery around every corner – with areas such as Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Manchester Arndale getting in the botanical spirit. Yep, when we say the entire city, we mean it.
Venture outside the festival zone where, once again, the city’s venues, public spaces and businesses are supporting the festival with their own newly commissioned gardens and displays, making up the Manchester Flower Festival Fringe. Visitors will also find flower-filled bars, pop-up gardens and al fresco dining spots, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and sunshine, whilst Selfridges will once again be taking over Exchange Square with food and drink offerings, live entertainment from local DJs and family activities.
Which bars and restaurants are taking part in the Manchester Flower Festival Cocktail Trail?
A delicious Cocktail Trail will also take place across the city, incorporating a selection of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Enjoy Manchester Flower Festival inspired cocktails at bars and restaurants across the city, including:
The Cut & Craft pop-up Champagne bar
The Cut & Craft is taking over the space on New Cathedral Street (outside Zara) with a gorgeous pop-up Champagne bar. Open from 11am – 7pm on Friday 23rd – Monday 26th May, the team from The Cut & Craft has curated a menu of Moët, frozen Champagne ices, and Champagne cocktails to be enjoyed al fresco. Additionally, the team will be serving Champagne sorbet with Champagne pours from a cute branded ice cream cart.
📍 New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD.
El Gato Negro Tapas Pop-Up at St Ann’s Square
El Gato Negro Tapas is bringing the vibrant flavours of Spain to the heart of the city with a special pop-up in St Ann’s Square. Visitors can enjoy a variety of creative twists on their signature patatas bravas — the perfect blend of crispy potatoes, bold sauces, and irresistible seasoning.
To complement the dishes, the pop-up bar will be serving up refreshing cocktails, ice-cold draught beer, and a selection of soft drinks, ideal for soaking up the festival atmosphere.
📍 St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH.
Franco Manca
Limoncello, prosecco topped with sparkling water and finished with mint leaves as garnish.
📍 Franco Manca, King Street, M2 7AT.
San Carlo Gran Cafe
Join San Carlo Gran Cafe in celebrating the debut of their new Afternoon Tea menu and the return of the Manchester Flower Show with an exclusive selection of cocktails.
📍 Gran Cafe, San Carlo, Selfridges, Lower Ground Floor, 1 Exchange St M3 1BD.
Urban Playground
Petal to the Metal: salted caramel, melon liqueur, Cointreau, apple juice, lime, vanilla & passionfruit syrup, topped with elderflower tonic.
📍 Urban Playground, Upper Mall, Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale, M4 3AB.
Grand Pacific
The Floral Aviation: nostalgic riff on an aviation, including the flavours of lavender and parma violets, to create a colourful and refreshing drink.
📍 Grand Pacific Manchester, 50 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN.
Fazenda
Bloom Street is a refined twist on the classic Lychee Martini, infused with South American flair. This cocktail blends the earthy tones of Pisco complemented by the subtle sweetness of honey for a refreshing summer delight.
📍 Fazenda, Spinningfields, The Avenue, Manchester M3 3AP.
What installations can be found on the Manchester Flower Festival Trail?
1. The Gateway to Osaka
This striking art installation by Visual Architects celebrates the deep-rooted connection between Manchester and Japan, ahead of the city hosting the prestigious Japan Week from 4-9 September 2025.
Manchester’s bond with Japan stretches back to the Industrial Revolution, with Osaka famously dubbed ‘The Manchester of the East‘. This connection is brought to life through a bespoke torii gate, adorned with hand-painted cherry blossoms, set above a serene image of a koi carp pond, inspired by traditional Japanese art. This peaceful scene, perfect for a picture, is a nod to the heritage that defines both Manchester and its sister cities.
📍Lower Mall of Manchester Arndale near NEXT.
🕒 23– 25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
2. A World in Bloom
Europe’s largest digital ceiling will burst into colour with a spectacular 115-metre LED display curated by the Printworks, celebrating floral icons from around the globe. Inspired by playful balloon art, the vibrant visuals will feature tulips for Amsterdam, daffodils for Wales, lotus flowers for India, and roses for Paris – plus a cheeky balloon bee will be making its way through the display.
Down in the Pumpyard, visitors can enjoy a striking five-metre tulip installation, created by the inflatable artists, Designs in Air, and take part in free bouquet-making workshops hosted by David Wayman every hour between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 24 May.
📍 Printworks.
🕒 23–25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
3. The Markets of Marrakech
Created by Citiblooms Limited, this vibrant floral installation invites visitors to step into the spirit of Marrakech – a city of rich colour, culture, and storytelling. Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech has long been a cultural crossroads, known for its bustling souks, traditional riads, majestic palaces, and serene gardens with water features symbolising life and abundance.
At its heart is a tribute to the Majorelle Gardens, celebrating their 100th anniversary. First planted in 1924 by Orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle and opened to the public in 1947, the gardens were later restored by designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, saving them from redevelopment and preserving their legacy.
Wander through luxuriant planting, bold florals and succulents inspired by this iconic space, and fall in love with the magic of Marrakech. Don’t forget to tag your photos @citibloomscorporate using #citiblooms for a chance to win a £50 voucher.
📍 New Cathedral Street.
🕒 23– 25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
Credit: Supplied
4. MCR LIVE ’25
Celebrating MCR Live ’25 – a summer of music in Greater Manchester including Oasis’ homecoming reunion gigs at Heaton Park in July – this ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall inspired planter is bursting with colour and vibrant planting representing a city alive with music and energy. Visitors may spot nods to Manchester’s music scene old and new, tall plants like bamboo that make their own music in the breeze and flowers that attract bees, creating a real buzz.
📍 New Cathedral Street.
🕒 23– 25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
5. Mumbai Dreams
Created by Verdure Floral Design, this vibrant installation celebrates the Holi Festival – a celebration of love, equality, and the arrival of spring. Rooted in Hinduism, Holi honours the divine love of Radha and Krishna, uniting people through the tradition of throwing coloured powders and water.
At the centre of the display is a Bollywood-inspired mannequin, reflecting the excitement around the upcoming ‘Come Fall in Love‘ – a dazzling new Bollywood production at the Manchester Opera House, running from 29th May to 21st June. Completing the scene is a majestic elephant, paying tribute to Ganesh, the deity of wisdom, strength, and good fortune. Symbolising prosperity and positivity, this tribute to Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage brings the spirit of Holi to life in a colourful, immersive way.
📍 Exchange Street.
🕒 23–25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
6. Manchester: The Original Modern City
Manchester is often called ‘the original modern city’ due to its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, becoming the world’s first industrial city and a hub for innovation and global trade. This display celebrates Manchester through the ages with signs, structures and chimney pot planters partnered with bee friendly displays of lavender, alliums and birch.
📍St Ann’s Square.
🕒 23–25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm
7. A Stroll Through Amsterdam
Created by Royal Exchange Flowers, A Stroll Through Amsterdam takes inspiration from the vibrant, fun and bold beauty of the Netherlands, bringing the charm of the Dutch capital to life. The building’s famous Arcade will be transformed into an immersive experience that transports visitors to Amsterdam. Expect plenty of photo-worthy moments, from a canal bridge and a floral bike to a bench with a tall townhouse backdrop and towering tulips.
Be sure to follow the Royal Exchange Manchester social channels throughout May @RoyalExchangeManchester for a chance to win the #AStrollThroughAmsterdam prize draw.
📍Royal Exchange Manchester.
🕒 23– 25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
8. La Romance in Paris
Created by Frog Flowers, this enchanting display is inspired by the romance of Paris in bloom. At the centre stands a reproduction of the iconic Eiffel Tower, surrounded by a soft palette of pinks, lilacs, blues, greens, whites, and subtle hints of lemon and red. Real plants and cut flowers will weave around the tower, softening its structure with an organic, poetic flourish. This installation invites visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the floral elegance of Paris, right in the heart of Manchester.
📍King Street.
🕒 23–25 May, 10am–7pm | 26 May, 10am–5pm.
9. Steps of New York
Designed and installed by DECORDIA, this installation pays artistic homage to the personal gardens that thrive on the steps of New York City’s apartments. ‘The New York Steps’ captures the quiet beauty of these intimate spaces, where small patches of greenery bring life and character to the urban landscape.
Terracotta and stone pots line the steps, each reflecting the owner’s love for nature. Despite their modest scale, these gardens tell stories of individuality and resilience. This exhibition highlights the contrast between the city’s bustle and the tranquility found in these personalised green spaces. Through this display, DECORDIA invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of everyday urban life, showcasing the creativity and peace that can flourish in unexpected places.
📍King Street.
🕒 23– 26 May, 10am–5pm.
What other events can visitors expect from the Manchester Flower Festival?
New Cathedral Street Floral Marquee
New Cathedral Street will be home to the Floral Marquee. The marquee will be a gallery of beautiful floral displays from local florists including Smart Floral Art, IndieBloom, Flowers from the Farm and Treehouse Manchester. Plus visitors will also be able to take part in a host of workshops including Ikebana Japanese flower arranging, pressed flower framing and making macrame plant hangers.
Handmade pressed flower paper lantern workshop
Smart Floral Art will be hosting a workshop to create your own handmade pressed flower paper lanterns on Saturday 24th May between 11am and 3pm. You can book a space online here – all ages and abilities are welcome.
Manchester Bee Procession
Families will be ‘buzzing’ at this year’s celebrations as children (and parents!) are invited to come along to the festival dressed as a bee, bug, or pollinator for the brand new, Manchester Bee Parade. Participants can follow Manchester’s Queen Bee from garden to garden, whilst taking part in the special bee dance, ‘The Waggledance’ in an unforgettable, family parade around the festivities.
Massage and facial at Neal’s Yard Remedies
Wellbeing also takes centre stage at this year’s festival. Inside Neal’s Yard Remedies, guests can explore the natural skincare brand’s iconic Wild Rose Beauty Balm, now fully vegan, while enjoying a free 15-minute hand and arm massage or express facial. These relaxing appointments offer a chance to pause, refresh, and reconnect with nature – booking in advance is recommended.
Enjoy a guided nature tour of the city
Jonathan Schofield Manchester Tours will run a series of guided walking tours that explore
the hidden parks, waterways, and nature trails of Manchester and Salford. These unique routes blend environmental discovery with local history, revealing how nature has shaped – and continues to thrive within – the city’s urban fabric. Tickets are £15 to take part, and participants will meet and finish at the St Ann’s Square Flower Festival stand.
Find out more about the floral festival here.
