Manchester City Council has announced that the St George’s Day parade is set to return to the city this month. Originating from a grassroots organisation, the community event has become a popular, family-friendly celebration that showcases the diverse and eclectic idea of what it means to be English.
Community fund to celebrate St George’s Day across Manchester streets
As part of this year’s festivities, Manchester City Council has also announced a new community fund for local groups to run celebrations across the city. The community fund will allow people throughout Manchester to celebrate in their own way, in their own streets, with their friends and neighbours, ranging from the likes of street parties to community lunches.
54 applications have been submitted to receive grants of up to £400 for local events in neighbourhoods across Manchester, allowing communities to celebrate together in their own way – a similar approach to how the city supports local VE Day and Armistice Day events each year.
St George’s Day parade in Manchester: when and where will it take place?
Taking place on Sunday 26th April, the major St George’s Day parade event is set to be “the biggest and best yet”, as Manchester’s communities come out in force to celebrate England’s patron saint – this year marking its 21st outing. The parade starts at noon on Varley Street in Miles Platting before winding its way into the city centre.
The parade will include a host of entertainers, musical performers, civic and cultural figures, as well as a showcase of England’s history and culture. From local scout troops, pipe bands and local school children, to a dragon float, Henry VIII and his six wives, to St George himself on his horse, there will be something for everyone.
St George’s Day parade route
The parade will commence and finish at Varley Street, weaving through the streets of Manchester city centre.
St George’s Day parade route in order:
- Varley Street – left onto Oldham Road
- Oldham Road – left onto Great Ancoats Street
- Great Ancoats Street – left/right onto Oldham Street
- Oldham Street – left onto Piccadilly
- Piccadilly – left onto Newton Street
- Newton Street – left onto Dale Street
- Dale Street – right onto Lever Street
- Lever Street – left onto Great Ancoats Street
- Great Ancoats Street – right onto Oldham Road
- Oldham Road – right onto Butler Street
- Butler Street – left onto Bradford Road
- Bradford Road – left onto Varley Street (route concludes)
Which Manchester roads will be closed for the parade?
The following roads are expected to be closed on Sunday 26th April for the St George’s Parade.
Affected roads and times
9am to 4pm
- Varley Street – from Ridgeway Street to Oldham Road
12 noon to 2.30pm
- Oldham Road (southbound) – from Varley Street to Great Ancoats Street
- Butler Street – from Oldham Road to Bradford Road
12 noon to 2pm
- Piccadilly – from Oldham Street to Newton Street
12.30pm to 2pm
- Oldham Street – from Great Ancoats Street to Piccadilly
- Newton Street – from Piccadilly to Hilton Street
- Dale Street – from Newton Street to Lever Street
- Lever Street – from Hilton Street to Great Ancoats Street
1pm to 2.30pm
- Bradford Road – from Butler Street to Varley Street
Short-duration traffic holds
12.30pm to 12.45pm
- Great Ancoats Street – from Oldham Road to Newton Street
1.30pm to 1.45pm
- Great Ancoats Street – from Lever Street to Oldham Road
Will there be any parking restrictions on the day?
Parking restrictions will be in place on the following roads:
- Newton Street – from Piccadilly to Dale Street – 12pm to 2.45pm
- Oldham Street – from Piccadilly to Great Ancoats Street – 12pm to 2.45pm
- Lever Street – from Piccadilly to Great Ancoats Street – 12pm to 2.45pm
- Oldham Road – from Butler Street to Great Ancoats Street – 12pm to 2.45pm
Cllr Pat Karney, City Centre Spokesman for Manchester City Council, said: “It goes without saying that this year’s parade is set to be our biggest and best yet. I am always immensely proud to take part in St George’s Day celebrations as it often brings out the best in what our country has to offer.
“We have proudly supported this event for more than 20 years, and we salute the efforts of whole organising committee for their tireless work in promoting such a valuable community celebration.
“I am incredibly proud to lend my support to this event, and celebrate what makes England and Manchester so special. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on the day to enjoy this great day out.”
Karen Quinn, Secretary of the St George’s Day Parade Organising Committee, said: “As a committee, we are proud to continue this important tradition, celebrating not only St George’s Day but also the diversity and unity of our communities. This year’s parade, being our 21st, promises to be exciting, with something for everyone to enjoy.”