From Manchester with love

The best photograph taken from this year’s Manchester Day has been revealed, as details for next year’s event are announced.

From hundreds of pictures entered into the photography competition organised by Manchester City Council to celebrate people's memories of Manchester Day, which took place in June, Steve Joyce's picture of the parade has been chosen as the winner.

His winning shot depicts the Spirit of Manchester figure, which led the parade and was based on the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy emblem, apparently leaning over the town hall and kissing the famous clock tower.

Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council's assistant executive member for culture and leisure and one of the competition judges said: "We were inundated with entries and were so impressed with the standard. It was so difficult to choose just one and I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to share their photographs and memories with us.

"Steve's picture was chosen however as we felt it encapsulated Manchester Day and that he had thought hard about the artistry and sense of perspective of his image to create a winning shot."

Steve Joyce now wins a top-of-the-range digital camera, donated by Siemens the Manchester Day sponsors as well as tickets to a range of city centre Christmas attractions. Runners up Keith Flamee and Mike Bibby will also receive some festive goodies.

Steve, who is a fundraiser for Manchester-based landmines clearance charity, the Mines Advisory Group said: " I'm so chuffed to win. Sat on a kerb in Albert Square in the sunshine watching the Manchester Day Parade was a very enjoyable couple of hours. I was amazed how good the floats were. It was obvious that an awful lot of work had been put into it, and the crowd was clearly enjoying the whole thing. Another great idea for Manchester!"

Justin Kelly, Head of Strategy & Marketing Communications, for Siemens Industry said: "We are delighted to have been involved as a headline sponsor for this year's Manchester Day.  The photography competition engaged a large number people and inspired them to get creative which is fantastic."

All the entries are displayed on an online gallery at http://www.themanchesterdayparade.co.uk/

And as people relive their memories of the first ever Manchester Day, preparations for Manchester Day 2011 are already underway.

Taking place on Sunday 19 June 2011, next year's theme is A Voyage of Discovery and once again the people of Manchester are invited to be involved and help create floats, costumes and performances based on their own ideas about what the theme means to them, working with parade producers Walk the Plank, the creatives behind last years fantastic parade.

Whatever your interpretation of A Voyage of Discovery, the organisers would love to hear from community groups, organisations, families and individuals. The voyage of discovery could be Manchester's journey from village to 21st century world-class city, or perhaps a more personal journey uncovering the story of your family, community, city or even country. It could be an exploration of Manchester's achievements in sport, music or science including the city's celebrated inventors and innovators or perhaps you could consider the notable journeys made by mancunians by land, sea or air.

To register your interest in taking part in Manchester Day Parade 2011, visit the website and fill in the online application form http://www.themanchesterdayparade.co.ukor/ call Walk the Plank on 0161 736 8964 to request an application form.
The deadline for applications is 31 January 2011 so don't miss out. Get in touch now and embark on an exciting voyage of discovery of your own.