A Mancunian Voyage of Discovery, Manchester Day parade 2011 set to wow the crowd

A magnificent galleon surrounded by waves and sea creatures; a beating heart; a Lancaster Bomber and literary figure Gulliver being carried aloft are some of the sights expected in the City Centre.

Manchester is set to once again turn into one massive carnival for the second Manchester Day, with more than 1600 walking the parade; 80 community groups including four charity groups have been working with more than 30 of the North West's leading artists.

The family event will take place on Father's Day, Sunday 19 June 2011 and will follow on from last year's success with dozens of groups from across the city busy working on bringing this year's theme - the Voyage of Discovery - alive.

The parade, commissioned by Manchester City Council, created by Walk the Plank with the people of Manchester , and supported by high profile sponsors including Siemens, Co-operative, Laing O-Rourke and Lend Lease, will be a massive spectacle fusing art, dance, music and even roller-skating.

The theme is designed to help participants think about their stories and those of the city, from science and sport to land, air and sea - and will bring to life some of Manchester 's great discoveries.

There are 50 groups new to this year's parade, with dance troupes, youth groups, musicians and hundreds of participants from community groups all over the city are immersed in creating their own sections.

Leading the parade, which has been produced by internationally acclaimed Walk the Plank, will be a galleon inspired by Manchester 's coat of arms. The theme also relates to the opening of the Bridgewater Canal , - the first artificial waterway, 250 years ago.

The parade takes place on Sunday 19 June 2011 and will leave from Castlefield, at 2pm, travel along Deansgate, Cross Street, Albert Square and Peter's Street.

Last year more than 50,000 people attended the extravaganza and it is hoped more will line the streets this year to enjoy the parade and entertainment at Albert Square .

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council said: "This year people will be amazed by the stunning creations. This celebration is a great day out for all the family and generates massive economic benefit for city centre businesses. Last year, it was worth £4.1m to them."

Councillor Pat Karney, chair of Manchester Day said: "Manchester Day is incredibly exciting and a great way for Manchester residents and communities to enjoy celebrating the achievements of their city. It is inspiring and makes us all incredibly proud."

"We are delighted with the huge number of applications from those wanting to take part from all corners of the city this year, and we are expecting bumper crowds to make the event and atmosphere even more spectacular."

Liz Pugh, Parade Producer and Walk the Plank co-founder said: "Manchester Day Parade is an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate their own and their city's stories.

"Many of the structures and costumes you will see in the parade have been inspired by the creative ideas of Manchester 's people, and brought to life by groups who have given their own time to work with professional artists to bring these concepts to life."

For more information on Manchester Day visit the website http://www.themanchesterdayparade.co.uk/