Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate all things Manchester for the third Manchester Day Parade and its theme – The Sky’s the Limit: A celebration of heroic achievements.
Record breaking numbers of up to 80,000 people enjoyed the sunshine and watched as the floats, artworks and participants all marched their way down Deansgate and snaked through the city centre.
Led by the cacophony of a 150 piece percussion band, other highlights included a supersized superhero baby, a spinning metropolis floating above the parade and the return of the iconic Concorde aircraft – all complemented with a riot of colour, noise and spectacle.
More than 2,000 people participated in the parade, made up from more than 90 charities, community and companies who brought alive the "Sky’s the Limit” theme in extravagant fashion.
Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: "Absolutely fantastic! The parade made the streets of Manchester come alive today. Rio has nothing on Manchester today - it felt like there was about a million people in the city centre.
"It was lovely to see so many young people and families out on the streets today enjoying the spectacle. It makes you so proud to see Manchester celebrated like this – a day that people will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, added: "What a fantastic day for Manchester! I’m proud to say that I was actually part of the parade and the energy from all the other participants and the huge crowds was incredible.
"Manchester Day is a wonderful family event, but the parade also provides a real boost to city centre businesses – the cafes and bars were teeming today which is great to see and really important in these difficult economic times.”
The parade was produced by renowned event organisers Walk the Plank, who connected celebrated artists from across the North West with participating groups to create the wonderful artworks seen today.
Liz Pugh, Producer at Walk the Plank, said: "Every group that took part gave their all today and the parade was once again magnificent and a true reflection of the diversity of this city.
"We can only do this because of the passion of everyone involved and I would like to thank all the groups and artists that took part as they are at the heart of this wonderful event.”
The parade also received significant private sector sponsorship. Returning once again with founding sponsors Siemens were Gold Sponsors The Co-Operative Group, Laing O’Rourke and Lend Lease. Wates Construction also returned as Silver Sponsors with Bronze Sponsors GB Building Solutions this year being joined by Redgate Holdings Ltd and Manchester College.
Our other supporters were: Transport for Greater Manchester, NCP, Broderick’s Coffee Shop, Z Arts (formerly Zion Arts Centre), Manchester Metropolitan University, Real Lives Wythenshawe, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Junk Jam.
Media partners were Key 103 and MEN Media.