Parks, leisure and the arts Manchester Day 2025: Activities and locations

Cathedral Gardens

Enjoy main stage performances from Baked a la Ska, who will be serving up original tunes along with playful ska-infused covers of your favourite hits, alongside synth pop star Michael Aldag and world music from Manchester International Roots Orchestra.

Be transported to the sunny shores of the Caribbean by steel band, Arthur’s Class Act.

The Urban Playground Team will perform Zoo Humans, a parkour performance piece that blends movement and storytelling. Keep your eyes peeled for a surprise performance later on it the afternoon.


Activities and performances

Main stage  
 
12 noon–12.25pm   Manchester International Roots Orchestra 
Global music by international musicians who call Manchester home.   

12.45–1.10pm   Splintered Ukes 
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles. 

1.35–1.55pm   Michael Aldag 
A special acoustic performance from viral sensation Michael Aldag.  

2.10–2.40pm   Baked A La Ska 
Original tunes and ska-infused covers of your favourite songs. 

3.10– 3.45pm   Splintered Ukes 
Chart-topping hits played on ukuleles. 

4.15–4.40pm   Baked A La Ska 
Original tunes and ska-infused covers of your favourite songs. 

4.45–5pm   PERFECT PITCH Finale  
A mass choir performance featuring football fans, community choirs, internationally acclaimed soprano Camilla Kerslake and some extra surprises!  
 
Street Theatre and Performance  
 

12.25–12.45pm   The Urban Playground present Zoo Humans 
Jaw-dropping parkour set to a narration by David Attenborough – will the humans remember how to move and break free from their cages?  

1.10–1.35pm   Arthur’s Class Act 
Be transported to the Caribbean with the smooth sounds of the steel pans. 

2.40–3pm   Zoo Humans 
Jaw-dropping parkour from Urban Playground. 

3–3.10pm   Three o’clock kick-off 

Five of Bury FC’s Women’s top players will be taking part in a penalty shoot-out like no other. 

3.45–4.15pm   Arthur’s Class Act 
Be transported to the Caribbean with the smooth sounds of the steel pans. 

Look out for these pop-up performances during the day:

Proper Football  
A pair of post-match footballers who are not afraid of getting down in the dirt. 
 
Cocky Robins 

These seven-foot birdies love to chat – but can you speak robin?   
 
Butterflies  
Our beautiful, giant butterflies are spreading their wings and exploring the city. 
 
Giant Seagulls 
Keep an eye on your sandwich as our giant seagulls strut around Cathedral Gardens!   
 
Locations and activities may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit manchester.gov.uk/manchesterday