We're working to make Manchester Day 2026 our most sustainable event yet.
We're focusing on four key areas:
- Energy
- Travel
- Waste
- Food and drink
You can help too. Small actions, such as bringing a refillable water bottle or using public transport, can make a big difference.
How we're reducing emissions
We're working to make Manchester Day run with zero emissions from energy use.
Most of the event runs on people power, including:
- The parade
- Make-and-take activities
- Community performances
When electricity is needed, we use mains power across the city. If a generator is required, it will be battery powered.
This means we do not need fossil fuel generators. It helps to:
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Improve air quality
- Cut noise across the event
Travel sustainably to Manchester Day
Travel is often the biggest source of carbon emissions at large events.
If you can, please:
- Walk
- Wheel
- Cycle
- Use public transport
You can plan your journey using the Bee Network journey planner.
You can also read our travel advice for Manchester Day.
Choosing a low-carbon journey can help reduce traffic, save money on parking and fuel, and lower the event's environmental impact.
Help us reduce waste
There are lots of simple ways you can help.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it for free at one of more than 70 refill locations across the city.
Use the ReFill app to find your nearest refill point.
Choose reusable cups
If you're buying drinks from the bar, you'll be able to use our reusable cup scheme.
In 2025, more than 2,400 drinks were served in reusable cups. This helped avoid around 24 to 30kg of single-use paper and plastic waste.
Use the right bin
Recycling and food waste bins will be available across St Peter's Square and Albert Square.
Please use the correct bin for your waste. This helps us recycle more and send less waste for disposal.
Choose lower-carbon food and drink
You're welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the city centre.
If you'd rather buy food at the event, there will be a wide range of options available.
We encourage our food and drink traders to:
- Use local suppliers where possible
- Choose seasonal ingredients
- Offer vegetarian and vegan options
- Reduce the amount of red meat they serve
Why not try one of the vegetarian or vegan dishes available on the day?
Measuring our impact
Every year we collect information about:
- Energy use
- Water use
- Materials
- Waste
- Travel
We use this information to improve future events and reduce their environmental impact.
Manchester has a target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038, and Manchester Day plays a part in helping us reach that goal.
Working with sustainability partners
Manchester City Council is a member of the Green Events Code of Practice. This helps us follow recognised standards for sustainable event management and improve the way we run Manchester Day each year.
All Manchester City Council staff working on Manchester Day are Carbon Literate certified.
Manchester Day 2026 is delivered in partnership with Walk the Plank, a leading outdoor arts organisation with a strong track record in sustainable event delivery. Their expertise helps us create a memorable event while reducing its environmental impact. Walk the Plank is committed to creating eco-friendly events, winning many awards for their sustainable practices including a 4 star Creative Green award from Julie’s Bicycle for Manchester Day in 2019.