Tens of thousands joined us as we transformed Manchester into a sandy beach, a larger-than-life zoo, a disco dancefloor and a party in the park.
Manchester Day 2023 took the city On Holiday – with an International soundtrack to match. We programmed some of the UK’s best street acts and the North West’s most talented young musicians for audiences to enjoy – from West African tunes, Lithuanian music and Bhangra dance to a sleepy sloth, a few giant snails and a ravenous orangutan.
More than 400 artists performed throughout the city centre during this fabulous day. The main music stage on Deansgate, which went car-free for the day, ended on a high with a performance by Chic Le Freak, the UK’s best Nile Rodgers tribute act, and Walk the Plank’s dazzling pyrotechnics.
Global Grooves closed the night elsewhere by leading a party procession through the Northern Quarter, which culminated in a drum-off in St Peter's Square to the delight of unsuspecting audiences.
Manchester Day on Holiday was brought to you by Manchester City Council in collaboration with Walk the Plank.
