Manchester Day 2024 will see the city transformed into “the biggest playground ever”, as the theme announced

Manchester city center is to be transformed into the ‘biggest playground ever’ for this year’s Manchester Day celebrations. Council bosses have announced that the theme for this year’s free, family-friendly event will be ‘Let the Games Begin’.

Manchester Day will take place on Saturday 27 July and will be inspired by the ‘international summer of sport’ in the Olympic year, organizers say. It will see the city’s streets and squares filled with music, dance and fitness activities designed to bring out the inner athlete in visitors, young and old.

Visitors can expect mind-blowing acrobatics and pop-up shows in the most ‘unlikely places’ around town in a full day of free events.

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It will run as downtown activities again this year, following last year’s decision to move away from a single parade.

Manchester Council is teaming up with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a ‘medal-winning programme’ for the day, which promises something for all ages and sporting abilities – from the fastest kid to the slowest.

It will feature what is possibly the world’s slowest race as a pair of giant snails spend the better part of a day jockeying for first place.

There will be a hip-hop ring for breakdancing, wrestling, an opera venue and a dash of drag, along with a vintage fair to try a hook-a-duck challenge or a round of darts.

Organizers say we can expect a “true reality” arcade filled with larger-than-life console games to fully immerse ourselves in, and that there will be something for even the most reluctant of athletes to enjoy.

Award-winning dance company Motionhouse will now bring their hit outdoor show Wild, which will see performers fly through the city on a forest of poles in a daring circus-dance production using careful choreography and acrobatic movement.

Performers from No Fit State Circus will defy the laws of gravity as they bend, flex and build a huge series of bamboo structures as part of a mind-blowing performance that relies solely on human strength, confidence and harmony with nature.

There will also be a music-packed program – from Jubacana, a youth-led fusion and dance project that combines percussion, guitar and lots of glitter to create a big sound and an even bigger show.

Guests will enjoy the freshest beats from the city’s DJs, the Bridgewater Hall Choir or a tour around the world with the Global Grooves procession, before a final show with one of the best bands of UK live soul, Detroit Soul Collective.

In a Manchester Day special this year and to mark what is set to be a blistering summer of international sport, the city has also partnered with some of the UK’s leading sporting bodies to bring a whole sports day of tasting sessions of all kinds. of various sports and fitness activities.

British Taekwondo will teach the basics of self defense and give you all the information you need to join your local club. Or get your blood pumping on the 60m pop-up athletics track, provided by GLL, which will also host a series of fun challenges for all the family, including a mini tennis rally and basketball match .

Cricket fans can immerse themselves in the fast and furious world of The Hundred, a turbo-charged version of traditional Test cricket. Try batting, bowling and catching in a special area, meet Manchester Originals players and stand a chance to win prizes.

Netball fans can shoot hoops and score goals with the England Netball team. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to the sport or a casual player looking to improve your game, they’ll also help you find a local club to suit your level and keep playing.

Aspiring footballers won’t want to miss Manchester United Foundation’s Panna Cage, in partnership with Manchester FA, where you can take on the goal challenge, hone your technical skills with professional coaches or even take part in a little game. .

Also on hand overseeing all the day’s proceedings will be a band of roving referees who can sing (or issue a red card) at any moment, ensuring a fun-filled day for all as families are invited. to try their hand at all kinds of games and sports activities of the type.

Anyone can be a winner at Manchester Day 2024 – with gold medals scheduled to be awarded in a special winners’ building throughout the day and medals up for grabs in all sorts of categories, including biggest grin and best dancer father.

Councilor Pat Karney, chair of Manchester Day, said: “We know how much Mancunians of all ages love celebrating the city’s special day with us and this year we’re really going for gold. We have an absolutely fantastic day lined up. , full of free things to see and do for the whole family, all with a sports flavor – so grab your grandma and trainers and come down and join us!”

Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank, said: “We are delighted to be helping to produce the Manchester Day program again this year. We have some of the best music, dance, theater and performance the city has to offer. Where else would you find a wrestling drag queen, a sporty dinosaur and a hip-hop opera singer.