Manchester Day returns with a Catalan twist as Barcelona performers join city's biggest free celebration
Manchester Day is back this weekend – and for the first time ever, the city's biggest annual celebration is welcoming performers from Barcelona.
The free family festival welcomed performers from Barcelona for the first time, after Manchester became the first English guest city to take part in the world-famous La Mercè Festival in Barcelona last year.
Organised by Walk the Plank, Xtrax Arts and Global Grooves, the event saw thousands of people enjoy a day of music, dance, street theatre and larger-than-life performances.
Families were treated to a packed programme of entertainment, with organisers promising visitors could "expect the unexpected" – and delivering everything from roaming dragons and mischievous gnomes to giant puppets and a huge inflatable whale.
Catalan performers join Manchester celebrations
More than 500 performers and community groups took part in this year's Manchester Day, celebrating the city's diverse culture alongside influences from Catalonia.
One of the standout performances was The Ultimate Player's Handbook, which saw Manchester's own Company Chameleon join forces with Catalan dancers Clementine & Lisard for a high-energy mix of dance and movement.
Visitors also enjoyed Too Much from Catalan company Elelei, combining acrobatics, physical theatre and comedy, while Kamchà tka brought an immersive pop-up theatre experience to the streets.
Zum-Zum Theatre's bright pink inflatable hippos were among the family favourites, alongside unicycling knights, theatrical characters and a host of colourful surprises.
Manchester Day parade fills city streets
The highlight of the celebrations was the Manchester Day parade, which set off from St Peter's Square at 1pm.
More than 500 performers and community groups travelled through the city centre, with giant creations, bold costumes and performances celebrating both Manchester's heritage and Catalan traditions.
The parade route took in Peter Street, Deansgate, St Mary's Gate, Cross Street and Princess Street before returning to St Peter's Square.
Stories and family activities across the city
The event also marked this year's national Year of Reading, with Manchester Central Library opening specially for the day.
Families were able to take part in story-themed activities and free entertainment as part of a wider celebration of creativity and imagination.
Manchester Day has been running since 2010 and continues to celebrate friendship, community and culture across the city – with this year's Catalan collaboration adding an international flavour to one of Manchester's biggest annual events.