Manchester Day 2024 will see city turned into 'biggest ever playground' as theme announced

Manchester city centre is to be turned into the "biggest ever playground" for this year's Manchester Day celebrations. Council bosses have announced the theme for this year's free, family-friendly event will be "Let the Games Begin".

Manchester Day will take place on Saturday, July 27, and will be inspired by the "international summer of sport" in the Olympic year say organisers. It will see the city's streets and squares filled with music, dancing and have-a-go activities designed to bring out the inner athlete in visitors young and old.

Visitors can expect astounding acrobatics and pop-up performances in the most "unlikely of places" across the city in a full day of free events.

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It will take place as activities across the city centre again this year, after the decision last year to move away from a single parade event.

Manchester Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a "medal-winning programme" for the day that promises something for all ages and all sporting abilities - from the fastest kid off the block to the slowest.

It will include what is set to be possibly the world's slowest race as a pair of giant snails spend the best part of the day jockeying for first place.

There will be a Hip-Hop wrestling ring for breakdancing, wrestling, a spot of opera and a dash of drag, along with a vintage fairground to try a hook-a-duck challenge or a round of darts.

Organisers say we can expect an "actual reality" arcade filled with larger-than-life console games to get fully immersed in, and that there will be something for even the most reluctant of athletes to enjoy.

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

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

There will be a packed programme of music too - from the likes of Jubacana, a youth-led, fusion and dance project that combines percussion, guitars and plenty of sequins to create a big sound and an even bigger show.

Guests will get to enjoy the freshest of beats from DJs across the city, the Bridgewater Hall Choir, or a whistle-stop tour around the world with the Global Grooves procession, before a showstopping finale featuring one of the UK's finest live soul bands, the Detroit Soul Collective.

In a Manchester Day special for this year and to mark what is set to be a sizzling summer of international sport, the city has also partnered with some of the UK's leading sports bodies to bring a whole sports-day worth of taster sessions in all kinds of different sports and fitness activities.

British Taekwondo will teach the basics of self-defence and give you all the information you need about joining your local club. Or get your blood pumping at the 60m, pop-up athletic track supplied by GLL who will also be hosting a series of fun challenges for all the family, including a tennis mini rally and a basketball shoot out.

Cricket fans can dive into 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 players from Manchester Originals and be in with the chance of winning prizes.

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

Aspiring footballers won't want to miss the Manchester United Foundation's Panna Cage in partnership with Manchester FA, where you can take on the target goals challenge, brush up on your technical skills with professional coaches, or even take part in a small-sided game.

Also on hand, keeping a watchful eye across all the day's proceedings will be a troop of roaming referees who may burst into song (or dish out a red card) at any given moment, ensuring a fun-filled day for all as families are invited to try their hand at all kinds of games and have-a-go sports activities.

Everyone can be a winner at Manchester Day 2024 though - with gold medals set to be awarded in a special Winners' Enclosure throughout the day and medals up for grabs in all kinds of categories including cheekiest grin and best Dad dancer.

Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: "We know how much Mancunians of all ages love to celebrate the city's special day with us and this year we're really going for gold. We've got an absolutely fantastic day lined up, stuffed full of free things to see and do for all the family, all with a sporting flavour - so grab your granny and your trainers and come on down and join us!"

Bev Ayre, Senior Producer at Walk the Plank, said: "We’re delighted to be helping produce the Manchester Day programme again this year. We’ve some of the best music, dance, theatre and performance the city has to offer. Where else would you find a wrestling drag queen, a sporting dinosaur and a hip hopping opera singer. So - Let the Games Begin!"