Back for its first outing since the last Manchester Day was held pre-Covid in 2019, the spotlight for this year’s big return of the city’s much-loved free event will be fixed firmly on children and young people.

On Sunday 19 June, the Manchester Day Parade will weave its way through the city centre in a riot of colour, sound and spectacle.

The Parade starts at 1pm by Beetham Tower and travels along Deansgate towards Exchange Square, before heading down Cross Street and John Dalton Street, then back down Deansgate.

This year’s parade will feature a very special guest in the form of Little Amal, a 3.5 metre puppet. Little Amal is a Syrian refugee who arrived in the city last year after a 8,000km walk on foot from Turkey through 65 European cities, towns and villages.

Having made Manchester her home in late 2021, Little Amal will be out and about exploring her city on Sunday 19 June and will join the Manchester Day Parade in a spectacular fashion.

The Parade has been created by Manchester City Council in collaboration with youth and community groups across Manchester, along with outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank.

Manchester Day is a completely free, family friendly event. There will be special pop up events across the city centre on the day from 11am – 5pm, including live entertainment, free family activities, youth markets and street food.