It promises to offer something for everyone to enjoy.
The parade will take place on Sunday, April 26(Image: Manchester council)
Manchester’s annual St George’s Day parade returns next week and has been billed as the ‘biggest and best’ yet to be held in the city.
The parade starts at 12noon on Varley Street in Miles Platting on Sunday, April 26, in celebration of England’s patron saint.
Expect a bit of everything from local scout troops, pipe bands and local school children, to a dragon float, Henry VIII and his six wives, to St George himself on his horse.
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That’s alongside a series of entertainers, musical performers, civic and cultural figures, as well as a showcase of England’s history and culture, the council said.
The parade – marking its 21st outing – will wind its way from Varley Street towards the city centre, heading down Oldham Road and across Great Ancoats Street onto Oldham Street and then Piccadilly, before returning via Newton Street, Dale Street, and Lever Street.
Back at Great Ancoats Street, it heads right onto Oldham Road, then to Butler Street, Bradford Road, and back to Varley Street where the route ends.
Some roads will be closed while the parade takes place and these are listed below along with the times.
St George’s Day falls on April 23 each year.
Manchester council said it has supported St George’s Day celebrations in the city for more than two decades, which it described as a chance to ‘take pride in the institutions, traditions and values that underpin what it means to be English.’
This year a new community fund was put together for local groups organising their own celebrations.
From street parties to community lunches, the cash was set aside to give residents a chance to make some fun themselves as part of the festivities.
The St George’s day parade in Manchester is in its 21st year(Image: Vincent Cole / MEN)
A total of 54 applications were made for grants of up to £400 for local events, a similar approach to how the city supports local VE Day and Armistice Day each year.
Councillor Bev Craig OBE, leader of the council, said: “Since its foundation Manchester has been a proud city, rich in history and a place where people from all backgrounds have come together to live in unity.
“The council is proud to support the annual St George’s Day festivities, helping local communities commemorate England’s patron saint through our Celebration Fund, as well as through our longstanding support for the St Georges’ Day parade.
“More now than ever we look to St George’s Day to remind ourselves what it means to be part of the great city of Manchester. How we value one another, our shared history and the things we all have in common as Mancunians.”
City centre spokesman, Councillor Pat Karney, added: “It goes without saying that this year’s parade is set to be our biggest and best yet. I am always immensely proud to take part in St George’s Day celebrations as it often brings out the best in what our country has to offer.
“We have proudly supported this event for more than 20 years, and we salute the efforts of the whole organising committee for their tireless work in promoting such a valuable community celebration.
“I am incredibly proud to lend my support to this event, and celebrate what makes England and Manchester so special. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on the day to enjoy this great day out.”
Karen Quinn, secretary of the St George’s Day parade organising committee, said: “As a committee, we are proud to continue this important tradition, celebrating not only St George’s Day but also the diversity and unity of our communities. This year’s parade, being our 21st, promises to be exciting, with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Road closures during Manchester’s St George’s Day parade on Sunday, April 26:
9am to 4pm
Varley Street – from Ridgeway Street to Oldham Road
12 noon to 2.30pm
Oldham Road (southbound) – from Varley Street to Great Ancoats Street
Butler Street – from Oldham Road to Bradford Road
12 noon to 2pm
Piccadilly – from Oldham Street to Newton Street
12.30pm to 2pm
Oldham Street – from Great Ancoats Street to Piccadilly
Newton Street – from Piccadilly to Hilton Street
Dale Street – from Newton Street to Lever Street
Lever Street – from Hilton Street to Great Ancoats Street
1pm to 2.30pm
Bradford Road – from Butler Street to Varley Street
Short duration traffic holds
12.30pm to 12.45pm
Great Ancoats Street – from Oldham Road to Newton Street
1.30pm to 1.45pm
Great Ancoats Street – from Lever Street to Oldham Road
Parking restrictions
12 noon to 2.45pm
Newton Street – from Piccadilly to Dale Street
Oldham Street – from Piccadilly to Great Ancoats Street
Lever Street – from Piccadilly to Great Ancoats Street
Oldham Road – from Butler Street to Great Ancoats Street
