It was cracking the flags on Saturday as 50,000 people flocked to the city to help mark an incredible international summer of sport, with Manchester Day: Let the Games Begin!
Families and visitors of all ages came together to take part in the special event that took place for the first time back in 2010.
In a nod to all the amazing sporting action taking place this summer both at home and abroad, this year’s event saw a massive have-a-go sports take-over of the city centre as it was turned into Manchester’s biggest-ever playground for the day.
A medal-winning programme of free family fun was on offer throughout the day, curated by the city council in partnership with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank and some of the UK’s leading sports bodies.
With everything from Taekwondo to tennis, running to rugby, hook-a-duck to darts, and Swingball to just sitting back and enjoying it, there was something on offer for sports fans of all ages and abilities.
More than 300 performers took part in more than 90 pop-up theatrical performances during the day, and another 280 community members from 18 different community groups took part in live music and dance performances.
It was a day filled with the likes of giant snails, larger than life cricketing umpires, an oversized magpie with an eye for shiny gold medals, and a hip hop wrestling ring – of course – with a dash of opera and drag. Not to mention a dancing dinosaur, giant board game and the world’s only mobile football ground.
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “This year’s event has been absolutely sensational – without doubt one of the most spectacular and successful Manchester Days yet.
“It was simply joyous – seeing all the thousands upon thousands of children and their families laughing, smiling, and enjoying spending time with each other.
“With well over 50,000 of them coming along to celebrate and take part, Mancunians showed the world today how much they care and how much they really do love our incredible city – there really is nowhere else in the entire universe that comes anywhere near the brilliance of Manchester and every single person who lives here!”
