Manchester Day returns this Sunday as a celebration of the city’s diversity, solidarity and unity.

This year the parade – which begins at 1pm on June 18 – will feature an additional element at the beginning that will pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the arena attack, their families and the emergency services.

Representing those who lost their lives, 22 young people each holding a balloon, will lead the parade holding a banner that will read “MANCHESTER REMEMBERS”.

Just behind, uniformed emergency services personnel will walk honouring their heroic efforts following the attack.

Now in its eighth year, Manchester Day is the event that best encapsulates the city’s pride, diversity, community spirit, strength and solidarity – a proud celebration of Manchester people and their shared history.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s right and fitting that Manchester Day is devoted to those who lost their lives and those that continue to live with the aftermath of last week’s attack.

“It will also give us all an opportunity to pay tribute to our heroic public servants and celebrate the incredible Manchester spirit that has sustained us all through these dark days.”

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Manchester Day – a sustainable event 

Manchester Day is now in its eighth outing taking on a different theme each year to celebrate the city, its history and our shared future.

Each year thousands of structures, artworks, costumes, props – and everything in between – are created at the Wow Workshop by an army of artists and volunteers from the city’s community groups.

With sustainability at its heart, the event tries to reuse and repurpose as much material as possible, saving structures and elements from previous Manchester Day celebrations to be used in future events.

The keen-eyed may be able to spot various bits and bobs that have been given a new lease of life from year to year…

A key part of the green credentials of Manchester Day is that at no point during the parade will you see a combustion engine. Every large build, small float or prop is human powered – helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the event.

We also encourage the thousands of people who visit the city centre for Manchester Day to travel by public transport, bicycle or on foot to help support the green ambitions of the event.