Manchester Labour

Public response to the city’s first ever Manchester Day celebration has been overwhelming with hundreds of people already putting themselves forward to be involved.

News that the first Manchester Day will be held on 20 June 2010 was announced last week, with Manchester City Council and event producer’s, Walk the Plank, inviting members of the local community to take part in the celebrations. The centrepiece will be a huge parade through the city centre, which will be themed Out of this World.

The event is proving to be so popular that it has already been given its own song by singing postman, Dominic Collins, who has penned the ditty in honour of the day, which will celebrate everything that’s great about Manchester.

Labour Councillor Pat Karney, the chair of the Manchester Day celebrations said: "We all know that Manchester Day will be out of this world, and we're already over the moon at the response so far from Manchester people. Since last week’s launch the phonelines have been jammed and even more requests have come in through the website with people keen to be involved. It shows just how proud people are of Manchester and this is their opportunity to shine.

“This is a really ambitious project and we’ll also be contacting the 57 Manchester’s from around the globe to make this an international event.”

Among those coming forward to be involved in this year’s Manchester Day are the organisers of the other community parades in the city including Pride, St George’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, the Caribbean Carnival and Chinese New Year. As well as the city’s established groups there is also room for new kids on the block with groups such as the Ancoats over-50s walking group, the Northern Quarter Residents Association and the Friends of Clayton Park also signing up.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Labour's executive member for culture and leisure said: “Manchester Day is a way of drawing together all the different communities in the city for one big celebration. We’re proud of our culture and our diversity and we’re so pleased that new and established groups are coming forward to take part.”

Manchester Day will bring colour, music, dance and larger-than-life characters to the streets and community groups, individuals and creative professionals can all be involved.

For more information on ways to volunteer and be part of the event a Manchester Day taster weekend will be held on Saturday 13 March at Manchester Town Hall, 11am until 1pm or 2pm until 4pm.

Alternatively, visit www.themanchesterdayparade.co.uk for more details.