The St George’s Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester’s event calendar for over 19 years, returns this year with its vibrant celebration of England’s rich heritage and community spirit (27 April).
Originating from a grassroots organisation, this true community event has grown to become a popular, family-friendly celebration that showcases the diverse and eclectic idea of what it means to be English.
The parade aims to celebrate the nation’s spirit and the country’s achievements, particularly those that embody fairness, community, equality, and hard work.
This year’s parade will be held on April 27, starting from Varley Street at 12 noon. To note, although the Manchester Marathon is being held the same day, the two events are not expected to impact each other.
The parade will commence at Varley Street, turning left onto Oldham Road (southbound only), and will travel towards the city, crossing over Great Ancoats Street to Oldham Street.
It will then turn left on Piccadilly, left on Newton Street, left on Dale Street, right on Lever Street, left on Great Ancoats, right on Oldham (northbound only), right on Butler Street, left on Bradford Road, and finally left back to Varley Street.
The parade will feature performers on decorated floats. As in previous years, a cavalcade of up to 300 mopeds will join the parade for part of the route, along with a regal Queen Victoria in a royal carriage, a blue dragon towering at 7ft and an array of community groups across Manchester.
The parade is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the route.
The event is managed by the St George’s Day Committee with support from Manchester City Council and other partner agencies.
Councillor Pat Karney, City Centre Spokesperson, said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of the St George’s Day Parade in our incredible city which serves as a reminder and reflection of our proud heritage. This is a day for families, friends and neighbours to come together to celebrate the true meaning of community.
“The parade will be a colourful display of Manchester and our nation’s history, a reminder of our achievements and a proud celebration of our shared, diverse nation. I look forward to seeing thousands of Mancunians come together and I hope to see you there.”
Thelma McGrail, Chair of the St George’s Day organising committee, said: “Manchester’s St George’s Day Parade, celebrating England’s Patron Saint, has been an annual event for the last 19 years, this being the 20th. The parade itself is abundant in diversity, growing each year, uniting all communities. The event receives a huge amount of support before and on the day of the parade with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.”
Proposed road closure timings
- Depart Varley Street at 12.00 – Arrive Varley Street 14.15
- Varley St from Ridgeway St to Oldham Rd 09.00 – 16.00
- Oldham Rd from Varley St to Grt Ancoats 12.00 – 14.30
- GrtAncoats St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 12.45
- (Hold Traffic) • Oldham St from Grt Ancoats to Piccadilly 12.30 – 14.00
- Piccadilly from Oldham St to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
- Newton St from Piccadilly to Grt Ancoats 12.30 – 14.00
- Dale St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
- Lever St from Dale to Great Ancoats Street 12.30 – 14.00
- Great Ancoats St from Lever St to Oldham Rd 13.30 – 13.45
- (Hold Traffic) • Oldham Rd from Grt Ancoats St to Butler St 12.30 – 14.00
- Butler St from Oldham St to Bradford Rd 12.30 – 14.30
- Bradford Rd from Butler St to Varley St 12.30 – 14.30
