MAJOR public events come thick and fast in the city, but this year’s Manchester Day (Sunday, June 18) has a special, poignant purpose – as a memorial to the 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena terror attack.
The big parade, starting on Liverpool Road at 1pm, will pay homage to them and honour the heroic efforts of the emergency services, who worked tirelessly in the hours and days after the atrocity.
Alongside this will be a defiant party atmosphere across the city centre with food to the forefront, curated by local street food organisers GRUB and showcasing, too, Manchester’s thriving craft beer culture. Between midday and 6pm, the stalls will spread across three city centre squares – St Ann’s, Exchange and Cathedral Gardens.
It’s the biggest gig yet for Jason Bailey’s GRUB team, which has followed successful pop-ups at Runaway and Alphabet breweries by launching a regular weekend food fair at the regenerating Mayfield Depot.
As you’d expect, the array of street traders is truly a moveable global feast, ranging from the Far East to Poland and New York, while the bars will offer beer from the acclaimed likes of Blackjack, Track and Runaway Marble Brewery, Cloudwater, Squawk and more.
There will also be wine from Reserve of West Didsbury, cider from Dunham Massey and pop sodas from Steep Soda Co.
Vendor list
Andy Low N Slow: Award winning slow cooked, Texan style BBQ all the way from Birmingham. Expect brisket, ribs, sausage and barbacoa.
Big Grillie Style: Manchester based superstars specialising in US style, freshly grilled cheese and sandwiches stuffed with a wide range of fillings.
Chaat Cart: Authentic, fresh and healthy Indian street food made in Manchester.
Eat NY: Big Apple style stuffed bagels guaranteed to hit the spot. Home of the butter-dunked bagel.
Fancy An Indian: Spicy street food served from a converted ice cream van.
Fat Annies New York style hot dog cart.
Smak: Char-grilled traditional kiełbasa (Polish sausages), plus pierogi and other classics from deepest Yorkshire.
Somtam Street: Quality Thai Cuisine using the finest possible ingredients and the best possible service.
Wrapscallion: Quesadilla & burritos whipped up inside a specially converted trailer.
Manchester Day is on Sunday, June 18 from midday until 6pm. The parade begins at 1pm from Liverpool Road.