Taking place over three days, families and foodies alike were entertained via a host of different performers and a number of renowned pop-up street food traders. While Saturdays line-up focussed on jazz, folk and acoustic performances, Sunday was all about the family, with children entertained by the likes of Baby Ballet and The Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre.
Every food palate was catered for, with the regions highest quality of street food on offer, from veggie delights to meaty BBQs and Italian style pizzas to Japanese sushi. Traders included Chaat Cart, Papa Gs, Choccy Churros, Piggie Smalls and Cantina Latina to name but a few.
Organised by the Piccadilly Partnership and CityCo, The Manchester Picnic has become a firm highlight of the city centre summer calendar. This years theme was Play to celebrate the recent opening of the new childrens playground near the Queen Victoria statue in Piccadilly Gardens.
Alexandra King, Piccadilly Partnership Director for CityCo said: The Manchester Picnic has become a firm fixture in the citys events calendar, and has grown in stature with each year, with the number of traders and performances increasing year on year, to really provide something for everyone. There was a great atmosphere over the course of the three days, with fantastic feedback on the quality of food available and the variety of entertainment.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchesters City Centre spokesperson, said: Piccadilly Gardens was made for events like The Manchester Picnic and it was fantastic to see families and friends making the most of the weekend and tucking in to some delicious food. The standard of the stalls this year has been remarkable and with my mouth still watering, I'm already planning my visit next year."