All you need to know about Manchester Day 2026

This year's Manchester Day has a distinctly Catalan flavour, with performers from Barcelona joining the festivities.

It is the first time that the annual event - which has been running since 2010 and celebrates friendship, community and culture - will feature international performers.

Organisers Walk the Plank, renowned outdoor arts specialists Xtrax Arts and Global Grooves have told families attending this year's free festival to "expect the unexpected" alongside music, energy and Catalan vibes.

From damsels in distress, mischievous gnomes and a roaming dragon as well as the chance to step inside the belly of a giant inflatable whale - find out everything you need to know.

Sunday 26 July between 12:00 and 17:00 BST.

Previous Manchester Days have all been held on Saturdays.

Manchester Day this year has a Catalan twist.

The city will be extending a warm Mancunian welcome to some of the best performers and musicians from Barcelona as they join what the event's organisers describe as "Manchester's favourite day of the year".

The collaboration follows Manchester's role in last year's La Mercè festival in Barcelona.

Manchester was the first English guest city to take part in the annual event which saw Mancunian artists and performers invited to take part in the world-renowned Catalan festival.

A jam-packed programme of music, dance and pop-up theatre shows from some of the UK and Spain's leading outdoor arts companies will take place around the city.

Highlights include The Ultimate Player's Handbook - a vibrant dance performance that sees dancers from Manchester's own Company Chameleon join forces with dancers from Catalan company Clementine & Lisard.

Organisers said the acrobatics, movement, dance and physical theatre of Catalan performers Elelei with their piece Too Much are not to be missed.

Meanwhile an immersive travelling pop-up performance theatre piece from Kamchàtka and Zum-Zum Theatre's herd of bright pink inflatable hippos is expected to be a hit with children of all ages.

Watch out for damsels in distress, mischievous gnomes, a roaming dragon, and unicycling knights on a quest to spread laughter as well as the chance to step inside the belly of a giant inflatable whale.

More than 500 performers and community groups will be part of the much-loved parade through Manchester's streets.

It will set off from St Peter's Square at 13:00.

It will then travel down Peter Street and turn on to Deansgate, before travelling along St Mary's Gate, on to Cross Street, then left on to Princess Street, passing Albert Square, and return to St Peter's Square.

There will also be some surprising and fun tie-ins to mark this year's national year of reading.

In keeping with the literary theme of the parade, this year's Manchester Day also includes a full programme of story-themed activities and free fun for all the family at Manchester Central Library, which will be opening specially for the day.

Yes. It is designed for all ages.

No - it is a free event. Just turn up and enjoy!

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.