The countdown is on to this year’s Manchester Day: Let the Games Begin! which will see a have-a-go sports take-over of the city centre as it is turned into Manchester’s biggest-ever playground for one day only – this Saturday 27 July.
Inspired by an international summer of sport, a medal-winning programme for the day has been curated by the city council in partnership with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank and some of the UK’s leading sports bodies.
Under starter’s orders from midday, the day promises something for everyone and for all sporting abilities – with enough fun activities throughout the city’s streets and squares to tempt and thrill even the most reluctant of athletes.
With everything from Taekwondo to tennis, running to rugby, hook-a-duck to darts, and Swing-ball to just sitting back and enjoying it, the packed programme runs nonstop until the final whistle at 6 pm.
There’s plenty on offer also for armchair athletes who prefer watching their sports rather than having a go – with a big screen in Cathedral Gardens that will be in action from Friday evening 26 July when it will be showing the Opening Ceremony of this year’s Olympic Games live from Paris, followed by all the sporting action from the French capital throughout the day on Saturday.
With food and beverage stalls also on site in Cathedral Gardens, it promises to be a great place to settle in and watch some elite sporting action.
Sit back also and be amazed by award-winning dance company Motionhouse and their hit outdoor show Wild, that will see performers flying through the city on an urban forest of poles in a daring dance-circus production using careful choreography and acrobatics, whilst performers from No Fit State Circus will be defying the laws of gravity as they bend, flex and build a towering series of bamboo structures as part of a mind-blowing performance that relies solely on human strength, trust, and harmony with nature.
Look out too for the roaming referees who may burst into song – or dish out a red card – at any moment, and keep away from The Collector, a pesky larger-than-life magpie who will be pecking around the winners’ podium trying to grab the gold medals off medal-winners as they enjoy their moment in the spotlight.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at Manchester Day this year – it’s going to be absolutely fantastic. It goes without saying of course that I myself fully expect to be going for gold on the day as I’ve been in training for months now since we first thought of this year’s theme. I know not everyone is going to be able to match my levels of fitness but I promise to give you a head-start on the hook-a-duck if you see me there on Saturday.
“Mancunians really are the best people, in the best city, in the world – and this day is for you. We all know how much we love our sports here and it’s going to be a brilliant day with loads to do and try, full of fun, lots of laughs – and all for free. So brush off your trainers, get warmed up and come down and join us!”
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day
The day will also feature a full programme of pop-up performance arts and live music to soundtrack the event in all kinds of unexpected spaces throughout the city centre, put together by award-winning outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be once again programming part of Manchester Day, showcasing local talent and bringing some of the country’s finest artists and performers to the city.”
Bev Ayre, Senior Producer from Walk the Plank
Here’s all the have-a-go sports on offer during the day:
CATHEDRAL GARDENSBig screen sporting action
Catch all the action from Paris, including the opening ceremony, at our special screening site.
Relax with a drink and a bite to eat, and keep the kids entertained with free craft activities.
Have-a-go sport activities
Football – Take on the target goals challenge in the Manchester United Foundation Panna Cage, play a small sided game or brush up on your technical work with professional coaches.
Bag a bargain at the second hand sportwear pop-up shop, run by Manchester FA. Sustainably and stylish, what’s not to love?
Tennis – Get into the swing of Manchester Day with free tennis taster sessions, run by the LTA.
SwingballCornhole
EXCHANGE STREETVintage Fairground
Test your strength, skill and steadiness with traditional fairground games, including
a coconut shyhooplasoft archerycork shootingbuzz wireand a strong human challenge.
ST ANN STREET
Have-a-go sports activities
Hula hooping
ST MARY’S GATEHave-a-go sports activities
Hula hoop your way to glory with Danielle De La Wonk’s interactive workshop
Football Crazy – Enjoy Football Crazy, an interactive walkabout performance at 1:35 pm
Athletics – Get your blood pumping at the giant pop-up athletic track.
Cricket – Dive into the fast and furious world of The Hundred, a turbo charged version of traditional test cricket. Try batting, bowling and catching, meet players from Manchester Originals and be in with the chance of winning prizes
ST ANN’S SQUAREHave-a-go sports activities
Hip hop wrestling ring
Join us in our hip hop wrestling ring for live wrestling demonstrations and much more.
Top Rope Wrestling Academy – 12.30 – 12.50pmLive wrestling demonstrations
Top Rope Wrestling Academy – 2.40 -2.55pmLive wrestling demonstrations
Top Rope Wrestling Academy – 3.25 – 3.40pmLive wrestling demonstrations
Top Rope Wrestling Academy – 4.55 – 5.25pmLive wrestling demonstration
Top Rope Wrestling Academy – 5.45 – 6pmLive wrestling demonstrations
DEANSGATEHave-a-go sports activities
Acrobatic and aerial hoop workshops for all the family at 12.45pm, 2.45pm, 4.25pm
Console games – immerse yourself in larger-than-life console games in the Actual Reality Arcade
Circus skills -visit Circus House to learn the basics of circus skills in workshops at 12pm, 1.45pm, 3.40pm, 4.25pm, 5.05pm
Giant board game, play a giant board game, courtesy of our major sponsor, Manchester Airport Group
Winners’ Enclosure – visit the Winners’ Enclosure to claim your gold medal – but beware The Collector, a giant magpie at 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm who likes collecting shiny things. You have been warned!
Sit back and enjoy the performances on the main stage
ST PETER’S SQUAREHave-a-go sports activities
Pedal Party – 12pm to 6pm
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner, you’re invited to the Manchester Day Pedal Party.
Hop onto a balance biketry out an e-cargo bikeor test a top-of-the-range road bike
In collaboration with British Cycling and Manchester Active.
PICCADILLY GARDENSHave-a-go sports activities
Taekwondo – 12noon to 6pm
Want to impress your mates and break a board with your hands?
British Taekwondo will show you how to, with safety and style.
They’ll teach you the basics of taekwondo and self-defence, as well as tell you how to join your local club.
Futsal – 12noon to 6pm
Usually played indoors on a small court, futsal will be presented outdoors by Manchester Futsal Club.
You can master the basics, take on challenges, and find out more about getting involved with the game. Olé!
Rugby – 12noon to 6pm
Fancy yourself as the next Zoe Aldcroft or Johnny Wilkinson?
Enter the Broughton Park RFU skills zone and play small-sided games.
Develop your catching, passing, kicking and evasion skills, and find out about joining a rugby team near you.
Locations, activities and times may be subject to change on the day. For all the latest information on Manchester Day visit manchester.gov.uk/manchesterday
