Manchester Flower Show to return to the city this May

The Manchester Flower Show has historic roots in the city, launching in 1955 and running for nearly 50 years.

Following a 15 year hiatus, it returned as part of the city’s King Street Festival three years ago.

Now it’s back – and this year’s event will be the first standalone Manchester Flower Show since 2003.

The show will return this May, welcoming visitors back to the city centre with a trail of floral displays, green installations, alfresco dining and entertainment.

The May event will see the city come together to create large-scale blooms and urban gardens, alongside the floral dressing of city centre windows, statues, lampposts, fountains and more.

Creating bold, bright and beautiful paths through the city, landmarks and streets including St Ann’s Square, King Street, New Cathedral Street, Market Street, Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges, The Printworks, Corn Exchange, Manchester Cathedral, the Science and Industry Museum, Whitworth Art Gallery, Circle Square, Stevenson Square, Spinningfields, Great Northern Warehouse and First Street will all come into bloom for the nine day festival.

Organised by CityCo and Manchester Business Improvement District (BID), this year’s event moves away from a traditional flower show to a festival of flowers bringing vibrancy and colour to all corners of the city, helping visitors rediscover Manchester city centre in a COVID-safe way. 

Businesses across the city are being encouraged to take part and get creative with pop-up urban gardens, floral displays, window dressing or by creating themed menus and cocktails.

“After an incredibly challenging year we’re delighted to be bringing the Manchester Flower Show back for what will be the first major reopening event in the city since the start of the pandemic,” said Jane Sharrocks, Manchester BID Chair.

“By working collectively with our BID members, many of whom are retail and hospitality-led, alongside businesses right across the city, this year’s Manchester Flower Show will be a brilliant way of welcoming workers, shoppers and visitors safely back to our city.”

The Manchester Flower Show will take place from Saturday 29th May – Sunday 6th June 2021.