Winners of Manchester Day 2017 photo competition revealed

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the city centre last month for this year’s Manchester Day, the city-wide civic celebration which features activities across the city’s squares and an enormous parade.

The huge crowds created a magical atmosphere as they enjoyed the fantastic floats, amazing costumes, musicians and more than 80 local community groups weaved their way down Deansgate, through Albert Square and perform across multiple city square locations.

Highlights included the Manchester Malayalee Association whose fire head dresses came all the way from Brazil, and were part of a celebratory ritual of the Keralan deity Theyyam. The head pieces were made by students from the Rio de Janeiro-based carnival company Spectaculu.

The event spilled over filling the public squares as the creative canvas was stretched across the city centre for the afternoon.

The prize for the best photo in this year’s Manchester Day photo competition went to Josh Roberts, aged 24 from Stockport. He scooped top prize with his picture of the Indian Association’s incredible model and has won a new generation Apple iPad Air 2 with 64GB of storage.

Ellen Macpherson, 22 from Didsbury, took second prize with her picture of the parade’s Ghanaian group, highlighting their colourful clothing and movement. She has won an overnight stay at the ABode Manchester hotel, including dinner with arrival cocktails and full English breakfast.

Third prize went to Mark Barnes, 53, from Huddersfield. He wins a three-course meal for two people, with complementary bottle of Harvey Nichols Champagne, at their Second Floor Bar and Brasserie.

Chair of Manchester Day Councillor Pat Karney said: “As always, choosing the winners has been incredibly difficult – the standard of photography has been first class. There was so many stand-out moments throughout the day and I’m already looking forward to next year. Well done to our winners!”

The prize winners photos and a selection of the best of the rest are featured on the Manchester Day website.

manchesterday.co.uk