Sunday Funday – Manchester Day 2026
We’re celebrating Manchester Day 2026.
¡Hola! Manchester – get ready for colour, creativity and a Catalan twist as our city comes together for its biggest day of the year.
This year’s Manchester Day celebrates our city’s cultural links with Barcelona. Following Manchester’s appearance at Barcelona’s La Mercè festival in 2025, artists from the city will return the visit. For the first time, international talent will bring high‑energy performances and a taste of Catalan culture to Manchester.
Alongside the international line-up, this year’s event also includes a book-inspired theme. As part of the National Year of Reading, storytelling and imagination will be woven through the parade and performances.
The storytelling will continue at Central Library as book characters come to life! take a magical journey to Narnia, take a ride in the glass lift (or elevator!) with Willy Wonka, and avoid being recruited by Captain Hook to join his motley crew!
Expect special performances, exhibitions, craft sessions, and lots of fun for all ages!
Free entry – please drop in (face painting: £2 per child)
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
