Winning entry from John Rogers

The winner of the 2011 Manchester Day Parade Photo Competition has now been chosen from an album of spectacular entries.

John Roger, of Fallowfield, claimed first prize with his photo depicting the larger than life puppets of Manchester music legends, the Gallagher brothers surrounded by an assortment of colourful people caught up in the festival spirit.

The judges were impressed with the photograph’s carnival atmosphere and the vibrancy of the colours that creates an image that encapsulates the heart and energy of Manchester Day.

John’s effort will be rewarded with a top of the range digital camera donated by the Manchester Day’s founding sponsor, Siemens, at an award ceremony in September.

Susie Jones, from Cardiff, and Tule Sirikitputtisak, a researcher at the University of Manchester, scooped the second and third prizes and will both receive a range of photography equipment.

Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “The range of pictures from this year’s photo competition has been really impressive. They all, in their own way, show the parade in all its colourful splendour, but the energy captured

in John’s picture really made it stand out from the crowd.”

Justin Kelly, Head of Strategy and Communications at Siemens Industry, said: “Looking at all the imaginative and interesting pictures from this year’s parade has really reinforced the fact that Manchester is a hub of innovation. Our congratulations go out to John for taking the winning photo – he’s really captured the atmosphere and vibrancy of the parade. Siemens has once again been a very proud sponsor and John’s picture provides a lasting record of another fantastic event.”

See all the great entries in the slide show below.

This legacy, which one of the Games’ lasting achievements will now continue to contribute to Manchester’s Olympic Games  preparations with the Olympic Ambassadors.

The 10th anniversary will celebrate the outstanding contribution these volunteers have made to Manchester by their participation in this year’s Manchester Day Parade, 10th June.

Volunteers will be wearing their  original uniforms or specially printed T-shirts, accompanied by handmade oversized medals designed by artist Helen Plaumer to celebrate the heroic contribution the volunteers made to the Commonwealth Games (CWG) and to Manchester ever since.

If you were a volunteer at 2002 Commonwealth Games and would like to celebrate in style at the Manchester Day Parade contact  Manchester City Council for more information on 0161 274 6229
email:   community.engagement@manchester.gov.uk or alternative complete the on-line form.

The effort required to ensure each float and group is prepared before Sunday 10 June is positively Herculean but with the groups chosen it is now possible for ideas to be finalised, designs completed and construction can begin.

Hundreds of volunteers, representing more than 90 community groups and organisations will soon start work on the oversized artworks that will bring to life the parade’s theme: The Sky’s the Limit… a celebration of heroic achievements.

Artists from renowned outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank will work with groups and individuals to bring life to the most adventurous and inventive suggestions with creativity and imagination.

Last year more than 2,000 people got involved, helping to create the amazing floats and costumes at the production hub, WOW Workshop in Castlefield before marching through Manchester city centre to an astounded audience of more than 70,000.

Cllr Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said:

“I’m already looking forward to seeing what the WOW workshop comes up with this year and I hope people from across the North West have June 10 in their diaries. It’s a great day for individuals and families alike – and the perfect chance to celebrate the city we love.”

Cllr Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure, said:

“The hard work starts here and will continue tirelessly to get everything ready before June. Each year I’m astounded by the effort the volunteers put in and each year they seem to create a more impressive spectacle than the year previous.”

Liz Pugh, Producer at Walk the Plank, said:

“We’ve had a great response from our call out for participants and there have been some fantastic suggestions already. There’s a great combination of new groups who have never taken part before, and lots of great ideas from groups that are returning for a second year.

We look forward to welcoming some new artists, many of whom will benefit from the artist training on offer this year. Expect some inspired sections of the Parade because the sky’s the limit to what people can achieve when they pull together around a shared celebration of what it means to be Mancunian.”

Graham Hudson, artist in residence at the Mustard Tree charity, Ancoats, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be invited back for a second year. We put our heart and soul in to our design last year – the mechanical mustard tree – and this year we want to celebrate those unsung Manchester heroes which have changed the lives of thousands of marginalised people across Manchester.

Charities just like the Mustard Tree are across Manchester and behind the scenes are a handful of people who have given their time – often from very small beginnings – to make the lives of other people that much better. Our design this year will be for those people.”

Zoe Pickering, Creative Manager at the Zion Arts Centre, said:

“Our design will all come from our young people and be based on our Zion 100 ‘Future Objects’ workshops – celebrating the 100th birthday of the centre but looking forward to next 100 years and what they might bring.

Popular amongst the children was the idea of hover cars – which ties in perfectly with The Sky’s the Limit theme – and we want to celebrate our young people as the heroes of the future. It will be a great experience for everyone involved.”

Manchester Day is an annual event that celebrates everything great about our city. It is a day for residents and visitors alike to get together and celebrate all things Mancunian that have helped Manchester emerge as one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Manchester is a city of heroes and the 2012 Manchester Day Parade will celebrate the heroic achievements of men and women in the worlds of science and technology; in music, culture and the arts; in industry, in sport, in the natural world.

The theme of this year’s parade is ‘The Sky’s the limit… a celebration of heroic achievements’, inspiring a host of diverse and creative ideas from participating groups.
What does it mean to you, your family, and your city?

• The Sky’s the Limit for people like us  -  individual tales, community spirit, Commonwealth Games volunteers ten years on, the unsung heroes of the city….
• The Sky was the limit for Manchester’s scientists – from Turing’s computer to Siemens innovations, let’s celebrate the heroic achievements of the scientific world.
• The Sky’s the limit … Inventions that have changed the world have come from ordinary people with extraordinary imaginations Think outside the box. Let imaginations run wild!
• The Sky’s the limit… what dreams and ambitions do you have? For yourself, your community … the world!
• What historical achievements – political, industrial, cultural – would you like to celebrate and If the sky was your only limit what would you change now?
• The Sky’s the Limit – from Olympic record beaters and footballing heroes to the young stars of today’s sports clubs, what’s your personal best?
• The Sky’s the Limit – from things that fly to the mythical creatures who inhabit the heavens above, the world is full of amazing creatures and astonishing natural phenomenon.
• The Sky’s the Limit – literally for the tallest tree, highest flyer…. the route to the stars!

At least 70,000 enjoyed the sunshine and watched the parade as it snaked its way throughout the city centre.

Led by a giant galleon, taken from the city’s coat of arms, other highlights included a massive Gulliver, giant dragonfly, space rockets, mystical creatures and musical figures. Bands and choirs helped entertain the crowds as the city was flooded with a sea of colour, noise and spectacle.

Three thousand people participated in the parade, from 96 Manchester charities, community groups and companies who brought alive the “Voyage of Discovery” theme in extravagant fashion.
They worked with some of the North West’s best artists to create the remarkable entries.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said:

“It was a fantastic display of all the things that makes this city great. It was also a great family occasion and a lovely way to celebrate Father’s Day. Several generations of my own family were there to enjoy the event.
The parade also provides a real boost to city centre businesses, which is incredibly important in these difficult times. Last year Manchester Day gave an economic boost of more than £4m to the city and I have no doubt that will be even more this year.”

Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, added:

“It felt like there were a million people on the streets. The atmosphere was amazing. Manchester once again came alive for the parade.
One of the real highlights for me was seeing tens of thousands of children and young people out on the streets with their families enjoying the spectacle. It’s something they will remember for the rest of their lives and helps instil the real sense of pride in our city that makes it the best place in the world to live.”

The parade was produced by renowned event organisers Walk the Plank.

Walk the Plank producer Liz Pugh said:

“Last year’s parade was stunning, but unbelievably this year’s was even bigger and better. There was real passion on the streets of Manchester, and that is because there are so many groups and so many people who have a genuine passion and love for Manchester. I would like to thank all of the groups that took part as they are at the heart of this wonderful event.”

The parade also received significant private sector sponsorship. Joining founding sponsors Siemens were Gold Sponsors The Co-Operative Group, Laing O’Rourke and Lend Lease. Wates Construction joined us as Silver Sponsors with Bronze Sponsors Manchester Airport and Building Solutions.

Our other supporters were: Transport for Greater Manchester, The Castlefield Hotel, NCP, Broderick’s Coffee Shop, Forever Manchester and Community Arts Northwest.
Media partners were Key 103 and MEN Media.

Take a look below for a snapshot of what’s been said…

“At Siemens we are very proud to be part of the Manchester community and were delighted to be a sponsor of this event and celebrate that along with everybody else. Myself and the other members of staff involved in yesterday’s event thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“Given the impact on the day and the number of people who turned out to watch, the parade was clearly a huge success. Our congratulations for bringing the concept to life and pulling it all together on the day.”
Justin Kelly, Head of Strategy and Communications, Siemens
(Headline Sponsor of Manchester Day Parade 2010)

“What a fantastic day, celebrating the magic of our magnificent City with its fantastic people and ‘can-do’ attitude, never mind London, Manchester’s where its at! Let’s make it an annual event (same date) to promote this great City and everything it stands for! Viva Mancunia!!” Phil Bell

“What a fantastic day, respect and thanks to all who were involved. Hope this becomes an annual event. I went down with my family but wasn’t expecting it to be as great as it was, boy was I proved wrong. A free event (in times when there’s not much money about) celebrating Mancunian achievements and seeing everyone smiling and enjoying themselves made me proud to be a Mancunian.” Dave Callacher

“An absolutely excellent event that just goes to show what a diverse and energetic city this is. All residents should be proud.” Kevin Peel

“What a fabulous day! The results of the efforts put in by all concerned were stunning and covered a wide range of Manchesters cultural heritage. I personally would have liked to see a bit more championing of our musical heritage, but there’s always next year! Well done Manchester!” Penfold, Hulme

“Brilliant day out and reminded me of why i love my city so much!!!” blackandblue

“Well done to everyone involved in the parade. Myself and my young family came to the carnival. It was fantastic and the atmosphere was tremendous. A most enjoyable afternoon.” Leo.Lady

“I can’t think of another city (except maybe the one at the other end of the Ship Canal) that would have the ‘brass neck’ to organise a parade in its own honour – but there’s lots to be proud of and to celebrate.” George Lane

Participant and Volunteer Comments

“I was a knight in the St George’s section. I thought it was a fabulous parade and very well organised. I would like to pass on my thanks everybody who was involved in putting the event together.” Eddie Humphreys, Crumpsall

“As a volunteer (and participant) from the University of Manchester I’d like to thank the co-ordinators, artists and every single volunteer who worked so so so hard for such an incredible event. Also a massive thank you to everyone who came and watched, I’m glad everyone had a fun day out.” Loz Rod

“As a volunteer I feel qualified to reply to umpire2! Did some help with the creation of parts of one section of the parade, and helped out and marshalled on the day. I got an incredible amount from it, a real sense of achievement at having created something, a chance to meet a wide range of people from all kinds of backgrounds, some of whom had amazing stories to tell, a sense of pride at being part of this brilliant city, with the wonderful people who took part in and supported the event – and a lot of fun.” am

We were very impressed at how well organised it was and how well informedwe were kept, leading up to the parade. Also we were most impressed with Naomi Parker who made our fantastic costumes. If given the oppportunity we would love to be part of it next year.” Dee-Anne, Free Expression Dance Bloco Novo

“We were completely inspired – I adored the whole concept of it”
Parade participant

“I have had people tell me that it was the best day of their 25 year career with the service” ~
Parade participant

“It was good for us to get a lot of us together, from different levels and from different teams…..all these people you would not see on a day to day basis, you see them once in a blue moon…it was great to be on a level playing field, not only with colleagues but with everyone taking part in the parade. … after that it was common ground, and it makes the team stronger”
Parade participant

“I was moved to tears as float after float passed. Thank you Manchester City Council for such a brilliant afternoon…thank you for also making me feel a very proud Mancunian.”
Parade spectator

“The community engagement was massive – it made the day”
parade participant