𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: 𝗔 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 🌞

Sunshine, spectacular floral displays and a buzzing bank holiday atmosphere helped drive huge footfall boosts across the city centre, with St Ann’s Square seeing a +10% uplift throughout the weekend and King Street soaring by +21% as thousands packed the city’s streets for the annual celebrations.

Manchester city centre came alive with vibrant floral celebrations over the late May Bank Holiday weekend as more than 160,000 visitors flocked to the city for The Manchester Flower Festival.

Returning for its ninth year, the festival transformed the city with flowers, green spaces and urban nature, with immersive gardens, stunning installations, outdoor dining and family-friendly activities taking over the city’s shopping streets and squares.

Organised annually by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District on behalf of more than 600 city centre businesses including retail, hospitality and offices, this year’s festival invited visitors to explore a greener side to Manchester with the theme ‘Green Manchester’,

The event featured a series of large-scale floral displays and experiences inspired by the city’s growing green ambitions and cultural identity. These included the upcoming transformation of Piccadilly Gardens, Castlefield Viaduct, the rooftop beehives of The Royal Exchange Manchester as well as Manchester’s green spaces and urban wildlife.

While visitors explored pop-up gardens on St Ann’s Square and King Street, city centre businesses also embraced the occasion with flower-filled shopfronts, outdoor dining, live music and special activations.

Selfridges hosted its very own festival experience, complete with a striking floral display, live DJs in-store, a pop-up florist, food and drink and a family-friendly trail with rewards, bringing an extra buzz to the weekend.

There was a packed programme of nature-inspired activities designed for families, aiming to connect all ages with Manchester’s growing green spaces. The Conker Crew’s Urban Nature Play Stations took place on St Ann’s Square, while visitors also took part in the Family Bee Hunt trail across the city.

On King Street, PLANT CIC delivered free family planting and craft workshops including seed bomb making, sunflower planting to pot decorating sessions, while festivalgoers also enjoyed creative workshops ranging from press flower sign making and kokedama planting to flower crown making and seasonal floral arranging.

Flower stalls and independent traders across St Ann’s Square and Market Street showcased local florists, growers, artists and makers throughout the weekend, with botanical-inspired products and free children’s activities adding to the festival’s city-wide celebrations.

Jane Sharrocks, Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District Chair and General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square said: “The Manchester Flower Festival has once again created an incredible atmosphere across the city centre. The festival continues to grow year after year and has become a real community celebration. From the floral displays to the support shown by businesses across the city – it was a brilliant showcase of everything Manchester does best.”

Gary Williams, Head of Events at Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District said: “This year’s festival felt greener and more vibrant than ever. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the displays and taking advantage of the amazing bank holiday sunshine which created a fantastic energy right across the city.

We’re incredibly proud of everyone involved in bringing The Manchester Flower Festival to life – from florist and growers to businesses, artists, community groups and the event partners across the city. Seeing more than 160,000 visitors enjoying Manchester over the weekend is a fabulous achievement and we’re already excited for next year’s festival.”

For more media information, please contact Anoushka Done or Hannah Curry at ECHO on 07732 846650 or email anoushka@echo-pr.co.uk / hannah@echo-pr.co.uk.

Notes to Editors

The Manchester Flower Festival Producers

The Manchester Flower Festival is organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) as part of its annual calendar of public events in Manchester’s central shopping district.

The BID previously delivered the popular urban gardening festival ‘Dig the City’, which took place in Manchester’s retail heart from 2011-2015, and attracted national attention, event and RHS ‘In Bloom’ awards.

Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District (Manchester City Centre BID)

Manchester City Centre BID is managed by CityCo, The City Centre Management Company. It is a consortium of 600 leading retailers, hospitality operators and offices.

The BID stages major events to help drive footfall and customers into the city and attract positive PR. These include The Manchester Flower Festival, Halloween in the City and the MCR Student Social in partnership with Manchester Arndale.

The BID funds Manchester’s team of tourist information guides, City Hosts, and supports levy payers with Business Services including operational and security support, city intelligence, briefings, training and lobbying.

CityCo is also a delivery partner for Manchester Accommodation BID and the annual programme now also includes The Super Duper Family Festival and SCENE: Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival.

Follow CityCo on LinkedIn: CityCo Manchester