Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 July 2018
Celebrate the opening weekend of Bee in the City – the stunning public art trail of 100 giant 3D Bee sculptures taking over Manchester city centre this summer – by heading to the official Bee in the City Weekender event on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 July.
With a hive of activity planned by Manchester’s Business Improvement District, Manchester BID, including workshops, street performers, bee-inspired artisan markets, live music and much more, Manchester city centre is set to be buzzing with free activities for all the family to enjoy, just as the schools break up for Summer!
Use the Bee in the City app to navigate your way across the city centre and embark on a journey of discovery through the city’s streets, parks and public spaces to locate the individually designed giant bees, then head to New Cathedral Street to the Weekender’s live music stage, kick back on a deckchair and soak up the sunny summer sounds of local Manchester bands. Top of the bill are the Manchester String Quartet, who will become Manchester STING Quartet for one day only, playing string versions of Manchester music classics, bee-sides and classical music, alongside sets from 1940s style girlband Bobbysocks and folk band Magic Beans. Pick up beeswax candles, honey and bee-inspired artwork and books from the Bee Market showcasing the very best products from local artists, food and drink producers and makers and visit a variety of workshops and free events courtesy of the city centre’s retailers and restaurants.
Kids will love walkabout theatre piece and festival favourite, Pif-Paf Theatre Company’s The Bee Cart. Meet Bee Guides Bombus and Borage, delve into the world of bees, learn the pollen packing and waggle dances, and maybe even get your nose pollinated! Plus there’s lots of family fun to be had throughout the weekend, including workshops at Manchester Cathedral, craft activities, honey tasting and pot-painting for little ones on New Cathedral Street and free tours of The Printworks rooftop garden, home to bees, beetle hotels and a wealth of plant and veg – learn all about the honey bee while enjoying fantastic views of the city! You’ll also be able to get your hands on some bee-themed goodies and souvenirs at the Bee in the City merchandise stall.
For more information on the Bee in the City Weekender follow @beeinthecitymcr.
Inspired by Manchester’s famous worker bee emblem, the Bee in the City trail will be displayed throughout the city for nine weeks from July – September, providing unmissable, free entertainment for everybody to enjoy! A Wild in Art project in collaboration with Manchester City Council, Bee in the City will be one of the largest mass participation public art events ever held in the North West. After the trail the bees will be auctioned to raise significant funds for The Lord Mayor of Manchester’s charity, We Love MCR Charity, to improve the lives and life chances of Manchester people. Beeinthecitymcr.co.uk
