Manchester Flower Festival returned to the city centre for its eighth consecutive year, with inspiring floral installations and beautiful blooms for the run of its four-day celebration.
This year’s theme was the city of Manchester’s industrial roots and infamous music culture.
The festival began on Friday 23 May and ran until Monday 26, with locations including The Arndale Shopping Centre, Printworks, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, The Royal Exchange and King Street.
It was billed as a “green takeover” of the city and aims to kickstart the summer season in Manchester, as well as celebrate and support the talents of local artists and florists.
This year’s themes for the tributes and displays included inspiration from the markets of Marrakech, New York, Paris, Mumbai and Amsterdam.
There were also child-friendly-workshops, the opportunity to craft wildflower seed bombs and build insect hotels, biscuit icing and face painting, along with live music and dancing for children.
Opportunities were also there to purchase floral themed artwork and homemade jewellery from both pop-up stalls and tables hosted by Manchester shops, such as Gooey Café situated in the Northern Quarter.
Other entertainment included interactive workshops, a cocktail trail, flower-filled bars, pop-up gardens and alfresco dining spots.
The annual event is organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) on behalf of local businesses and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The flowers this year included hand-painted cherry blossoms, a five-metre tulip installation, bamboo that makes music in the breeze and a canal bridge and floral bicycle immersed in flowers.
Photo: Philippa Walton
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