Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Saturday 15 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm that same evening.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Kolo Touré joins Manchester City’s backroom staff on a permanent basis
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool defender, Kolo Touré, has now permanently re-joined the club as a first-team coach.
The retired centre-back, who finished his career at Scottish giants Celtic FC before hanging up his boots back in 2017 and becoming part of their backroom staff, has been working with Man City as part of the FIFA Club World Cup set-up.
Having clearly impressed on the road, not to mention having spent last season as Assistant Lead Coach alongside U18s boss Oliver Reiss – with the youth side winning the Premier League North title – the 44-year-old has now been given an assistant coaching job with the senior squad on a full-time basis.
Announced on Tuesday, 15 July, ahead of City’s pre-season tour getting underway next month, Kolo Touré is the latest among multiple recent appointments to manager Pep Guardiola’s ranks.
Hailing from the Ivory Coast and having enjoyed a career spanning more than 15 years, he’s considered one of the greatest African players of all time, so it’s no question that he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role.
Touré, who made more than a century of appearances for the Blues, began his coaching journey with the national team before assisting Brendan Rodgers at both Celtic and Leicester City.
He also spent a rather short spell at another Greater Manchester side, being made head coach of Wigan Athletic in November 2022.
But it wasn’t to be…
The older brother of fellow City club legend, Yaya, was ultimately sacked around two months later (just 59 days, to be exact) after having failed to win a single fixture in his first name games in charge.
Kolo Touré taking instructions from Pep, the chemistry’s taking shape. Brilliant to see Kolo soaking it all in from the very best. He’s here for the long haul, man. You can feel it. pic.twitter.com/RscM9rg0GS
Commenting on Toure’s appointment as first-team assistant coach, Director of Football Hugo Viana said in an official club statement: “We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff.
“Not only does he bring his immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City and a deep knowledge of the Club.
“We’ve also been hugely impressed with his work and success with our Under-18s, and by adding him to our senior staff permanently, this will only strengthen the transition for players in our Academy into the first team.
“As we already saw throughout his time with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders and James French this summer, his massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious and we’re already looking forward to his work moving forward.”
In case you were unfamiliar with the latter two names, you’ll find all you need to know down below.
Kneecap announce UK tour with multiple northern tour dates
Danny Jones
Northern Irish trio Kneecap have announced a brand new UK tour, including a date right here in Manchester city centre – and tickets go live this week.
The Belfast-based rap band formed back in 2017 and have gone on to become a politically-charged cult favourite not just over in the ‘Emerald Isle’ but here in Britain and beyond.
Kneecap last performed in Manchester last November at New Century Hall, but their profile has grown even larger since then.
Confirming a UK tour this winter, the divisive group will be coming to 0161 for what is sure to be a sell-out show among their many die-hard fans.
Here we go🔥🔥🔥
We're back in November across Scotland, England and Wales to play our biggest run of shows ever.
🟢 Artist pre-sale tomorrow 10am ⚪️Venue pre-sales Thursday 10am 🟠General sale Friday 10am
Regardless, the outspoken anti-establishment and anti-imperialist musicians, who often work traditional Gaelic language into their music, continue to garner a passionate and loyal following across the globe, especially when it comes to covering contentious subject matter.
While the spotlight was very much on them ahead of their Glastonbury appearance this year, it ended up being fellow punk-rap outfit Bob Vylan who arguably caught the most flak, being condemned by Starmer and subsequently being dropped from multiple gigs, including a Manc music festival.
As for Kneecap, despite member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh being charged with a ‘terror offence’ and Glasto investigations continuing, a total of 11 UK tour dates have been set, with multiple gigs here in the North.
Some fans have also been worrying that recent events could see them dropped from their support slot ahead of Fontaines D.C.’s massive outdoor gig at Wythenshawe Park, though Manchester City Council have so far denied these claims.
This is the kind of energy you can expect at their concerts:
Set to head for the big room at Manchester Academy 1 on 28 November, other nearby concerts include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Kneecap pre-sale goes live from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 July), with official early access via Manchester Academy open from the same time this Thursday, and general admission tickets available on Friday, 19 July – again, from 10am.