A festival of free entertainment is coming to the city centre this weekend as Manchester says “a big thank you” to everyone who’s helped and supported others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Thank You Manchester Weekender will see the city centre transformed to host a free, fun-filled festival of thanks on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August for a one-off weekend designed to “bring the laughter back” and “a smile to all”.
Organisers say it’s the city’s way of paying a joyful tribute to all those it wants to thank for helping us get through the past year and a half.
With everything from street theatre and circus performances, to dancing, live music, and even a chance to get involved in working with three city-based artists, Manchester City Council has assured there will be something for everyone.
Doctors, nurses, shop workers, bus drivers, food bank staff, teachers, mums and dads, and vaccination centre volunteers are among those in line for a special mention in the opening event that will pay tribute to everything they have done to help keep us all safe.
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There's only 1 week to go until the Thank You Weekend 😱
Get ready for 2 days celebrating your efforts for our city.
Expect a ton of free and safe performances ranging from street theatre, to music, to dance 🎭
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) August 7, 2021
In line with the thank you theme, Mancunians are being asked to add their own thank you to an enormous sculpture made up of giant 3D letters that spell out ‘Manchester’. It’s hoped that when complete, it will go on display as a reminder of the spirit of the city over the last 18 months.
“None of us will forget what we have been through this last year and a half, and during it the people we have loved and have lost,” said Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council.
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“We will also never forget the people who helped us get through, whether it was for their kindness, practical help, learning support, or life-saving expertise.
“So many people from so many different parts of our city life are owed a massive thank you for everything they have done during the pandemic to keep us safe and keep us going, and we want them to know how much we appreciate them and what their help has meant to us.”
The one-off weekend is designed to “bring the laughter back” to the city centre after a tough 18 months / Credit: Chris Payne | Manchester City Council
Entertainment and events will be taking place across Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square, and Exchange Square.
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Manchester’s rich musical heritage will be celebrated with live music in Cathedral Gardens and Piccadilly Gardens, with Bollywood and brass, to samba, soul beats, and everything in-between, as well a special performance curated by Matt and Phred’s.
Manchester Central Library also plays host to a “musical extravaganza” on Sunday, where you can try your hand at playing one of the many instruments from the library’s collection, or hear the Northern Chamber Orchestra perform.
The weekend will also see performances from some of the city’s best loved local community groups.
Exchange Square will be home to a Manchester Market for the weekend – selling iconic Manchester pictures, and themed clothing and accessories, alongside tasty treats from locally-based bakeries and other local produce.
A short community gathering of thanksgiving and remembrance will take place at 12:30pm on St Ann’s Square, too, as well as a minute’s silence to pause, stand together, and remember and reflect.
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The city will say “a big thank you” to everyone who’s helped and supported others during the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Manchester City Council
The festival will be spread over the whole weekend, with performances on Saturday repeated on Sunday to give as many people as possible the chance to come into town, enjoy the atmosphere, and have fun safely.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “This is our way of saying a great big Manchester thank you to all Mancunians for supporting each other during this last year, and to all the many thousands of heroic workers in all kinds of jobs and roles in the city that we have all depended on so much.
“After a year like we’ve just had, this is going to be a weekend like no other [and] we’re determined to spread a little Manchester music and magic to help get the city smiling again.”
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
10th August 2021 
