What's On

Manchester to be filled with fresh blooms as annual Flower Festival returns this summer

The popular event gives both seasoned and aspiring gardeners the chance to showcase their talents.

Emily Sergeant - 17th March 2023

Manchester is set to become one of the most picturesque places in the UK this summer, as the city gets dressed up in celebration of the annual Flower Show.

Back by popular demand for its fifth year, the four-day festival – which is often dubbed the “most Instagramable event of the year” – will see Manchester bloom to life and be draped from head to toe in magnificent floral displays.

Plants and flowers will be seen covering landmark buildings, shop windows, doorways, balconies, statues, fountains, and more right across the city centre.

Taking place over the late May bank holiday, festival organisers say to expect a “fabulous floral spectacle” – with a dedicated ‘Manchester in Flowers’ floral trail gearing up to be the star of this year’s show, and several other stunning show gardens and green installations all set to weave through central streets.

Manchester to be filled with fresh blooms as annual Flower Festival returns this summer / Credit: The Manc Group

Organised annually by Manchester BID, the festival usually sees tens of thousands of people flock to the city centre – and this year will be no different.

Visitors can also expect al fresco dining, live music, and a wide range of family entertainment too.

With the event now only a few months away, festival organisers are on the hunt for budding and professional gardeners, florists, landscapers, businesses, charities, community groups, and schools across the region to be part of the celebrations.

Manchester Flower Festival is known for offering both seasoned and aspiring gardeners the chance to showcase their talent, while helping to create “a unique floriated experience across the city” – with opportunities open this year to lend a hand with large-scale headline gardens and displays, floristry displays, and smaller ‘Bijou’ gardens.

The annual event gives both seasoned and aspiring gardeners the chance to showcase their talents / Credit: Manchester BID

Local traders can also sign-up to sell the Festival Market, which will feature everything from plants, and produce, to garden decor, street food, art, and so much more.

Businesses in the city centre are also being encouraged to show their support for the festival by creating window, building, or in-store displays, and hosting dedicated events, and food and drinks specials.

Volunteers are also needed to help at this year’s event, with festival organisers promising the chance to “gain valuable experience” and enjoy being part of the team at one of the city’s annual flagship events.

Find out more about Manchester Flower Festival 2023 here.

Featured Image – ManchesterBID