Get your blankets and baskets at the ready as ‘The Manchester Picnic’ will be returning this August from the 29th to the 31st.
Now in its 5th year, the much-loved family food festival in Piccadilly Gardens will host a variety of gourmet pop-up picnic traders, alongside live music, games and entertainment.
Organised by the Piccadilly Partnership and CityCo, The Manchester Picnic has become a firm highlight of the city centre summer calendar, with more than 25,000 visitors last year! This year’s theme is ‘Play’ which celebrate’s the recent opening of the new children’s playground near the Victoria Memorial in Piccadilly Gardens.
Reef Done, aged 3 from Marple, Gabi Atakuru, aged 4 from Altrincham and Ben Johnson, aged 4 from Lostock
Serving up a range of food from around the world from 11am-6pm each day will be local Indian organic street food vendors Chaat Cart, award-winning homemade ice-cream purveyor Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, wood-fired artisan pizzas Fire and Slice and Piggy Smalls which will be cooking up a storm with gourmet hotdogs, to name but a few.
The popular children’s teddy bear’s picnic will be returning on Sunday 31st, alongside an appearance by Baby Ballet’s Twinkle the Bear.
Flynn Done, aged 1 from Marple
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesperson said: “Piccadilly Gardens, along with the rest of the city centre, is a favourite summer spot for families – particularly after opening of the new children’s playground. The Manchester Picnic is the kind of high calibre event that our city centre has rightly become famous for.”
Alexandra King, Piccadilly Partnership Director for CityCo said: “The Manchester Picnic has become one of the city centre’s most popular summer events. It’s a fantastic way for people to enjoy Piccadilly Gardens and the new children’s playground will offer an additional activity for families this year. The Manchester Picnic is designed for everyone to enjoy and while there is a family focus on Saturday and Sunday, we’re encouraging city workers to visit on Friday for an alfresco lunch or dinner.”
We’ve also a selected a few essentials to make sure you have the perfect picnic!
Harvey Nichols Food Hamper, £90
Anorak Kissing Robins Picnic Hamper for 4, £95 from Selfridges
Melamine tumblers 4pack, £6 from Tesco
Walls Folding Chair, £40 from BHS
By Emily Parker
Children’s images from Echo PR
