Take part in The Manchester Flower Festival this May

MCRJourno

Credit: Fabio De Paola

The Manchester Flower Festival returns on May bank holiday weekend 23rd - 26th May and organisers are calling for support.

An open call-out is asking for garden designers, florists, street artists, gardening groups and budding enthusiasts across the region to showcase their designs.

Organised by Manchester City Centre BID the festival is marketed as the 'most Instagrammable event of the year'.

Now in its eighth year the event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city centre to view the displays and take part in workshops.

On offer are a variety of ways to get involved such as show gardens open to individual landscapers and groups to create a mini garden across the city.

Credit: Carl Sukonik

Shoppers and traders are invited to the festival market where local businesses will sell art, produce, street food, garden wares and plants.

Street art and floristry arrangements will also be on display to the public in the festival marquee.

Bars, restaurants and cultural venues are expected to host flower-themed events and experiences for festival-goers too.

Last year community groups took part in the events including In Our Nature, MUD CIC, Ardwick Climate Action, Blossom MCR and The Moss Side Community with more expected this year.

To add to the excitement of the day, organisers are asking businesses to create their own window displays and host bespoke food and drinks specials.

Credit: Carl Sukonik

There's set to be pop-ups food stalls around the festival site, outdoor bars, and one-off discounts.

The festival is also hoping to host a dedicated cocktail trail to highlight the colours and vibrancy of the occasion.

Expressions of interest in the festival activities, such as hosting a stall, volunteering or participating as a business can be sent to events@cityco.com