THOUSANDS lined Manchester’s city centre streets for the St George’s Day parade, despite the presence of typically British bad weather.
The periodic heavy rain showers were no obstacle for the crowd, who came to watch today’s three hour parade beginning at 11:45am, nor those involved.
The route stretched from Varley Street, to Piccadilly Gardens and Oldham Road, before returning to the starting point to kick off the post St George’s day parade party.
The 2016 St George’s Day parade route:
Thelma McGrail, chairperson and creator of the parade, said: “I was a bit down in the dumps because of the weather, but as soon as we got to Oldham Road and I started to see everyone in the crowds stood waving their flags, I felt much better.
“In that moment my whole mood changed, and I began to enjoy the day too.”
With both umbrellas and flags in hand, those who came to watch were proud to celebrate England’s patron saint, as well as all that makes Greater Manchester and the nation great.
“Manchester is a very multi-cultural place, so naturally there was a diverse crowd. It isn’t fair for people to associate our patron saint with racism and hooligan type behaviour, especially when St George was born in Turkey.
“I hope the parade is helping to change perceptions.”
“I sat 14 years ago and asked husband: Why can‘t we have an English parade if we can have an Irish one? There was not any jealousy, but I just wondered why not?
“The council come around to talk to me about it, and that was that.
“Now the parade is never going to stop, I’ll be hosting it again next year, and every year after until my body gives up.”
The St George’s Day parade has been held annually since 2004, and always hosted by Thelma. It was led by St George himself on a 4-metre high rocking horse, and involved approximately a thousand individuals.
It contained five more floats than usual, and showcased talented pipe and samba bands, jesters, fair maidens and knights, and even those from the modernist sub-culture of Manchester on scooters.
Following the parade, there were celebrations held at the Adactus car park, Varley Street.
“The after party was a trial, but it couldn’t withstand the weather like the parade could.”
Next year’s St George’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, April 23 2017.
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