It’s that time of year again. The ‘takeover’ of Manchester’s Northern Quarter returns once again for another infamous street party this weekend – and this year organisers promise it to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
The first in this year’s lineup, Ain’t No Party Like An Edge Street Party, is a collaborative effort between favourites Home Street Home and Common.
Previous street parties have been a great success and have displayed the community spirit and individual nature of the bohemian quarter.
Ellie Quigley from Home Sweet Home said: “I think the NQ has a good history of street parties because of its community spirit.
“The owners of the bars are, in the majority, independents to whom the area, and what goes on in it, is at the forefront of everything they do, which makes it really special as a lot of care and attention to detail goes into things.”
The We Love MCR charity has been nominated as the main beneficiary from money made at the Edge Street party, alongside the RSPCA and Macmillan Cancer Care.
“One of the main reasons the street parties continue to be held is the amazing contribution we can make to charity from them,” Ellie said.
This year’s festivities will include live music, a coconut shy and bat the rat games as well as DJ’s playing all day from a Hummer donated fot the occasion by Red Bull.
Ellie said: “It’s really going from strength to strength and getting bigger, as we become more organised and begin to plan earlier and get everything prepared and know how to do everything just right.”
The biggest fear this year, however, is that the British weather is being it’s typical unpredictable self.
“It’s good to be able to organise and put the street party on for people as something to look forward to once or twice a year. Hopefully it won’t rain,” added Ellie.
Luckily, the Northern Quarter boasts enough comfy boutique bars and eateries to house party-goers from any downpours.
The fun will kick off at noon on May 5 and is hoped to see the success of previous years.
Past street parties have included a 1940’s themed extravaganza for the Royal Wedding in 2011 that saw uniques craft stalls and bunting line the streets.
“I’ll have to leave you wondering about the difficulty of organising the event, I don’t want to ruin the magic,” added Ellie.
The party is also expected to spread onto Thomas Street with events also taking place in Turner and Back Turner Streets.
Drivers are being warned that much of High Street, Thomas Street and Edge Street will be closed to traffic.
Picture courtesy of Cubingarden, with thanks.
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