The Manchester Picnic returns this summer to let the city’s food fanatics enjoy an urban bite to eat.
The summer feast is back serving up a picnic to put the best of teddy bears to shame from 11am-6pm on August 29-31.
Now in its fifth year, the Manchester Picnic in Piccadilly Gardens, organised by Piccadilly Partnership, will host a variety of gourmet pop-up picnic traders, alongside live music, games and entertainment.
This year’s theme is ‘play’ to celebrate the recent opening of the new children’s playground near the Victoria Memorial in Piccadilly Gardens.
Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesperson Councillor Pat Karney said: “Piccadilly Gardens, along with the rest of the city centre, is a favourite summer spot for families – particularly after the opening of the new children’s playground.
“The Manchester Picnic shows Piccadilly Gardens at its best and we’re confident this year it will attract even more visitors.”
This year’s culinary feast will be provided by the likes of award-winning homemade ice-cream purveyor Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, local Indian organic street food vendors Chaat Cart, artisan pizzaiolo’s Fire and Slice.
FOOD HEAVEN: Foodies will be well catered for at the picnic
Aarti Ormsby from Chaat Cart said: “We can’t wait for The Manchester Picnic this year. It is a privilege to be part of such a fun and vibrant event in our home town. The event has something for everyone, including families and young people.
“The organisers have put a lot of thought behind every aspect of the Picnic. We are really looking forward to making lots of Indian street food and feeding lots of families.”
Street food favourites, Piggie Smalls will be on hand with smoked hot dogs & BBQ pulled pork, while there is a twist on traditional fish and chips from Fish& with a choice of flavoured batters from lemon and chilli to sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Foodies will also be able to sample Mediterranean delights from Papa G’s and a taste of Spain from Choccy Churros.
Vendors making their debut include South American style Cantina Latina and traditionally Northern Puddin5love. China Town’s Wasabi are returning for a fifth year with a tantalizing selection of sushi and noodles.
Those with a weakness for for the sweeter things in life be able to gorge on Ginger’s Emporium’s award-winning ice-cream and freshly baked treats from Martin’s Craft Bakery, Manchester’s number one craft bakers.
PRETTY IN PINK: Lots of sweet treats will be available on the day
The children’s teddy bear’s picnic will also be returning on Sunday August 31 with an appearance by Baby Ballet’s Twinkle the Bear.
Piccadilly Partnership Director for CityCo, Alexandra King said: “Last year, the street food concept was a real highlight of the picnic so we’re bringing it back again this year with an even bigger variety of food to mark the event’s fifth year.
“An assortment of exceptional food traders have been lined up alongside family games and entertainment to tie in with this year’s theme of play.”
“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.”
With over 25,000 picnic-ers last summer, this year’s Manchester Picnic has been announced during National Picnic Week, which aims to highlight one of the UK’s most enjoyable summer traditions and to encourage people to take advantage of open spaces in their area.
Image courtesy of Visit Manchester with thanks
