The talented winner pf this year’s Manchester Day photography competition has been announced after judged sifted through hundreds of ‘dazzling’ submissions.
West Didsbury’s Julio Cesay Perez Sansalvador scooped the top prize with his picture of the mascot, Pixel, towering over the parade and enthusiastic revellers in Albert Square.
Judges felt Julio’s snap perfectly captured the size, vibrancy, colour and movement of the parade against the backdrop of Manchester’s City centre and the celebrating crowds.
And for his flashy photography skills Julio, of Goulden Road, will take away an Apple iPad Air with 128GB storage.
AWARD-WINNING: Julio won the top prize of an iPad Air for this stunning photo
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “As always, choosing the winners has been incredibly difficult – the standard of photography has been first class.
“Manchester Day is my favourite day of the year – it’s wonderful to look through all of the submitted pictures showing the fantastic times had by all.
“Thank you to all the entrants who have reminded me that nothing quite matches up to the atmosphere around Manchester Day.
“We look forward to seeing your entries to next year’s competition and of course to celebrating next year’s Manchester Day – a magical event the whole city can be proud of.”
Tina Macdonald, of Prestwich Park Road South, Prestwich, snapped up second place with her entry showing the Batala drummers belting out some thunderous samba sounds.
Competition judges found this image presented a great example of the fun and energy the parade is well known for.
‘FUN AND ENERGY’: Tina won second spot for her shot of the Batala drummers
Tina now has another reason to party in Manchester’s city centre – she wins a night’s stay including breakfast at Manchester’s exclusive Hotel Gotham.
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said the entries really captured the ‘spirit’ and ‘glory’ of the celebrations.
She said: “Showing the parade through the eyes of the crowd – the entries have perfectly captured the spirit of the day in all its glory. Mancunians like a party and Manchester Day always delivers.
“People of all ages get involved in celebration of everything that makes this city great. It’s a perfect day out for all the family while providing a welcome boost to city centre businesses.”
MAGICAL: Ben managed to catch a dragon swooping down across the crowds
Runner up Ben Trainer’s entry, showing a magical green dragon swooping from above the crowd towards the camera perfectly captured the vibrancy and movement of the parade.
And fellow runner up, Aleksandra Rolka, was chosen for her technically impressive picture, displaying the intricate and elegant costume and performance of one of the parade’s dancers.
The two runners up – who are both from Manchester – each bagged £100 in gift vouchers to use across the city centre.
One of the North West’s flagship events, this year’s Manchester Day saw more than 2,000 participants, from more than 80 community groups, take to the streets for a spectacular parade through the city and entertainment in the city squares.
‘INTRICATE AND ELEGANT’: Aleksandra captured this beautiful photo of a parade dancer
