St George's Day Parade

Sunday 26 April 2026

The 2026 St George's Day Parade will return to the city centre this year, commencing from Midday on Sunday 26 April.

The parade will feature performers on decorated floats. As in previous years, a cavalcade of up to 300 mopeds will join the parade for part of the route, along with a regal Queen Victoria in a royal carriage, a blue dragon towering at 7ft and an array of community groups across Manchester.

Key Advice

To allow the Parade to pass through the city centre safely, there will be a number of road closures and bus diversions along the route.
We advise against travelling into the city centre by car if possible, as roads will be busier than usual and journeys may take much longer.
If you're travelling by public transport, you can check for any diversions on your route on our travel alerts hub.
Public transport will be the best way to travel. If you must drive, consider leaving the car at one of our park and ride sites and completing your journey by tram, bus or train.
There are a number of parking suspensions in place so please check our travelling by car advice below before making your journey.

About the St George's Day Parade

The parade will once again begin at Varley Street at 12pm on Sunday 26 April. The parade will make its way along Oldham Road, Great Ancoats Street, Oldham Street, Piccadilly, Newton Street, Dale Street, Lever Street, Great Ancoats Street, Oldham Street. Butler Street and Bradford Street.

The parade will finish on Varley Street at approximately 1.45pm.

Bus Diversions

Due to road closures in place for the event, the following bus services will operate on diversion from 11am to 3pm: 18, 33, 41, 59, 76, 81, 83, 84, 112, 114, 117, 118, 119, 135, 163, 182, 192, 201, 202, 203, 205, 216, 219, 230, 231 & Free Bus 2.

View the full diversion details.

Road Closures

The following road closures will be in place to facilitate the parade:

From 9am until 4pm

Varley Street (from Ridgeway Street to Oldham Road)

From 12pm until 2:30pm

Oldham Road (from Varley Street to Great Ancoats Street)
Great Ancoats Street (Hold traffic from Oldham Road to Newton Street)

From 12:30pm until 2pm

Oldham Street (from Great Ancoats Street to Piccadilly)
Piccadilly (from Oldham Street to Newton Street)
Newton Street (from Piccadilly to Great Ancoats Street)
Dale Street (from Oldham Road to Newton Street)
Lever Street (from Dale Street to Great Ancoats Street)
Oldham Road (from Great Ancoats Street to Butler Street)
Butler Street (from Oldham Street to Bradford Road)
Bradford Road (from Butler Street to Varley Street)

From 1:30pm until 1:45pm

Great Ancoats Street (Hold traffic from Lever Street to Oldham Road)

Travelling by Tram

Travelling by tram will be the best way to get to and from the parade.

Taking part in the parade, or want to get to the start of the parade route? Varley Street is a 15 minute walk from Holt Town tram stop which is located on the Ashton Line. There will be a 15-minute frequency across the network on Sunday 26 April.

Watching the parade from the city centre? Multiple lines stop at Piccadilly-Gardens, and it's located right by part of the parade route.

If you have to drive, why not leave your car at one of the 24 park and ride sites, and complete your journey into the city centre by tram? It will save you a lot of time looking for a car parking space in the city.

From the north

Whitefield (Bury line) - 331 spaces and 13 disabled spaces.
Radcliffe (Bury line) - 480 spaces and 22 disabled spaces.

From the south

Sale Water Park (Airport line) - 285 spaces and 16 disabled spaces.

From the east

Ashton Moss (Ashton line) - 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces.
Ashton West (Ashton line) - 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces.

From the west

Parkway (Trafford Park line) - 341 parking spaces and 19 disabled spaces.

Beat the queue at the machines and touch-in and out at the on-stop machines using contactless. Save money and travel with the family using our family travelcard.

All city centre stops are located in zone 1. View ticket prices for each zone.

Travelling by Train

Manchester city centre is well served by trains, connecting many areas of Greater Manchester and beyond.

The nearest railway station to the parade route is Piccadilly. It's located right by the parade route. Exit the station, and your closest vantage point for the parade is along Victoria Street - a minute's walk away.

Remember to plan your journey in advance of your trip by checking with your operator or on the National Rail website.

Travelling by Car

Driving on the day? Car journeys may take longer to/from city centre, as road closures come into effect to allow for the parade.

Parking suspensions

Parking suspensions will be posted once we have confirmation.

Cycling and Walking

With road closures and bus diversions in operation, you may find that walking in and around the city centre will get you to the parade in less time. There's lots of information and handy tips about getting on your bike or walking in Greater Manchester on our Bee Active website.