From poem to parade: Afrocats get ready for Manchester Day

'What does the wind look like? '

It’s a question that has inspired poets, artists and dreamers for generations.

And over two creative weekend sessions, our amazing young people explored that question through art, imagination and teamwork as they prepared for this year's Manchester Day Parade.

With the generous support of Children in Need, and expert guidance from our wonderful creative partners Walk the Plank and Eye of Newt Theatre Arts, our young people designed and crafted beautiful ‘windsweeper’ crowns, accessories and parade props inspired by Christina Rossetti's timeless children's poem Who Has Seen the Wind?

‘Who has seen the wind?

Neither I nor you:

But when the leaves hang trembling,

The wind is passing through.’

Although we can't see the wind itself, we can see the joy, creativity and confidence it inspired throughout these workshops.

Every session buzzed with ideas as young people experimented with materials, encouraged one another, and proudly brought their creations to life.

The sessions, brilliantly organised by the lovely Olivia, were also made possible by our fantastic volunteers, who stepped in whenever little hands needed an extra helping hand.

Parents joined in too, making the workshops a shared creative experience where everyone had the chance to get involved.

And as a heartfelt thank you, some of our young participants even surprised them with handmade cards; a small gesture that perfectly captured the kindness and community spirit of our Creative Expression weekends.

Now it's time to take those creations onto the streets of Manchester!

This year's Manchester Day is extra special, celebrating Manchester's cultural links with Barcelona following the city's appearance at Barcelona's La Mercè festival last year.

Alongside an exciting international line-up, this year's celebration embraces storytelling as part of the National Year of Reading, with books and imagination woven throughout the parade and performances.

We're incredibly proud that Afrocats' young people will be representing our community in this citywide celebration, showcasing not only their creativity but also the friendships, confidence and collaboration they've built along the way.

If you're joining the parade, don't forget to bring water, comfy trainers for walking and dancing, and a few snacks - but remember to pack light, as you'll be carrying everything along the route on foot!

See you at the parade!

Come along, cheer on our young people, and experience a day filled with music, storytelling, creativity and culture on Manchester Day via our Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.