Manchester Flower Festival to make triumphant return as full floral trail with new theme revealed

Cherry blossoms, digital balloon flowers, and an Oasis-inspired creation are on their way to the city

Adam Maidment What's On and LGBTQ+ Writer

11:45, 25 Apr 2025

The Manchester Flower Festival returns for 2025 with a new global-themed flower trail across the city centre(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)

Brightly-coloured blooms and ingenious creations will take over the city centre once again when the Manchester Flower Festival returns next month.

The annual event, which last year saw designs inspired by the likes of Girls Aloud and Vivienne Westwood, will take place in the city across the late May Bank Holiday weekend with a stunning floral trail, vibrant pop-up markets and plenty of family-friendly events.

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This year’s festival will take on the theme of Manchester and Other Great Cities Around the World, showcasing a range of floral installations inspired by iconic destinations, heroes and landmarks stemming from the likes of New York, Paris and Osaka. There are also expected to be some subtle nods to the Oasis brothers ahead of their big Heaton Park gigs as they represent Manchester.

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Now in its eighth year, the festival will also feature a line-up including live entertainment, interactive workshops, a cocktail trail and arts and crafts markets. Visitors will also find flower-filled bars, pop-up gardens and alfresco dining spots, alongside family activities.

Organised by Manchester City Centre BID on behalf of city centre businesses, this year’s Floral Trail features nine key displays across different venues, like the Arndale, St Ann’s Square, Printworks, and the Royal Exchange theatre.

Last year's Manchester Flower Festival featured a stunning floral tribute to Girls Aloud(Image: PA)

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The Floral Trail will be in place across the city from May 23 to 26, with various times where people can visit. Entry to the floral trail is free, with more details on pop-up events and experiences to be revealed closer to the date itself.

Below is all the details on the nine individual displays that will make up this year's global-themed Manchester Flower Festival Flower Trail and where you can find them.

The Gateway to Osaka

Lower Mall of Manchester Arndale near NEXT

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23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm, and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

This striking art installation by Visual Architects celebrates the deep-rooted connection between Manchester and Japan, ahead of the city hosting the prestigious Japan Week from 4-9 September 2025.

This connection is brought to life through a bespoke torii gate, adorned with hand-painted cherry blossoms, set above a serene image of a koi carp pond, inspired by traditional Japanese art. This peaceful scene, perfect for a picture, is a nod to the heritage that defines both Manchester and its sister cities.

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A World in Bloom

Printworks

23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

Europe’s largest digital ceiling will burst into colour with a spectacular 115-metre LED display inspired by playful balloon art and celebrating floral icons from around the globe including tulips for Amsterdam, daffodils for Wales, lotus flowers for India, and roses for Paris.

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Down in the Pumpyard, visitors can enjoy a striking five-metre tulip installation, created by the inflatable artists, Designs in Air, and take part in free bouquet-making workshops hosted by David Wayman every hour between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 24 May.

The Markets of Marrakech

New Cathedral Street

23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

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Created by Citiblooms Limited, visitors are invited to step into the spirit of Marrakech - which is known for its bustling souks, traditional riads, majestic palaces, and serene gardens with water features symbolising life and abundance.

At its heart is a tribute to the Majorelle Gardens, celebrating their 100th anniversary. First planted in 1924 by Orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle and opened to the public in 1947, the gardens were later restored by designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, saving them from redevelopment and preserving their legacy.

Wander through luxuriant planting, bold florals and succulents inspired by this iconic space, and fall in love with the magic of Marrakech.

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MCR LIVE ‘25

New Cathedral Street

23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

Celebrating Manchester’s summer of music, which will of course include Oasis’ homecoming reunion shows at Heaton Park in July, this ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall inspired planter represents a city alive with music and energy.

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Visitors may spot nods to Manchester’s music scene old and new, tall plants like bamboo that make their own music in the breeze and flowers that attract bees - creating a real buzz.

This year marks the eighth Manchester Flower Festival event, which has previously featured creations inspired by the likes of Sir Ian McKellen's Gandalf character from the Lord of the Rings(Image: PA)

Mumbai Dreams

Exchange Street

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23rd to 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

Created by Verdure Floral Design, this vibrant installation celebrates the Holi Festival - a celebration of love, equality, and the arrival of spring.

At the centre of the display is a Bollywood-inspired mannequin, reflecting the excitement around the upcoming ‘Come Fall in Love’ - a dazzling new Bollywood production at the Manchester Opera House, running from 29th May to 21st June.

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Completing the scene is a majestic elephant, paying tribute to Ganesh, the deity of wisdom, strength, and good fortune. Symbolising prosperity and positivity, this tribute to Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage brings the spirit of Holi to life in a colourful, immersive way.

Manchester: The Original Modern City

St Ann’s Square

23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

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This display celebrates Manchester through the ages with signs, structures and chimney pot planters partnered with bee friendly displays of lavender, alliums and birch.

A Stroll Through Amsterdam

Royal Exchange Manchester

23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

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Created by Royal Exchange Flowers, A Stroll Through Amsterdam takes inspiration from the vibrant, fun and bold beauty of the Netherlands, bringing the charm of the Dutch capital to life.

The building’s famous Arcade will be transformed into an immersive experience that transports visitors to Amsterdam. Expect plenty of photo-worthy moments, from a canal bridge and a floral bike to a bench with a tall townhouse backdrop and towering tulips.

La Romance in Paris

King Street

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23rd – 25th May from 10am – 7pm and 26th May from 10am – 5pm

Created by Frog Flowers, this enchanting display is inspired by the romance of Paris in bloom. At the centre stands a reproduction of the iconic Eiffel Tower, surrounded by a soft palette of pinks, lilacs, blues, greens, whites, and subtle hints of lemon and red.

Real plants and cut flowers will weave around the tower, softening its structure with an organic, poetic flourish.

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Steps of New York

King Street

23rd – 26th May from 10am – 5pm

Designed and installed by DECORDIA, this installation pays artistic homage to the personal gardens that thrive on the steps of New York City’ apartments.

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This exhibition highlights the contrast between the city’s bustle and the tranquillity found in these personalised green spaces.

More details on this year's Manchester Flower Festival can be found here.