The Manchester Flower Festival Returns in May with a Global Twist

The Manchester Flower Festival returns to the city next month and this time - it’s going global.

Celebrating its eighth year as Manchester’s most Instagrammable event, The Manchester Flower Festival is set to take over the city over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, bringing a spectacular burst of colour, creativity and floral festivities into the city centre.

This year’s showstopping theme, Manchester and Other Great Cities Around the World, will see the streets bloom with incredible floral installations inspired by iconic destinations, from the buzz of New York and the romance of Paris to the vibrancy of Mumbai and the spirit of Manchester; each city will be brought to life in flowers.

Promising visitors a whirlwind floral world tour, the flower themed trail will feature jaw-dropping creations by some of the UK’s most exciting florists, artists and designers, with surprises around every corner of the city and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Organised by Manchester City Centre BID on behalf of city centre businesses, the festival has become a firm favourite in Manchester’s cultural calendar, filled with exciting events and activities that draw tens of thousands of visitors each year.

As well as the striking floral trail, the festival features 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, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and the sunshine, whilst Selfridges will once again be taking over Exchange Square with food and drink offerings, live entertainment from local DJs and family activities.

IMAGE CREDIT: Carl Sudonik

This year’s Floral Trail features nine key displays:

1. The Gateway to Osaka

• Location: Lower Mall of Manchester Arndale near NEXT
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 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.

Manchester’s bond with Japan stretches back to the Industrial Revolution, with Osaka famously dubbed “The Manchester of the East.” 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.

2. A World in Bloom

• Location: Printworks
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

Europe’s largest digital ceiling will burst into colour with a spectacular 115-metre LED display curated by the Printworks, celebrating floral icons from around the globe. Inspired by playful balloon art, the vibrant visuals will feature tulips for Amsterdam, daffodils for Wales, lotus flowers for India, and roses for Paris - plus a cheeky balloon bee will be making its way through the display.

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.

3. The Markets of Marrakech

• Location: New Cathedral Street
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

Created by Citiblooms Limited, this vibrant floral installation invites visitors to step into the spirit of Marrakech - a city of rich colour, culture, and storytelling. Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech has long been a cultural crossroads, 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.

Don’t forget to tag your photos @citibloomscorporate using #citiblooms for a chance to win a £50 voucher.

4. MCR LIVE ‘25

• Location: New Cathedral Street
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

Celebrating MCR Live ‘25 - a summer of music in Greater Manchester including Oasis’ homecoming reunion gigs at Heaton Park in July - this ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall inspired planter is bursting with colour and vibrant planting representing a city alive with music and energy.

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.

5. Mumbai Dreams

• Location: Exchange Street
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

Created by Verdure Floral Design this vibrant installation celebrates the Holi Festival - a joyous celebration of love, equality, and the arrival of spring. Rooted in Hinduism, Holi honours the divine love of Radha and Krishna, uniting people through the tradition of throwing coloured powders and water.

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.

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.

6. Manchester: The Original Modern City

• Location: St Ann’s Square
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

Manchester is often called "the original modern city" due to its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, becoming the world's first industrial city and a hub for innovation and global trade. This display celebrates Manchester through the ages with signs, structures and chimney pot planters partnered with bee friendly displays of lavender, alliums and birch.

7. A Stroll Through Amsterdam

• Location: Royal Exchange Manchester
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 10am – 5pm

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.

Be sure to follow the Royal Exchange Manchester social channels throughout May @RoyalExchangeManchester for a chance to win the #AStrollThroughAmsterdam prize draw.

8. La Romance in Paris

• Location: King Street
• Dates & Times: 23rd – 25th May, 10am – 7pm and 26th May, 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.

This installation invites visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the floral elegance of Paris, right in the heart of Manchester.

9. Steps of New York

Location: King Street

Dates & Times: 23rd – 26th May, 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's apartments. ‘The New York Steps’ captures the quiet beauty of these intimate spaces, where small patches of greenery bring life and character to the urban landscape.

Terracotta and stone pots line the steps, each reflecting the owner's love for nature. Despite their modest scale, these gardens tell stories of individuality and resilience. This exhibition highlights the contrast between the city's bustle and the tranquillity found in these personalised green spaces.

Through this display, DECORDIA invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of everyday urban life, showcasing the creativity and peace that can flourish in unexpected places.

To find out more on The Manchester Flower Festival trail, please visit The Manchester Flower Festival.