Flower festival helps city centre footfall figures bloom
The Manchester Flower Festival brought an additional 100,000 visitors into the city centre last weekend.
According to figures released today by organisers Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, the four day event which took place over the late May bank holiday weekend saw a 24% hike in footfall compared to 2022’s event, which coincided with the Queen’s Jubilee weekend.
Last Sunday received the biggest boost of all with footfall more than doubling, compared to the Sunday of the event in 2022.
Further demonstrating the event’s impact on footfall, figures for the same calendar dates in 2022 revealed a YoY lift of 44% over the Saturday and Sunday.
Organised annually by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, on behalf of more than 600 city centre businesses including retail, hospitality and offices, the free festival once again transformed the city centre into a floral extravaganza for a fifth consecutive year.
Jane Sharrocks, Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District chair and general manager of Selfridges Exchange Square said: “This is without doubt our most successful Manchester Flower Festival to date. Attracting more than 100,000 extra visitors into the city centre over a bank holiday weekend is no mean feat and really demonstrates the popularity of this event, which grows year after year.
“The Manchester Flower Festival has gained a lot of traction in recent years with businesses right across the city keen to be a part of it. This has helped grow both its footprint and scale and really does show the power of working collectively as a city.”
Gary Williams, head of events at Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District and producer of The Manchester Flower Festival, said: “It’s the thrill of my life to create free, inclusive, fun events in the heart of our great city and The Manchester Flower Festival is turning into an iconic staple for Manchester every summer.
“It’s all about getting outside, being inspired, being creative, learning something and trying new things. It wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team and wonderful contributors, who all bring their passion and creativity to this annual pop of colour.”
