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Why flowers are taking over city centre in May

News imageMatt Eachus Plants and flowers line both sides of an arch over a narrow path in St Ann's Square. The old two-storey church with its clock tower is in the background with a statue in front seen between the arch.Matt Eachus
The theme of this year's Manchester Flower Festival will be sustainability

The Manchester Flower Festival is set to bloom across the city centre for the late May bank holiday weekend in what's been classed as the city's "most Instagrammable event".

It'll be the ninth time the annual event takes root, with this year's theme of "Green Manchester" highlighting ideas for a more sustainable city.

Five major displays will be showcased in St Ann's Square, King Street and Exchange Street when the free festival runs from 23 to 25 May.

Better known as the Cloud Gardener, Manchester horticulturist Jason Williams will show how city residents can transform their flats.

News imageCarl Sukonik Dozens of people walk past or look at flower displays at a row of stalls. The stalls have Manchester Flower Festival signs above them.Carl Sukonik
Displays will take over St Ann's Square, King Street and Exchange Street

The Castlefield Viaduct has also inspired a temporary garden in a 3 metre-wide walkway in King Street.

The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors and has been organised by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), which represents 600 firms.

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