Talbot House Blog

On the 10th June 2012 Talbot House joined forces with other carers organisations including Manchester Carers Forum to take part in the Manchester Day Parade.

The Parade which has been going since 2010 has grown each year, bringing a dazzling array of costumes, music, dance and incredible structures to the city centre’s streets. Over 2,400 participants from 90 community and social groups across Manchester get involved each year, aiming to wow an audience of more than 45,000 residents and visitors who line the streets as the Parade weaves its way through the city centre.

The theme for this years event was 'The Sky's the Limit' - a celebration of heroic achievements. The combined carer's groups from Manchester were called 'Manchester Carers 2012'. In keeping with the theme of the parade a large moving mythological Pheonix was constructed by 'Walk the Plank' who organised the parade, the Pheonix represented the rebirth and immortal spirit that carer's demonstrate on a day to day basis. Carers got involved with making the Pheonix and accompanying costumes in workshops set up by Walk the Plank who provided the artists to make it all happen. As well as making costumes young carers in the group had the opportunity to learn circus skills leading up to the parade itself this included stilt walking and uni-cycling.

On the day of the parade The Manchester Carer's 2012 group arrived at 10am to prepare for the day ahead, they got into their costumes then made their way to Liverpool Road to have their faces painted and have a few slices of pizza. Our very own Bernie Wood, Francis Crake and Jo Moore joined the parade on behalf of Talbot House plus volunteer/parents Sabrina Wright, Helen Bottomley and Ged Taylor. Jo Moore's daughters also came along to join in the fun and the three of them dressed up in little Pheonix costumes. The parade then headed of down Deansgate and was greeted by thousands of people cheering and enjoying the festival spirit - oh and did I mention it was a gloriously sunny day.

Everyone had a fantastic time and to top it all of the Manchester Carer's 2012 section were winners of the 'You've Got Talent' award which was presented at an award ceremony after the parade.

Jo Moore said "It was a fantastic community spirit for Manchester, we were all proud to raise the flag for Talbot House and Carer's in Manchester. We are looking forward to it being bigger and better next year".

Click HERE for more pictures