The sun is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and Manchester city centre is preparing to burst with colour. The Manchester Flower Festival is back for the late May Bank Holiday, and this year’s theme "Manchester Icons". The whole city centre will be a blooming tribute to the things that make Manchester special.This year, the Corn Exchange is joining the fun with a flower display that celebrates a true Manchester legend – Boddingtons Brewery. Remember that iconic 1998 ad with Melanie Sykes asking "Do you want a flake in that, love?". Get ready to step right into that scene! The Corn Exchange has partnered with Boujee Boxes to create this floral masterpiece!
Imagine the Corn Exchange transformed into a quirky desert scene, just like the Boddingtons ad. A 2D ice cream van will be parked on a patch of sand with spiky cacti, juicy succulents, and tumbling tumbleweeds around it. Chrysanthemums will be dyed black and used to create the wheels on the van.The van will show off the famous Boddington's logo, but with a Corn Exchange twist. It's a playful way to remember Boddington's long history in Manchester and their unforgettable ads. Look out for busy bees buzzing around too – a symbol of how both Boddingtons and the Corn Exchange played a part in Manchester's industrial past.
Boddingtons Brewery, with its long history and famous name, is a true Manchester icon. Our "Boddingtons Blooms" isn't just about an old ad – it's about the spirit of Manchester: creative, strong, and with a touch of humour. Boddingtons Brewery, with its rich past and iconic ads, is a great example of this spirit. The 1998 ad, with its funny lines and sunny desert setting, captured everyone's attention. It became a cultural touchstone, showing how Manchester can turn something ordinary into something amazing.
View the iconic Boddington's Ad below!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD_Szb8VoXg[/embed]
The Manchester Flower Festival is free for everyone. Explore the city centre transformed with amazing flower displays, each one celebrating a different Manchester icon. The Corn Exchange is just one stop on the flower trail. Expect to see other famous places, people, and achievements reimagined in vibrant blooms – everything from the legendary Hacienda nightclub to the Girls Aloud reunion at the AO Arena!
Looking around the festival will make you hungry! Luckily, the Corn Exchange has a variety of restaurants with delicious food for everyone. Want a big lunch before exploring the flowers? Head to Sixes or Garten Bar for their famous burgers and steaks. Feeling like something Mediterranean? The Real Greek and Zizzi offer fresh hot and cold dishes – perfect for a midday refuel. Craving something more adventurous? Mowgli Street Food&Delhi House Cafe serves up delicious Indian street food, while Vapiano lets you create your own Italian pasta dish.After a day admiring the flowers, unwind with a refreshing drink at one of the Corn Exchange's many bars. Sip on a classic cocktail at Banyan Bar & Kitchen, enjoy an Aperol Spritz at Salvi's Mozzarella Bar, or catch Tampopo'shappy hour offer between 9am-6pm and again after 9pm!
The Manchester Flower Festival isn't just about the flowers - there are so many things to do! Throughout the festival weekend, the city centre will come alive with music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at outdoor cafes and restaurants, soak up the atmosphere with street performers, or learn new skills at workshops led by talented florists.
We invite you to join us at Corn Exchange Manchester during the Manchester Flower Festival (May 24th – 27th, 2024) and experience Boddingtons Blooms for yourself. Share your photos with us on social media using #BoddingtonsBlooms and #McrFlowerFestival.Let's celebrate Manchester's icons, raise a glass (or a Boddingtons!) to creativity, and welcome the summer season with a vibrant explosion of flowers. We look forward to seeing you there!
