The squares in Manchester city centre are set to come alive during the Commonwealth Games with street entertainment and big screens showing all the sporting action and providing a carnival atmosphere.
Exchange Square: From circus training for kids and amazing performances to all the excitement of the sports finals live on big screens, Exchange Square will blend sport and entertainment as never seen before. 10am until 10pm every day from July 25 to August 4.
Piccadilly Gardens: The Festival Live screen at Piccadilly Gardens will let you enjoy the best in sporting action from every Commonwealth Games venue. 10am until 10pm every day from July 25 to August 4.
Barbirolli Square: Located next to The Bridgewater Hall, Barbirolli Square will host lunchtime concerts reflecting the best music from the North West and from across the Commonwealth. 12.30pm until 2.30pm every day from July 29 to August 4.
Great Northern Square: Come and relax in Great Northern Square and enjoy exotic and relaxing entertainment. Festival Live at Great Northern Square will showcase everything from samba to jazz in a series of entertaining lunchtime concerts. 12.30pm until 2.30pm every day from July 25 to August 4.
Castlefield: From midday on Saturday, August 3, 60 DJ's and 10 live acts will rock Castlefield. G Percussion, the massive music event will showcase the best in urban and dance music across five stages. From midday.
Cathedral Gardens: Strolling entertainers and the 'BUPA Body, Mind & Soul' marquees with everything from Indian head massage to a gym for the kids. 1pm until 6pm every day from July 25 to August 4.
St Ann's Square: The Manchester Evening News marquee in St Ann's Square will let you take a break, watch the action from the Games and soak up the atmosphere of the street entertainers. 10am until 6pm every day from July 25 to August 4.
Pollard Street: The main pedestrian walkway from the city centre to Sportcity will be alive with street entertainers and quality craft stalls. 10am to 7pm every day from July 26 to August 3.
The Spirit of Friendship Festival is offering all sorts of entertainment choices...
Pulse - International Festival of Rhythm: Celebrating the rhythm of at the Bridgewater Hall, Pulse has included performances, workshops, story telling and free events. Hosted by percussionist Evelyn Glennie and organist Wayne Marshall, the highlight of Pulse is the Spirit of Friendship Royal Gala on July 26 when Manchester's Halle orchestra will be joined by soprano superstar Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to perform pieces by Elgar, Gershwin and Puccini.
Aquafest: A celebration on the city's waterways including Waterfire on August 11, a spectacular day of entertainment and fireworks by the canalside at Piccadilly Basin, and a pro-celebrity fishing gala.
Children's Tapestry of Hope: Over 1,000 metres of individually designed squares created by 37,000 children from nursery, primary and special schools. This is on display at the Manchester University Refectory on Oxford Road from July 25 to August 4.
Check the M.E.N. and www.commonwealthgames.com for up to the minute details of Festival Live events.
Games tickets can be purchased online via the Games website or by calling 0870 162 2002.
Travel information for Games spectators is available on the Games website or via www.gmpte.com and the transport enquiry line on 0161 228 7811.
For full Commonwealth Games coverage purchase the Manchester Evening News or go to the Commonwealth section of ManchesterOnline via the navigation bar. For up-to-date Games information and daily traffic news tune into BBC 2002 (97.7FM) or The Games (87.7FM).
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