The parade has been a feature of both live MFoN events in 2019 and last year, and is a colourful addition to a full afternoon of wild activities.

Originally, the Bee Parade, the wild wander around the city’s iconic park has become more inclusive, with wasps, butterflies, dragonflies and other pollinators now invited.

That first parade attracted more than 500 people - and two dogs - dressed in bee outfits, this year there will be musical accompaniment from a brass band.

It is all part of Manchester’s wildest festival at Heaton Park from noon to 4pm on Sunday, June 25.

The Manchester Festival of Nature will be the usual mix of family friendly arts, craft and musical activities introducing visitors to the brilliant wildlife of Manchester.

It will be the third live festival, with more than 7,000 people turning up at Heaton Park in 2019 and 2022, and, hopefully, the sun will shine and more people will come along.

Activities will include natural dyeing, mindfulness, forest bathing, a giant Jenga, wildlife recording, wind spinners, woodland games, willow weaving, seed bombs, scavenger hunts, den building, sphagnum squeezing and some fascinating research games from Manchester Metropolitan University. Heaton Park will also be inviting some of the creatures from its animal centre.

The event is run by the Manchester Nature Consortium and partners include the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, City of Trees, Action for Conservation, The Conservation Volunteers, Manchester Museum, Canal and River Trust, Lancashire Peatlands Initiative, Manchester City Council and Heaton Park. Many other organisations have been involved in the festival in the past and are expected to return for 2023.

Festival chair Alan Wright said: “When you walk into the garden at Heaton Park, MFoN is buzzing like a giant beehive. At first it’s difficult to grasp just how much is  going on and then you realise how many organisations are actually involved in conservation in Greater Manchester.

“It’s a great way to celebrate the wildlife of the city and have a good time. Lots of families get involved in the festival, so we are, hopefully, educating the Attenboroughs of the future. We are showing everyone that nature is beautiful, interesting and it can be fun … and it’s on your doorstep.”

The festival will be supported by funding from the Parklife Community Fund and Toyota, who will be exhibiting their environmentally friendly electric and hydrogen cars, as well as hosting an activity for families.

Alan said: “This festival is a showcase for all the work that is going on to help the environment in Manchester, so it is great to see businesses like Toyota supporting MFoN. Last year they really became part of the celebration so it is good to know that their zero carbon targets can be highlighted at MFoN.”

It is free admission to MFoN, taking place in the garden next to the Stables Café. There is a first aid room and St John Ambulance will again be on hand for any emergencies.  

Who is involved in MFoN 2023?