Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 12th February 2006

On a freezing cold Sunday morning in Manchester, members of The Order of the Magi, their wives, partners, families and supporters could be found battling the wintry conditions to support Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Manchester has hosted the UK’s largest parade for a number of years now and 2006 was no different. Watching over 70 floats, bands, groups, and this year magicians, thousands of people lined the 2.5 mile route to support this great event.

Our thanks must go to past President Mike Sharples for coordinating the Magi float and to every one else who supported the event and helped to promote the society’s centenary in 2009.

President Peter Moran
Magi President Peter Moran puts on a brave face with his thermally efficient, home made balloon hat.

The Magi Float.

Event coordinator Mike Sharples wearing his traditional St. Patrick’s Day Fleece.

Magi Secretary John ‘Sly’ Smith with his wife June.
They can be seen holding probably the world’s thinnest glass of Guinness.

President Elect Barrie Horridge with his fan club. Actually surrounding yourself with warm female bodies is a well known winter survival technique, that’s what Barrie says anyway.
(Notice that no one has managed to reach the rim of the Guinness glass yet)

The stalwart team prepare to attack the north face of Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. One of them was heard to say:
“I’m just going in for a while, I may be some time”
From left to right, Geoff, Vivien, Cliff, Peter, Helen, Mike & Dan