Tribute to Olympian in city parade

Oldham’s Henry Taylor, one of Britain’s most successful Olympians

OLDHAM Theatre Workshop will be representing Oldham during the colourful and entertaining Manchester Day Parade on Sunday, June 14.

Now in its sixth year, the parade through Manchester’s city centre is one of the city’s biggest and most anticipated events, attracting more than 70,000 spectators.

With a theme of “Game on” this year, the event will celebrate how games, including sports and computer varieties, have shaped modern Manchester.

Oldham Theatre Workshop will be using the event to celebrate the life and achievements of Oldham’s Henry Taylor, one of Britain’s most successful Olympians.

Taylor, who died at the age of 65 in 1951, was the only British Olympian to earn three gold medals in the pool at one games — the 1908 competition in London.

The piece, choreographed by Romina Thornton, will include a big structure and will recreate how the famous swimmer’s victory parade through the town might have looked over 100 years ago.

Parade participants will include community groups, young theatre performers, dance groups and local swimming clubs.

Manchester Day is commissioned by the city council for Manchester people and is produced by outdoor art experts Walk the Plank.

It features more than 80 community groups, charities and volunteer organisations taking part in the parade with artists, musicians and performers.

Councillor Pat Karney, chairman of Manchester Day, said: “Five incredible years have made sure a generation of children look forward to Manchester Day more than their school summer holidays.

“It’s months in the making for a day of utter imagination, creativity and -what makes this city special - the can-do attitude that refuses to accept the impossible, I can hardly wait.”