Discover the Balearic Islands, Albert Square, Manchester, 1st to 4th May, 2009

This May Day bank holiday will see a taste of Spain arriving in central Manchester.

Discover the Balearic Islands is a three day event that showcases Balearic life and culture. The Balearic Islands, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, are made up of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. These islands will be well known to many as a great holiday resort, but there is much more to these island than sun, sea and er, sunburn.

The Discover the Balearic Islands event in Manchester’s Albert Square, May 1st to 4th 2009 is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about life in the Balearics. The event is both a showcase for and a celebration of Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Festivities take place in the event marquee set up in Albert Square in front of Manchester Town Hall to accommodate the varied events, music and entertainment planned for each day (and evening) of the three day event.

For many, the highlights of the event will be the authentic Balearic musical entertainment, including music from Wonderbrass, S´Estol del Rei en Jaume, Paco Fernandez and Xalandri.

The event on May bank holiday weekend will include horse dressage in the arena area, artisan demonstrations, and food and drink sampling. On the Saturday, Sunday and Monday there will be a parade of more than 100 people through the streets of Manchester in authentic Balearic costume including giants, devils, musicians and circus performers. The parade will last for about 30 minutes, starting in Market Street, continuing on into Cross Street and ending in Albert Square.

Entrance to the event is free and more details about Discover the Balearic Islands including the times of various performances, can be found at the Discover the Balearic Islands website.