Between 150 - 200 protesters from trade unions and socialist organisations assemble at noon for the now traditional Manchester Mayday march. Unfortunately numbers remained low and dwindled even more by the time the demo had reached the Peace Gardens for a rally. The largest recognisable group was in support of nurse Karen Reissman as MP for Gorton.

There was also a contigent of members from various anarchist and autonomous groups who assembled behind a banner reading 'You cannot represent us', and marched with a mobile soundsystem. Resistance, the AF's newspaper, was handed out to hundreds of shoppers along the route of the demo.

------

For the first time in years, anarchist groups had called for an autonomous 1st May rally. Organised by No Borders, the event in Hulme was seen as a great success. Over 200 people enjoyed food, music and speeches in Birley Fields, a spot of green land that is due for development.

The afternoon had a distinct anti-election feel about it, with stall by anarchist and refugee initiatives, music by veteran punk poet Attilla the Stockbroker, and speakers arguing for direct democracy over the corrupt electoral system.

As it got dark, the small festival ended with a fireworks display.

-------

A smaller group of people moved onto Birchfields Park in Rusholme/Longsight to celebrate Mayday with a bonfire until late at night...