To help launch MIF09, Jeremy Deller worked with groups and individuals from across Greater Manchester for more than 12 months to create a self-portrait of the city. The end result was a uniquely Mancunian procession of around 1,700 local people down Deansgate, drawing crowds of around 25,000. The participants included local ramblers, mobile libraries, the 3rd Davyhulme Scout & Guide Marching Band playing the Fall’s Hit the North, modified car enthusiasts blasting out a new track by the Blackout Crew, and local Big Issue sellers – many of the participants marched under beautiful banners made especially for the occasion by Ed Hall. The procession itself was just one element of the project, which also included a major exhibition at Cornerhouse and an online project led by Let’s Go Global.

‘Thanks for your vision and your time and sensitivity in finding and nurturing the groups that took part in Procession. My friends and I had a wonderful day’ Participant

Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival and Cornerhouse.