City news in 250 words: Monday 21 June

MANCHESTER DAY WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS on Sunday with more than 75,000 people lining the streets and cheering on a series of extraordinarily creative floats. It was a blast. The parade was populated by more than 80 community groups, charities and companies from across Manchester.

TODAY SEES THE RAISING of the Armed Forces Flag as the national celebrations for Armed Forces Day officially get underway. The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mark Hackett, will be accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant and the Greater Manchester Garrison, Adjutant and RSM as the flag is flown from the Town Hall roof. These are part of a campaign attempting to focus attention back on the work of the services and build up morale.

CITYCO EXPANDS Child Safe scheme across city centre. The scheme, which has been operating successfully in Manchester Arndale Centre, is part of a national initiative to help venues and parents keep children safe and found quickly if lost. If a child is lost or found in a Child Safe Zone, members of the public (both parents and finders) can go to 16 Help Points across the city in locations including Market Street, Albert Square and Lever Street, or ring the CCTV control room managed.

AFFLECKS IS FULLY LET. Despite the doomsayers saying that it would be killed by Bruntwood property company taking it over, the quirky shopping bazaar appears to be thriving, fully let and also i

Out of the window weather forecast: Buggering off home early and lounging it outdoors weather.