Protestors sounded whistles and horns in Albert Square

Protesters in Albert Square sounded whistles and horns, musicians will play and the town hall bells will chime for the minute-long protest at 1300 BST.

Ministers decided in July not to agree funding for the Metrolink expansion.

But Manchester City Council says millions have already been spent on the project and it is ready to get started.

The Metrolink extensions were earmarked to go to Oldham and Rochdale, Ashton and south Manchester.

Homes, schools and offices had already been demolished to make way for the route expansion.

Community leaders, business people and politicians from all parties joined together on Thursday afternoon for Metrolink's 'Big Noise.'

A working party has been formed to try to salvage expansion plans for the Metrolink.

The party includes Transport Minister Tony McNulty and representatives from Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Several public protest rallies took place last week in Greater Manchester.