Volunteers launched a huge clean up operation after groups of people gathered in Ancoats and left piles of litter.
Pictures show a line of bags containing rubbish collected by residents and businesses following the mess left in Cutting Room Square.
Large groups of people were seen ignoring social distancing rules in the square on Bank Holiday Monday.
Photographs showed people drinking, while sitting in large groups on benches or on the floor.
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After they left, staff from nearby restaurant Nam Manchester, police officers and local residents worked late into the evening clearing up the mess left behind.
Social media user Victoria Shaw shared images of the clean up operation and wrote: "The incredible team from @NamMCR are out there with the police (three hours later) cleaning up."
The team from Hallé St Peter's, which is also based in the square, said they will be working with the authorities to make sure it does not happen again.
In a tweet, the venue said: "Thank you to you all. We really appreciate your efforts.
"We will be contacting @gmpolice and @ManCityCouncil and engaging with @MCRLifeUK and other local stakeholders to discuss how we can avoid a repeat in the future.
"#Ancoats is a special place and we want to keep it that way."
Vietnamese Restaurant Nam said they were no longer going to serve drinks after some customers appeared to enjoy them in the square instead of at home.
A statement, posted on Instagram, said: "We've been monitoring how Cutting Room Square has been and unfortunately, whilst we have recommended everyone enjoy their drinks at home, we feel those who have chosen to enjoy the sunshine and our drinks aren't observing social distancing.
"Therefore, for the safety of our neighbours and our customers, we have stopped serving until we feel that those within the square are respecting the measures put in place to ensure we stay as safe as possible."
Greater Manchester Police's City Centre team said in a tweet: "We're aware premises are selling take-away alcohol.
"This is for you to take away to your home in a sealed container. You're not allowed to drink on the streets in the city, therefore, if you are caught, you'll likely have the alcohol poured down the drain."
