There is some confusion and debate as to when Pride events started taking place in the city, officially Manchester Pride as it is known today started in 1991. However, in 1989 the Northwest Campaign for Lesbian and Gay equality organised Manchester’s first documented ‘Celebration of Gay and Lesbian Diversity’. Love Rights included a music festival and a political march culminating in a rally with stalls. At this time the main focus of the gay rights movement was the opposition of Section 28. It has been made clear by various organisations involved in these early events that these were not gay pride celebrations but to raise money for those affected by HIV and AIDS in Manchester.
In 1991 Manchester Pride was officially born and expanded to a full weekend and dubbed ‘the Carnival of Fun Weekend’. Over the years the event grew and was known as Mardi Gras, with support from the Village Business Association. It was only in 1999 when the running of the event was handed over to the council that entry was with a ticket only, despite a large income no money was donated to charity this year and as a result the event reverted back to community control and since then over £1.3m has been raised for charity.In 2003, the event officially became known as Manchester Pride and became a registered charity, it was also this year that the event was extended to 10 days and is known as Pride Fringe with a calendar full of art, culture, heritage, debate, sport, music and film events celebrating the diversity of the LGBT community. In 2014 Pride Fringe will extend to the full month of August.
THE BIG WEEKEND!
Tens of thousands of people descend on Manchester over August Bank Holiday weekend for the climax of Manchester Pride – The Big Weekend. By day the stages saw the likes of The Feeling, Kate Nash, Misha B, Sam Sparrow, Rylan Clarke and Shayne Ward along with a host of other entertainment perform to the crowds. By night crowds dance to the beats of some of the hottest DJ’s around or visit Manchester’s diverse gay bars and clubs.
THE PARADE
A carnival atmosphere will fill the streets of Manchester and is set to enthrall the thousands of spectators - young and old, gay and straight, friends and family - who come down to see the glamorous and the outrageously fabulous people who take part!
MAIN ARENA
The main area plays host to big names and a variety of entertainment for all ages over the course of the weekend. Previous acts include Kelis, Human League, Alexandra Burke, The Gossip and more.
SACKVILLE GARDENS
A visit to the Sackville Gardens stage is a great chance to socialise with people who share a common interest while being surrounded by local bands, local groups and local entertainment. It’s your community, and this is your stage. On Saturday evening, the stage will play host to the very popular Women's Stage.
VILLAGE MARKETS
Looking to pick up a souvenir to remind you of your Manchester Pride visit? There are over 40 traders on site at the Village Markets selling everything from the latest fashions to rainbow flags. You're sure to find something there to take home with you.
BARS & CLUBS
Manchester's Gay Village is known worldwide for its fantastic atmosphere and diverse bar and club scene. Many venues host specific events over the Big Weekend to keep you entertained which will be detailed on our website closer to the Big Weekend.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
The culmination of the Big Weekend is the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil in which Sackville Gardens is turned into a sea of flickering candles as we take a minute to remember those we’ve lost to the HIV virus and join together to fight the epidemic worldwide. The Vigil is the spiritual heart of the Manchester Pride festival and there is a truly magical and moving atmosphere of quiet reflection in the gardens.
MANCHESTER PRIDE
22 - 25 AUGUST 2014
