The big parade is the highlight of the four-day Manchester Pride festival.
One of the most beloved Prides in the UK, Manchester Pride returns to Greater Manchester this UK Bank Holiday Weekend.
The four-day event takes place in the city’s gay village around Canal Street from 24 to 27 August.
Canal Street is the popular LGBTI neighborhood of Manchester and a constant in the celebrations.
This outfit is lit. | Photo: GSN
Next year’s Pride, however, might look different. After 25 years, in fact, property developments in the area mean there won’t be the space to deliver the usual Pride next year. This might force Pride to say farewell to Canal Street.
But we live in the present, don’t we? Fear not, as 2018 festivities will go ahead as usual.
The Big Weekend
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The festival is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the weekend. As in the previous years, the main stage will see several artists perform throughout the four days.
On Friday 24 August, Jake Shears and Louise will take the stage. On Saturday 25 August, Kelli-Leigh, Sigala, and Disciples will perform, to name but a few.
The lineup for Sunday 25 August will see British singer Rita Ora headline. She will be joined on stage by Samantha Mumba and others.
On Monday 27, West End favorite Alexandra Burke will sing her hits. Ruby Murry and Richard Hadfield will also perform.
Read the full lineup here.
The candlelit vigil and The Superbia Weekend
Get your best rainbow attire ready. | Photo: GSN
Manchester Pride will also host a candlelit vigil on Monday 27.
A sea of flickering lights will flood Sackville Gardens to remember those who lost their battle to HIV. The event will also be an occasion to join together to fight the epidemic worldwide and the stigma that still exists.
An alternative to the Big Weekend Festival, The Superbia Weekend will bring together musicians, performers, comedians and more for a free range of events to celebrate the community. The ‘dry event’ will provide attendees with a safe, family-friendly space.
The parade
Inclusion is key at Manchester Pride. | Photo: GSN
The highlight of the festival, Manchester Pride Parade will turn the city into a rainbow kaleidoscope on Sunday.
150 entries and 4,000 participants will parade through the streets in front of thousands of people. This year’s theme is ‘The Circus of Acceptance’.
GSN will be at Manchester Pride
This year’s Gay Star News Pride bag design is unicorn inspired. | Photo: Dan Beeson
Gay Star News, a proud partner of Manchester Pride, will take part in the celebrations.
We’ll be there handing out our exclusive Pride goodie bags for the last time this Pride season.
The tote bags are designed by Turkish gay artist Sadi Guran. They feature a red and purple unicorn design, created out of silhouettes of same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
‘The current situation and oppression here pushes me, even more, to create homoerotic art to raise visibility,’ Guran said.
‘When I was asked to make art for Pride, it meant the world to me. The idea behind my design comes from my belief that the core beauty of humankind is in its diversity. And when we get together despite all our differences, we create magic.’
The bags contain exclusive treats from our sponsors Skittles, Staples Solutions, Age UK, Manchester United, Clarins, Pink Lady, Hoseasons, Cottages.com, npower and Jet2Holidays. Catch yours at Manchester Pride.
Read more about Prides:
Sparkle Weekend: 14 photos from world’s biggest celebration of trans community
Pride Cymru has just announced its full lineup for the Big Weekend
