Everything you need to know | Manchester News

Thousands of people will once again gather for Manchester’s Pride celebration in a pageant of colour, dance, music and fun.

Organisers said: “This year we celebrate the pivotal role that Manchester has played in progressing LGBTQ+ rights.”

The bank holiday weekend spectacular promises a host of celebrity appearances while the parade itself is taking simply “Love” as its theme.

Here is a guide to help you make the most of a signature date in the city’s calendar.

The main events span four days and are spread across the city, but some of the key venues include:

• Canal Street for the Gay Village Party
• Depot Mayfield and Freight Island for Mardi Gras
• Sackville Gardens for the rally and candlelit vigil

Friday 22 August

• A rally opens the weekend in Sackville Gardens from 17:00 to 19:00 BST with speeches and performances
• Gay Village Party: The Alan Turing Stage will have acts including Samantha Mumba, Moonchild Sanelly and Club Zindagi from 19:00 to 23:00
• Gay Village Party: The Indoor Arena will feature Fat Pride, Luke Lucent and Daniela Corvea, followed by the silent disco from 18:00 to 02:00

Saturday 23 August

• The parade begins at midday, starting at 12:00 from Liverpool Road, moving via Deansgate, Peter Street, Oxford Road, Portland Street, Princess Street, Whitworth Street, and concluding at Fairfield Street around 15:00
• A hub filled with market stalls, charities and community groups runs from 10:00 to 21:00
• Superbia Festival: An all-day celebration of local LGBTQ+ talent – featuring live music, panel discussions, workshops and more at Aviva Studios
• Gay Village Party: The Alan Turing Stage will have acts including B*Witched and Diana Vickers from 15:00 to 23:00
• Gay Village Party: The indoor arena will have the Gaydio Dance Arena followed by the silent disco from 18:00 to 21:00
• Mardi Gras, Depot: Black Pride MCR will see performances from Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter and Ghetto Fabulous from 15:00 to 23:30
• Mardi Gras, Freight Island: With acts including The Danny Beard Show, Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco, Bailey J Mills and Charity Shop Sue from 16:00 to 00:30

Sunday 24 August

• A hub filled with market stalls, charities and community groups from 10:00 to 21:00
• Mardi Gras, Depot: Olly Alexander, Nelly Furtado, Tulisa, Banksie and more, from 14:45 to 00:00
• Mardi Gras, Freight Island: With House of MCR: Pride Edition, Kulture Cabaret and Bongo’s Bingo
• Mardi Gras, Concourse: Gaydio Dance Arena including Altégo and DJ Paulette, from 14:45 to 00:00
• Gay Village Party: The Alan Turing Stage will include Sister Sledge, Danny Beard and Divas Only with Misty Chance from 13:00 to 23:00
• Gay Village Party: The indoor arena runs from 16:00 to 02:00

Monday 25 August

• Candlelit Vigil: Running from 21:00 to 22:00, it marks the culmination of Manchester Pride and remembers those who have died from HIV

Some of this year’s headliners include:

• Nelly Furtado
• Olly Alexander
• Leigh-Anne, former Little Mix star
• Billy Porter
• Sister Sledge ft. Kathy Sledge
• Samantha Mumba
• B*Witched
• Celebrity guests expected include Tulisa, Big Freedia, Gok Wan, Danny Beard, and Jodie Harsh

The full line up, including when and where the performances will take place can be found here

Public transport is advised, with Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road stations both nearby.

Road closures should be expected during the parade route and on Canal Street, along with bus route diversions

The Bee Network has advised against travelling into the city centre by car on Saturday 23 August if possible.

Tickets are only required for the Mardi Gras and Gay Village Party events, which are both 18+.

Limited VIP, weekend and day tickets were available from the Manchester Pride website.

Wristbands will be issued, with a strict no-band, no entry policy enforced.