The center of England’s second-largest metropolitan region (with a population of 2.6 million), Manchester is also home to the country’s second-largest gay scene, an area that only continued to thrive and grow in recent decades (the popularity of the show Manchester-based Queer television ) How Folk gave the neighborhood an international boost in the late ’90s). The city is home to Manchester’s fabulous and well-attended Gay Pride celebration in late August – 2016 dates are August 26-29, but there are a number of events taking place the week before, including some arts provocative and engaging queer shows during Superbia, formerly known as Manchester Pride Fringe.
Manchester Pride comprises a number of events and parties, including cultural and artistic performances, a parade with over 100 floats, a continuous weekend festival and a final HIV candlelight Remembrance Vigil on the final day, Monday, held at Sackville Gardens. Few Pride celebrations in the world have more venue and a more impressive lineup of performers than Manchester Pride, which also boasts a host of renowned singers and bands.
Much of the cultural and artistic component of Manchester Pride takes place during Superbia, which used to be known as the Manchester Pride Fringe. Throughout August, you can attend more than 40 events during Fringe, including photography, theater, a fetish-themed comic performance, art exhibits, adult urban dance workshops, a day of LGBT family fun, Women’s Pride, Stand-up comedy, jazz dinner club and much more – here’s a full Superbia event schedule.
Manchester Pride Weekend, or “Big Weekend” as it is known, begins on Friday and lasts until Monday. The events take place largely on Manchester Street and its famous Canal Street Gay Village and include a Main Arena where a host of outstanding musicians and bands will perform, including Heather Small of M People, MNEK, Shura, Karen Harding, Anne Marie, Lucy Spraggan, Imani Williams, Danny Beard, Seann Miley Moore, Frankmusik, Eli Cripps, and Will Young.
The celebration also centers on the Sackville Gardens stage, which includes a stage for women; the Gaydio Dance Arena; an exhibition of lifestyle and village markets with exhibitors and vendors; and, of course, countless parties and events held in the village’s gay bars and restaurants.
During Manchester Pride weekend, the Manchester Pride Parade takes place on Saturday 27th August, starting at Deansgate and following St. Anne Street, Cross Street, Albert Square and Princess Street to Whitworth Street, alongside to Gay Village.
Manchester Gay Resources
Manchester’s many gay bars and restaurants will have more activities than usual during Pride week. Check out online resources on Manchester’s gay scene, such as the Manchester Gay NightTours Guide and the Gay Village Nightlife Guide from ManchesterBars.com. Also take a look at the excellent GLBT site produced by the city’s official tourism organization, Tourism Manchester.
