A huge Pride party with rainbow bagels and Vimto cocktails is coming to Manchester’s The Loft this bank holiday weekend 

As if you couldn’t tell from the number of rainbow-branded shop fronts popping up all over the city centre, Manchester Pride is nearly upon us.

One of the biggest events on the city’s cultural calendar, it attracts thousands to the city centre every year as celebrations take place in the village and beyond throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend. You simply can’t move for glitter, pleather chaps and rainbows – and we love it.

This year, Absolut Vodka is kicking off proceedings with a massive pre-Pride brunch party at Pernod Ricard UK’s The Loft on Quay Street.

Absolut has a long history of supporting the LGBT+ community, going all the way back to 1979, and also has a long-standing partnership with Stonewall.

And their message is clear. Absolut wants to bring people together and drive positive change to make a brighter and more open world where everyone has the freedom to express their true selves without fear or discrimination.

Who could argue with that?

On Sunday 25th August, they’ll be hosting the ultimate pre-Pride shindig with a boozy rainbow brunch.

Accompanied by DJ sets from local collective Meat Free and the legendary Jonjo Jury, who, amongst other numerous claims to fame, happens to be the face behind the tune selections at the super-cool Ace Hotel in Hoxton, there’ll be rainbow coloured bagels and a host of delicious – and free-Absolut cocktails to tuck into whilst you get your groove on.

On the drinks front you can choose from popular favourites like Porn Star Martini’s and Appletini’s, or something a little bit different like the Rhubarb Whip. Made with Absolut Juice Rhubarb and cream soda, it’s sure to send lovers of rhubarb and custard sweets weak at the knees.

There’ll also be a Vimto-infused Raspberri Rim, made with Absolut Raspberri, Vimto syrup and lemonade, and the disco-ready All Rise with Absolut, blueberry syrup and lemonade. Perfect party drinks.

The party will kick off at 11am with a welcome drink and brunch, with top tune selections courtesy of DJ Jonjo Jury and the award-winning Meat Free DJs.

Then between 12.30 and 1.15pm there’ll be an LGBTQ panel compered by PinkNews’ Snapchat editor Robert Greene looking at the representation, impact and importance of LGBTQ communities in music.

Panelists announced so far include British YouTuber, blogger, and radio presenter Calum McSwiggan (best known for creating video content around LGBT+ issues, mental health, and sex and relationships), a member of Manchester’s all-female Meat Free DJ collective and Bitch! Please co-founder and DJ Liam John.

Running until 3.30pm, it’s set to be an all-day affair with plenty of Absolut to go around and pure party vibes in the building.

Tickets cost just £15 and include brunch and five cocktails.

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