Greater Manchester gears up for a LGBTQ+ summer of pride with parties, exhibitions and more

Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community is getting ready for a summer packed with parades, parties and awesome exhibitions.

From Stockport to Bury, Manchester is lighting up with colours and courage to celebrate Pride this summer.

Whether you’re marching, dancing, volunteering, or simply showing up in support, there’s a Pride celebration for everyone – because here in Greater Manchester, LGBTQ+ life is celebrated.

Our city has long been a place where queer culture thrives. From the pioneering activism of the 80s to the joyful, unfiltered energy of Canal Street today.

Carl is currently the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador

Pride season is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much stronger we are when we stand together.

Carl Austin-Behan, Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor and Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador, put it best: “It’s wonderful to see how much these events mean to people and how they bring us all together.

“Pride is about more than parties – it’s about community, support, and making sure everyone feels seen and valued.”

Stockport Pride Parade

Stockport Pride Parade kicks things off on 1st of June, with a colourful march through the town centre.

There’ll be performances on the Martyn Hett Stage from 11am to 7pm, family-friendly spaces, quiet zones, and BSL interpreters to make sure everyone feels welcome.

You can find out more about Stockport Pride by clicking here

Bury Pride

Bury Pride follows on 7th of June, with a parade and community stalls. That evening, Todmorden’s Queer Variety Cabaret brings drag, music, and comedy to the Tod Community College.

You can find out more about Bury Pride by clicking here

Didsbury Pride and fundraising

A Didsbury Pride fundraising event will take place on 7th of June, with a bingo and disco night to raise money for local causes. Didsbury Pride will take place on the 30th of August. Later in June, the Gay Gordons Manchester group will put on a drag cabaret show at Centre Stage MCR on 26th of June, supporting the LGBTQ+ Foundation.

You can find out more about the Gay Gordons by clicking here

Out In The City

Out In The City celebrates 20 years of bringing older LGBTQ+ people together with a party at Cross Street Chapel on 19th of June.

You can find out more about Out In The City by clicking here

George House Trust

George House Trust is marking 40 years of activism with an exhibition at Manchester Central Library, “ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism,” which is free to visit until December 2025. They’re also hosting a Drag Ball at Diecast in October to celebrate this milestone.

You can find out more about George House Trust by clicking here

For history lovers

For history lovers: the Imperial War Museum North is testing a new LGBTQ+ history trail on 7th of June. If you’d like to give feedback, get in touch at [email protected].

Walking tours of LGBTQ+

Walking tours of LGBTQ+ Manchester run all summer long, revealing the city’s history, from Victorian drag balls to modern Pride celebrations.

You can find out more here

Support and wellness

The Alternative has opened as Manchester’s first LGBTQ+ wellness studio, while Forward CIC continues to support Stockport’s LGBTQIA+ community.

You can find out more about The Alternative by clicking here

Volunteering and jobs

Withington Pride is looking for a volunteer to help with their annual sports day, Forever Manchester is on the hunt for a new Chair, and HOME Mcr is hiring a Head of Artist Development.

So wherever you are, there’s a Pride event or community group ready to welcome you this summer.

It’s all about coming together, sharing stories, and celebrating what makes Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community so strong.

This article was last updated 2 weeks ago.
It was first published on 30 May 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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