The LGBTQ+ walking tour that’s a unique way to celebrate Pride and local history

Manchester is gearing up for the city’s biggest bank holiday party, Manchester Pride.

But what if you’re not a party person? This weekend saw the launch of the LGBTQ+ Walking Tour – a fun way to see the sights and learn about the rich history and queer culture our great city has to offer.

Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Tour

The host for the tour, Chris Hoyle, is no stranger to being watched as he talks.

He has been an actor for decades, starting his career in Coronation Street as a teen, he now uses his acting prowess to engage audiences on his tours around Gay Village and the city centre.

I got my steps in and joined the gaggle of excited gays, lesbians and couples of all ages as they hung on Chris’s every word.

Proud Mancunian Chris has been hosting walking tours across Manchester for years and has recently started ‘What’s the story?’ using his knowledge of local history and uncovering the untold stories of the people of Manchester.

Where does the Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Tour begin?

The LGBTQ+ Walking Tour kicks off in the heart of Canal Street, in front of The New Union pub and finishes across town on Deansgate.

We all know the difficulty of navigating the city centre on a Saturday in summer, but Chris expertly guided the thirty-strong audience through the streets like a pro.

The tour lasts just over two hours, with plenty of chances to take pictures, ask questions and learn about each point on the map.

Almost every stop is marked with a small pride flag mosaic nestled into the paving stones.

Some of them have been moved or damaged during the regeneration of the city centre, but the ones that remain are a noticeable reminder of the rich queer history our city has to offer.

2003 for Euro-Pride

The rainbow mosaics have been around for over 20 years, they were first introduced in 2003 for Euro-Pride and have recently got a more modern upgrade.

You can now find each location pinpointed with a QR code and marker to help you follow the trail and learn more about each stop.

While you can follow the trail alone whenever you’re out and about in the city, what’s great about this tour is Chris and his ability to make the story come to life.

LGBTQ+ people in history certainly had a rough ride, but Chris expertly displayed how to discuss these topics with love, compassion and enthusiasm – with a few personal anecdotes thrown in for good measure.

Dusty Springfield in Manchester

From tales of Dusty Springfield and her girlfriend drinking in the New Union, to gay men forming an alliance with local sex workers to both evade the police, you’ll learn so much in a short space of time.

Manchester has been a hive for LGBTQ+ people throughout history, with people flocking here for centuries to seek out like minded people, safe spaces and entertainment.

Not much has changed.

Tickets for the Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Tour

If you’re looking for an easy LGBTQ+ friendly activity to do in an afternoon with a group of friends or your partner, tickets can be found here.

Chris will be hosting the LGBTQ+ walking tours throughout the week running up to Manchester Pride, with limited spaces available.

Everyone is welcome.

The next walks are Tuesday 20th August at 6pm and Wednesday 21st August at 6pm.

The themes and topics discussed during the walk could be upsetting for some, so please be be mindful before booking or contact Chris or the Scene festival organisers for more information.

What’s the Story?

Chris has a new historical project called What’s the Story and you can follow what he is up to below.

What’s the story? Manchester, you can follow their new instagram @whatsthestorymcr, with a new TikTok coming soon.