Manchester comes back to life for Pride weekend

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric with great energy and, most importantly, a safe and welcoming space

Written by Hannah Vazquez Jones
Last updated 3 years ago
Festivals, LGBT+

Manchester Pride Festival is one of the world’s leading celebrations of LGBTQ+ life, and was recently named one of the best Pride events in the UK in Hits Radio Pride’s poll.

The roots of Manchester Pride lie firmly in the heart of the Gay Village Party, which once again took place from Friday to Bank Holiday Monday – so we went down to celebrate.

With its most diverse programme yet and an all queer line-up, local artists including mandla, Val Queen, Monopolyphonic, Jsky and legendary local drag queen Misty Chance took to the stages across the weekend.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric with great energy and, most importantly, a safe and welcoming space.

It was difficult not to feel the immense love – after all, we have waited two years to be together to celebrate Manchester Pride after the pandemic hit, we have all missed socialising with our friends, so to see the streets full of people dancing, singing, hugging and kissing once again whilst surrounded by bright lights, colour and joy was a moment not to forget.

This year it felt more alive and eager than ever before.

Many community performances took over the cobbled streets, including amazing silent discos, Sing-A-Long Cinema and a brilliant opening performance by Trans Creative & Milk.

When feeling peckish, Manchester Markets provided some amazing street food and drinks along with market stalls with a ton of treats.

Highlights for us included House Gospel Choir on Saturday. House music + Gospel choir, what more do you need?

And the incredible Bimini Bon Boulash giving the performance of her life on Sunday evening on the Alan Turing Stage.

DJ Mix-Stress for the Queer Women’s takeover also got us up dancing with her mega pick of tunes.

Everyone was looking beautiful, as was the area, with some literally reflecting this year’s theme of “Garden of Freedom” with an array of flowers and greenery.

Another fantastic weekend of LGBTQ+ celebrations at the Gay Village Party.

Love connects everyone.

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