The Great Village Bake Off celebrates cakes, bakes and all things gay

The Pride celebrations are already in full swing in Manchester.

But while plenty of you are drinking, munching and painting rainbows all over the city, social group the Village Bakers have started a new celebration trend: baking.

Test out your baking skills, create some LGBT-inspired treats, and bring them to be judged by a panel of celebrity judges at The Great Village Bake Off, which is returning to Manchester for a celebration of cakes, bakes and all things gay.

It’s set to be packed full to the brim of sugar, friendship and community spirit – a key part of every Pride celebration.

“The Great Village Bake Off is a celebration of LGBT baking, a one of a kind creative event in which applicants bake their LGBT inspired creations, bring them to our event, and share them with new and old friends,” said Kevin Sargent of Village Bakers.

And it’s hosted by village drag queen, Misty Chance, so it’s guaranteed to be a laugh.

“This will be my third or fourth stint as host…I’m not sure, I’m still in a sugar rush from the previous gathering,” said Misty. “It’s a joy to see the passion our community demonstrates as their creations become more extravagant.”

The celebrity panel will consist of several ex Great British Bake Off contestants, with Howard Middleton (from series 4) leading the bunch. They’re looking for fab flavours and seriously camp creations to crown their star baker. And the best part? Anyone can enter.

The event runs has been sponsored by Superbia, a Manchester Pride organisation that provides grants to support LGBT events, promoting the importance of equality and diversity across Greater Manchester.

Because as the Pride festival approaches, it’s important to remember that it’s not all about the big party, but also the people themselves that we are celebrating.

Fancy a go? All you have to do is enter yourself into one of the three following categories: Beginners Cupcake or Loaf Cake, LGBT Rainbow Showstopper (a creation that proudly represents the LGBT community), or community group or business (any sweet or savoury bake that represents your group or business).

Then bring along your creation and it will be judged along with the rest of the entries by the celebrity panel. Watch in fear as they pick apart your masterpiece and award prizes for each category.

Word to the wise: bonus points are awarded to bakes that are extra camp, so grab those sprinkles out the cupboard and get decorating. Just make sure you’re not left with a soggy bottom.

It takes place at The Molly House on 18th August. If you’d rather just watch, you can do that for free too. Just click here to pre-register for your ticket. Or for more information, visit the event on facebook.