This August, Manchester is celebrating another year of its world-renowned Pride Festival. As always, the city centre will be buzzing with excitement, rainbow flags, and proud LGBTQIA+ people. And those of us at DMT can’t wait!
Typically, Digital Media Team uses this blog to highlight stand-out marketing moments on special occasions, celebrations and holidays, and how these may tie into Manchester. However, we felt that doing this over Pride, which is as much a protest and a charitable event as well as a celebration, can be viewed as disrespectful or inappropriate.
Instead, we wanted to highlight some of the wonderful things going on in Manchester over the August Bank Holiday weekend, specifically in and around the Manchester Pride Festival. So read on and find out how you can support and uplift LGBTQIA+ people at Manchester Pride this year!
When is Manchester Pride 2022?
Manchester Pride is usually held on the August Bank Holiday weekend - meaning that this year’s Manchester Pride Festival will take place on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th of August.
In addition to this, additional (and sometimes unofficial) events may take place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th August, as people prepare to enjoy the full four days of celebration.
Where is Manchester Pride Festival?
For those who have attended the festival over the last three years, there is yet another massive change to the location of the festival. In 2019, the festival was split into the “Village Party” which took place in Manchester’s Gay Village along Canal Street, and the “Manchester Pride Live” event at the Depot Mayfield, where artists such as Ariana Grande, Years & Years, Kim Petras and Emeli Sande performed. In 2020, the festival was held virtually due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, and we were treated to online legacy performances. In 2021, Pride Live returned, this time just off of First Street, with the likes of Yungblud, Zara Larsson, Gabrielle and Sophie Ellis Bextor performing.
2022 sees Pride returning to its roots, with most of the festival occurring in and around the Gay Village. The main stage will be in Sackville Gardens, where the Gay Village party is usually centred.
Who is performing at Manchester Pride 2022?
While we may not be getting an international name like Ariana this summer, the Manchester Pride line-up is full of pure talent and joy. From gay icons to drag superstars, there’s something for everyone on this year’s roster.
We’re being treated to iconic pop from Sporty Spice, a.k.a Melanie C, Girls Aloud’s most famous Gemini, Nadine Coyle, and Duncan-from-Blue himself, Duncan James.
For any fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pride is bringing back the girls. Breakout star Bimini headlines, along with Ginny Lemon, Victoria Scone, Tia Kofi and Kitty Scott-Claus. Local drag queens Cheddar Gorgeous, Monopoly Phonic, Danny Beard and Bailey J Mills will be making appearances, too, as well as huge names from across the UK, including Lady Bushra, Black Peppa, The Enby Show and Yshee Black.
And who can forget DJ sets from the one and only Charity Shop Sue, as well as DJ Fat Tony, Jade Jaxon, Callum Parr and more.
What time is the Manchester Pride Parade?
The Pride Parade is making a comeback this year! One of the most loved elements of Manc Pride, the parade has been absent for the past two years due to the pandemic. Making a triumphant return, the parade takes place from 12pm on Saturday 27th August. The parade route begins at Deansgate and goes down Peter Street, Oxford Street, Portland Street, Princess Street, Whitworth Street, and ending at Fairfield Street. There’s also an accessible viewing platform on Peter Street for those who require it.
Do you need tickets for Manchester Pride?
You do not need to pay to attend certain parts of Manchester Pride. The parade and vigil (two of the most important parts of the weekend) are completely free and not ticketed. Although the Gay Village Party is a ticketed event, Canal Street and its surroundings are technically a public walkway and, therefore, can be accessed for free. However, if you want to access Sackville Gardens and the Alan Turing Stage (where most of the performances are taking place) you’ll need a wristband. In addition, some bars will refuse you entry or service without a wristband.
If you still need a ticket to Manchester Pride for this year, make sure you grab one before they sell out! The regular MCR Pride tickets are priced at £35.50 for the full weekend, featuring a £2.50 donation to the Manchester Pride charity.
If you aren’t planning on purchasing a ticket for the festival but still plan on attending Pride, we highly encourage you to make a donation to the Pride charity.
There are also many events in and around the city centre that you can attend for free over Pride weekend, including the amazing Miss Chief Cabaret. Get a Pride-themed taster of their monthly queer cabaret show completely free on Saturday 27th August at Feel Good Club, the Northern Quarter-based queer venue.
We hope to see you in and around the city centre this Manchester Pride weekend, whether you’re enjoying the celebrations from afar or getting involved with the fun.
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