The Manchester Village Pride parade has taken to the streets of the city centre, bringing an abundance of colour, joy and celebration to the area.
This year's LGBTQ+ event was created following the voluntary liquidation of the company behind Manchester Pride last year. A new Community Interest Company (CIC) was founded, with a new focus on the community and with the support of the many venues and bars that make up the Gay Village.
Parade theme and route
Reiterating the core message behind the new-look event, this year's parade takes on the theme of 'No Place Like Home'. Not only serving as a nod to queer classic The Wizard of Oz, it also hones in on the special meaning of home and belonging within a chosen family.
The parade began in Deansgate at around 12pm before heading through the city via the likes of Oxford Road and Princess Street, concluding at Sackville Gardens at around 3pm.
Community spirit and performances
"There is absolutely nothing like the magnificence of seeing Manchester’s streets bursting with colour, joy, and solidarity," Manchester Village Pride spokesperson Rowan Barr said. "We adore watching thousands line the pavements in a vibrant celebration of our beautiful LGBTQI+ community."
"This year feels incredibly special because Pride is officially back with the community, for the community, returning to the heart of the Village. Under our theme, we are taking inspiration from the magic of Oz, celebrating the found families that make us whole while transforming Manchester into our very own Yellow Brick Road."
After the parade, the Village comes to life with a host of bar takeovers and live performances from the likes of Danny Beard and B*Witched.
