Manchester Village Pride has taken over the city this Bank Holiday weekend, and it could mark a significant turning point for the event after more than 40 years of Pride celebrations in Manchester.
Last year's Manchester Pride was followed by the company behind it entering voluntary liquidation, deemed no longer 'financially viable' due to rising costs and lower ticket sales. This placed the future of one of the UK's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations outside London in potential jeopardy.
Community rallying behind new format
In response, the community rallied together, and this year sees the inaugural Manchester Village Pride. With a focus on bringing people together and reengaging with the original intentions of the Pride movement, the event has been made possible through the financial support of many venues in the city's Gay Village.
Adam Maidment, the Manchester Evening News' LGBTQ+ Writer, notes that over the years, different incarnations of the city's Pride have featured big artists and held major components outside the Village. This year's first event could mark a real turning point, forcing a new outlook on how things are handled and how people want to celebrate Pride.
A return to core principles
The scale of things will be smaller, with no headliners attached to six-figure sums leading the line-up. Most artists performing this year are there because they want to be and understand the reasons for the event being held.
In recent months, a small number of Pride celebrations across the country have been shut down due to a lack of financial support or council backing. Organisers and attendees have shared how this has impacted young people, who perhaps need Pride the most, missing out on feeling seen and included.
The LGBTQ+ community is also facing attempts to reverse many hard-won rights, with some scrutinised just for living their authentic selves. As these voices get louder, the message behind this year's Manchester Village Pride reinforces that Pride started as a need for equality and self-acceptance.
Recognising the Gay Village's role
This year's festival is also a chance to recognise the impact of the Gay Village and its businesses. Not every city has its own area designed to make the LGBTQ+ community feel safe and seen.
The call is for the city to get behind the efforts of Manchester Village Pride, whether by taking part in the parade, enjoying live acts, spending time in the village, or simply allowing someone to be their unapologetic self without concern or fear.
