Manchester Village Pride 2026 will take place from Friday, August 28 to Monday, August 31, marking the first year of a community-led event after the liquidation of the original Manchester Pride company. The new festival, supported by Manchester Council and local businesses, aims to put grassroots values at its heart.
Background and Community Focus
Following the liquidation of the original company behind Manchester Pride, which left artists, performers, and suppliers unpaid, many feared the annual August Bank Holiday event would not continue. However, a coalition of Gay Village business owners and city partners created Manchester Village Pride. Spokesperson Carl Austin-Behan said: "The important difference this year is that we are putting on Pride for the community, with grassroots values at its heart. That means paying artists properly and being completely transparent about where the money goes. No one at the organising level is taking a salary this year; funds from wristband sales go straight into event logistics, artist pay, and our five amazing charity partners."
Event Schedule and Location
The event runs across the August Bank Holiday weekend. The parade will take place on Saturday, August 29, and the vigil will be held at Sackville Gardens on Monday, August 31. All Pride celebrations will occur within the Gay Village, except the parade, which starts on Deansgate and proceeds into the city.
Line-Up and Stages
The Gay Village Party line-up includes Nadine Coyle, Kate Nash, Cascada, Gareth Gates, MEEK, DJ Sammy, Tayce, Adam Rickitt, Diana Vickers, Misha B, Rowetta, Booty Luv & Big Brovaz, Michael Marouli, Freemasons & Katherine Ellis, Caity Baser, Ghetto Fabulous, Alison Jiear, Kym Sims, Louis Cyfer, Banksie, Anna Phylactic, Misty Chance, and Cleopatra. Performances will take place across three stages: The Main Stage on Bloom Street/Sackville Street, The Community Showcase in Sackville Gardens, and the Dance Arena.
Ticket Pricing and Access
Weekend wristbands cost £30, with day tickets at £20. A limited number of £5 low-income day tickets are available. Monday's Community & Family Day and Vigil are free. Wristbands cover security, stewarding, medical and welfare teams, cleanups, and artist payments. Many Gay Village venues will operate a 'no wristband, no entry' policy.
Parade Theme
The parade theme for 2026 is 'No Place Like Home', celebrating a sense of belonging and referencing the Wizard of Oz. Manchester Village Pride stated: "This year's theme, 'No Place Like Home', is about recognising the Village as the historic home of Pride in Manchester, while making clear that Pride belongs to everyone." The deadline for parade entries has been extended to midnight on Sunday, July 19.
