The Manchester Village Pride parade will kick off at 12pm on Saturday, August 29, with thousands expected to line the streets of Manchester city centre. The annual parade will take place through the city centre, starting at the Deansgate-Liverpool Road junction.
Parade Route and Theme
The parade will start at the Deansgate-Liverpool Road junction, continuing along Deansgate, before turning onto Peter Street, Oxford Street, Portland Street, Princess Street, Whitworth Street, and finishing on Fairfield Street. This year's parade theme is 'There's No Place Like Home', inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, celebrating homecoming and Manchester's reputation as a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Attending the Parade
The parade and Candlelit Vigil are free for everyone. There will be space to watch the parade along the route behind road barriers. With the parade starting at 12pm, it's best to head down a little earlier to get a good spot. All participants must be part of a registered group; Manchester Village Pride cannot facilitate people who arrive on the day and have not previously registered to participate in this year's parade.
Weather Forecast
According to the Met Office, there is a 40% chance of rain, rising to 50% during the parade. Temperature highs of 20C and lows of 15C are expected. Rain or shine, the parade is always a spectacle.
After the Parade
Following the parade, many will head to The Gay Village to continue celebrations. Artists will play across three stage areas, with the main stage on the uncovered Bloom Street car park, the community stage at Sackville Gardens, and the Gaydio Dance Arena inside the multi-storey car park on Bloom Street. Performances over the weekend include Nadine Coyle, Kate Nash, Gareth Gates, Cascada, Danny Beard, and many more. Outside the Gay Village, Manchester's LGBTQ+ film and TV festival SCENE will take place from August 20 to 27.
