Manchester Pride returns to the city centre from Friday, 28 August to Monday, 31 August. The four-day celebration will feature music, live performances, and entertainment across the city, including the annual pride parade at 12pm on Saturday, 29 August.
The parade will start at Liverpool Street and travel down Deansgate, Peter Street, Oxford Street, Portland Street, and Whitworth Street, finishing in The Village around 4pm.
First Manchester Village Pride
This year marks the first Manchester Village Pride, an event set up following the voluntary liquidation of the company behind Manchester Pride last year. The city's official Pride celebrations date back to 1985.
In the Gay Village, performances will include Nadine Coyle, Kate Nash, Gareth Gates, and Cascada, alongside bar takeovers and family-friendly events. The Candlelight Vigil will honour those lost to HIV and show solidarity with those living healthy lives.
Travel disruptions and road closures
With tens of thousands expected, road closures and bus diversions will be in place over the weekend. Tram services and roads will be busy, and travellers are encouraged to allow plenty of time.
Road closures on Saturday, 29 August, from 6am to 7pm include Liverpool Road, Wollam Place, Potato Wharf, Old Medlock Street, Lower Byrom Street, Duke Street, Stone Street, Barton Street, and Southern Street. From 9am to 7pm, closures include Bridgewater Street, Tonman Street, Deansgate, Quay Street, Peter Street, Camp Street, St James Street, and many others.
Bus lane suspensions on Saturday from 6am to 7pm affect Bridge Street, Whitworth Street West, and Portland Street.
Getting to the celebrations
The closest train stations to the Gay Village are Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road, but the easiest way is by Metrolink. The nearest stops are Piccadilly or Piccadilly Gardens, with signposts directing to the Village. Buses to Manchester Piccadilly Gardens leave a two-minute walk to the Gay Village Party.
Other events over the bank holiday weekend include Pulp, Courteeners, and The Prodigy at Wythenshawe Park, and Manchester United's fixture against Ipswich at 4:30pm on Sunday, 30 August.
