How will Manchester Pride be different this year?

The August bank holiday weekend has been home to Manchester Pride for more than 40 years.

From its humble beginnings in 1985 as a fundraiser for Monsall Hospital's HIV and Aids ward, Manchester Pride grew into one of the country's biggest LGBTQ+ events.

When the company behind it went into voluntary liquidation last year, many were worried there would be no Pride in 2026.

But Manchester City Council tried to allay fears when, in January, it announced that a new not-for-profit community interest company (CIC), Manchester Village Pride, would take over the running of the four-day event.

Manchester Village Pride is run by volunteer directors and is mainly made up of businesses from Manchester's Gay Village.

Venues in the area have loaned the new organisation £120,000 to support the planning and delivery of the event.

Tickets went on sale in February with organisers saying they have been selling well.

But how will it work this year?

The main part of the Pride weekend for many is the parade that weaves its way through Manchester city centre.

It is a chance for organisations, charities, businesses and groups to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

There will be road closures in Manchester on Saturday and disruption to bus and tram services.

Organisers said the event would be more community-focused this year, with LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots groups having their parade entrance fee waived.

Another familiar element of the weekend is the Gay Village Party. This takes place in Manchester's Gay Village and features bars, events and live music.

People attending will need a wristband to enter and there will be an admission fee.

Organisers said the fee will help cover security and stewarding costs, as well as payments to performers, medical staff and cleaners.

Headliners on the main stage this year include Cascada, Kate Nash, Nadine Coyle and Gareth Gates, alongside numerous LGBTQ+ artists and local performers.

Monday is the family day where entry into the Gay Village is free.

The event concludes with a vigil on Monday evening in Sackville Gardens, run by the charity George House Trust.

There will also be an area of stalls throughout the weekend for local organisations and charities.

John Hamilton, who is one of the organisers of Manchester Village Pride and runs both The Church and Bar Pop, said he expected "a great community atmosphere".

"I think, by all the businesses coming together, it's going to be a great event," he said.

"I can't tell you the buzz on the street. Everybody is really excited.

"For me the exciting thing is that ticket sales have gone through the roof this year.

"It's great to have it back in the Village, run by the Village for the Village.

"And we will be giving money to charity this year."

Tracey Walsh, who runs New York New York and is also a co-director of Manchester Village Pride said Pride had "lost their way a bit".

"Fundamentally it's about the community - us all being together as one, but we need to support our charities."

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