Nowt so queer as folk? Manchester Pride begs to differ.

Neil McQuillian discovers how Manchester Pride has evolved from protest to party

For ten days in August there’ll be a distinct pink tinge to the city as Manchester Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. In the run-up to the Big Weekend (27-30 August) – when things will get positively fuchsia – Pride Fringe offers a varied programme of nearly 50 cultural events that takes in art, theatre, sport, film and music.

Festival director Darren Adams makes it clear that Manchester Pride is open to all, gay or straight: ‘We want everyone to come down,’ he says. The festival has existed in various guises for nearly 20 years. ‘The first, in 1991, was very much about protesting for LGBT rights,’ says Adams. ‘In recent times, it’s been more about celebrating sexuality and challenging discrimination. For the city itself it’s a huge tourist event and income generator. People come from all over the world.’ Last year £135,000 was raised for LGBT and HIV organisations.

During the Big Weekend, a wristband gets you in to many of the events, including performances from Belinda Carlisle, Chicane, Beverley Knight and headliner Kelis. The main event is, of course, the fabulous feather boa of a parade that slinks its way through the city centre. Everyone from Age Concern and the Quakers are participants, while Coronation Street celebrates its 50^th anniversary with its own float. So even if your street is more Corrie than Canal, Manchester Pride should be right up it.

For Adams, one of the highlights of this year’s Pride Fringe is the Welcome To My World photography exhibition in Selfridges, while, elsewhere, a diverse array of events (including LGBT Family Fun Day, the Glee masterclass and the selection of films showing at Printworks) look set to ensure this year’s Pride has something for everyone.

The festival closes with a vigil in Sackville Gardens (Monday 30, 9pm) for victims of HIV. ‘It’s a really important part of Manchester Pride, when people reflect on those they have lost,’ says Adams. ‘It’s a moving event, of course, but quite uplifting as well.’

Manchester Pride, Friday 20 – Monday 30 August. Pride Fringe events variously priced. Big Weekend wristband £17.50 (children £7.50, under 2’s free), day tickets £10 if purchased before 27^th August. For full details and tickets visit festival website . Images: courtesy Manchester Pride.

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