Pride in Trafford 2022

Pride in Trafford at Waterside Arts, Manchester, 17–21 May 2022, free entry - Visit now

Exploring and celebrating LGBTQ+ arts, we’re thrilled that Pride in Trafford is back for 2022. Packed with comedy, cabaret, storytelling and performance alongside visual arts and physical theatre – the festival is now in its third year and brings an exciting blend of performers and artists to the borough of Trafford.

Running for 5 days this May and hosted by our friends at Waterside, all of the events take place in venues and spaces around Sale town centre.

At the heart of the festival is a moving and powerful exhibition by award-winning photographer Allie Crewe. Curated by Castlefield Gallery, Your Own Light features a series of striking portraits of trans/ non-binary people and aims to challenge perceptions about gender construction and performance.

So what can we expect in terms of performance? Well, there’s a real sense of “love, diversity and togetherness” weaved throughout the programme. Producer for Pride in Trafford and manager of Waterside Darren Adams told us, “There is a real sense of ‘coming together’…and one thing that really stands out and encapsulates this year’s programme is that our differences can unite us and that it is something to embrace and celebrate. We cannot wait to see the community back celebrating Pride in Trafford for five days of queer joy, fun and pride.”

Live cabaret and comedy are further highlights of this Pride in Trafford 2022. Musical theatre diva Vivienne de Vil will showcase her brand-new show, With One Look, singing through life’s ups and downs and stepping into the future one show tune at a time.

Laugh Riot will bring an evening of the best alternative comedy too. Headlined by celebrated stand-up artist Bethany Black, the impressive line-up also includes MC Jonathan Mayor, comic improviser Kate McCabe and comedian and drag queen Red Redmond.

Dancer and choreographer Rowena Gander will present Barely Visible, an experimental work that blends movement and spoken word to examine the issues that queer women face, including sexualisation and the (fe)male gaze.

There will also be two wonderful, interactive outdoor events for families too. Uplifting and fun, Wildflower is a fresh and floral free pop-up performance that celebrates individuality and authenticity, even under the most difficult conditions. There will be three performances of this joyous show – keep your eyes peeled for the Wildflowers as they ride by on their flowery cycles. Additionally, local eaterie Mano a Bocca will host a free family-friendly outdoor celebration on the Waterside Plaza.