Manchester Pride

Never been to Manchester Pride before? With so much going on, you’ll need to plan ahead if you don’t want to miss anything.

Gay Village Party 
Every August, the city’s vibrant Gay Village on Canal Street transforms into the biggest street party in Manchester. From buzzing bars and pop-up stalls to live music across three different stages, the Gay Village Party is not to be missed! Just make sure you check your tickets and flyers to see who’s performing when and where – popular acts draw the biggest crowds so if there’s someone that you’re desperate to see, get there early!

Pride Parade
As UK Pride parades go, it’s easy to see why Manchester is one of the nation’s favourites! This colourful celebration of the city’s diversity is famous for its incredible floats and feel-good atmosphere. Pick a spot and cheer on the marchers - the parade usually starts at Deansgate, moves along Peter Street to Oxford Street and then Portland Street to Whitworth Street before ending at Fairfield Street. If you’re wondering what to wear, the parade has a different theme every year if you’re looking for a little inspiration. If you’re still undecided though, just dress to impress!

Candlelit Vigil
Monday’s moving Candlelit Vigil marks the end of this famous weekend. Thought of as the spiritual heart of the Manchester Pride festival, it’s held each year to close the event and to commemorate those lost to AIDS and HIV. For many, it’s the most important part of the weekend, and hundreds of people gather in Sackville Gardens to pay their respects. Opened in previous years by the Manchester Show Choir, this emotional event provides a real sense of comfort and community for attendees with the much-visited Alan Turing memorial statue at its heart. 
 

Top tip
Try getting to the parade as early as possible to find a good spot – those near the front tend to get most of the free goodies that are handed out from passing floats!

Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you’re going for one day, or the whole weekend. Make sure you purchase them on a trusted website via the official Manchester Pride page.

What to bring
Water, sun cream – and plenty of glitter! Don’t worry too much if you’ve forgotten something though – there’s market stalls and cash points dotted around the site, and as you’re in the heart of the city centre, you’ll have all the best shops in Manchester right on your doorstep too! 

Accessibility
Organisers have worked hard to ensure that Manchester Pride is an accessible event for all. You’ll find elevated viewing platforms available on a first-come-first-served basis, BSL interpreters next to the three main stages, a number of accessible toilets throughout the event, and more.
 

Once you’re all partied out, why not check out some other popular places to visit in Manchester nearby? Whether you’re exploring the Northern Quarter, bargain-hunting at the Manchester Arndale, or visiting the city’s famous Chinatown district, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Check out our guide on free things to do in Manchester before booking up your next city break at one of our hotels in Manchester.
 

By car
If you’re driving to Pride, head towards the city centre with M1 3HE in your sat nav. For the parade, the nearest car parks will be NCP Great Northern Warehouse 1 and 2, while NCP Car Park Manchester Sackville Street and NCP Car Park Manchester Chorlton Street are closest for the Gay Village Party.

By train
If you’re planning on hopping on a train to get to Manchester Pride, then Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road are two of the closest train stations to the main events.

By Tram
Trams are probably one of the easy ways of getting around Manchester, so hop on a Metrolink to Piccadilly Gardens or Deansgate Castlefield. You can always hop on a bus to Piccadilly Gardens, too!