Pride in Trafford returns this week with celebrations that shine a light on LGBTQIA+ artists in Trafford’s leading arts venues.
Celebrations officially begin on Wednesday (15 May) with The Chief Executive of Trafford Council officially declaring the opening by raising the Pride flag at Waterside Plaza in Sale.
Local school children will also perform songs to unify and celebrate diversity.
Producer for Pride in Trafford and Manager of Waterside Darren Adams said: “I’m really excited for this year’s Pride in Trafford; the festival champions LGBTQ+ arts as a powerful vehicle for expression, representation, and social change.
“Through our celebration, we not only showcase the incredible talent within our community but also create a platform where LGBTQ+ voices can be heard, and celebrated, and our communities’ stories can be shared.”
Pride celebrations in Trafford also mark The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia which is on Friday 17th May.
The pride activities continue on Wednesday evening with the Queer Creatives Assembly which is a free to all event for people to connect and collaborate with other LGBTQIA+ creatives.
Alongside this, guests can see multiple queer creatives at work with Susan Kerr’s ‘We See Each Other Better with Our Eyes Closed’ which explores being an older Black lesbian in the queer community.
And trans artist and Drag King Hunter Millington who will explore themes of dysphoria, joy and discovering your authentic self in their new campy country musical for trans equality.
Younger members of the community can participate in fun and free activities with local groups Gorse Hill Studios and Rainbow Reflections also on the evening of the 15th.
On Thursday 16 May there is a welcome return for the ever-popular Laugh Riot Comedy Night for Pride in Trafford.
The night features stand out performances from actor and writer Stephen Bailey, comic and improviser Kate McCabe and cult figure Jonathan Mayor with TV and radio regular Katie Mulgrew MCing the star-studded show.
Brand new for 2024 Pride in Trafford presents its Block Party Weekender – a two-day event celebrating inclusivity and unity with live performances, dazzling cabaret, talks, family activities, comedy and more and running across Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May.
Waterside’s vibrant theatre space will be transformed into a Ballroom, hosting artists such as The Cocoa Butter Club, Bongo’s Bingo Festival Experience, DJs and cabaret.
Pride in Trafford runs from Wednesday 15 May until Saturday 18 May 2024.
Tickets are now on sale at prideintrafford.org
All images courtesy of Waterside Arts
