Manchester Pride 2013 ended on a poignant note with the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil at Sackville Gardens on Monday night.
The area was transformed into a sea of flickering candles as attendees stood in silence to remember those who have lost their lives to the HIV virus.
The ‘spiritual heart’ of the festival also offered people a chance to stand in solidarity with St Petersburg’s LGBT community which is facing legislation to restrict gay rights.
Coronation Street star Charlie Condou led the vigil and invited the crowd to shout: “To LGBT Russia with Love!”
Malcolm Macleod travelled from Edinburgh to attend Manchester Pride, he tweeted: “Manchester candle lit vigil for all the people who suffered from HIV. Heartbreaking and cried like a baby at it.”
Jill Bentley tweeted: “So moving and inspiring “TO LGBT RUSSIA WITH LOVE” [sic] Candle light Vigil Manchester Pride 2013.”
The vigil marks the end of a month-long celebration of LGBT culture which has seen thousands of people flock to the city centre to take part in the bank holiday celebrations.
Celebrity supporters including Christopher Biggins and the cast of Coronation Street, who travelled in the parade on a Rovers return-themed float, attended the three-day festivities.
SOLIDARITY: Candlelit vigil to remember HIV victims and Russian LGBT groups
This year’s parade theme, Acceptable in the 80s, reflected the struggle of the LGBT community during the decade, while the sight of leg warmers and Frankie Say Relax t-shirts showed that this was also a celebration of the music and fashion of the time.
If you would like to volunteer for or donate to George House Trust visit http://www.ght.org.uk/
Main picture courtesy of Pete (LimeSpiked) via Flickr, with thanks
Vigil picture courtesy of Robin Scott via Twitter, with thanks
Video courtesy of Les Pratt via YouTube, with thanks
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