Manchester has seen a significant rise in local Pride events set to go ahead this summer with four shows building the anticipation for August’s city-centre spectacular
Alongside Manchester Big Weekender, which will see thousands of people descend on the Canal Street area, festivities will come to life on a smaller scale across the city.
Celebrations will be taking place in Oldham, Tameside, Salford and Warrington over the next few months.
The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s (LGF) Chief Executive Paul Martin OBE told MM: “Over the last few years the number of local Pride events – especially in the North West – has increased dramatically.
“The visibility of LGBT people in our local communities is a hugely positive sign of progress, especially in the fight against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.”
Manchester Big Weekender is remains the largest and most visited in the area.
Before the top show though, the first of an array of opportunities for the LGBT community to get a local taste of the event will launch this weekend of June 28 with the inaugural Tameside Pride.
Attractions include a Pink Pooch Parade while audiences will also be treated to performances from drag artist Terri Fox, Pink tribute Almost Pink and rock band Maisetto.
This is followed by Oldham Pride which is celebrating its 10th year on July 26.
Kicking off with the Our Pride, Our Heritage, Our Future parade, which assembles at 11.45am at Town Square, the event will have stalls, refreshments and entertainment from the Show Bears and Abba Fusion.
Salford’s Peel Park Pink Picnic held on July 27 will see the LGBT community to enjoy food, drink and with any luck a good day out in the sun. Highlights will include live music from Eurovision Song Contest entrant Nicki French, a falconry display and a performance from Bears Aloud.
Later on in the year, Warrington Pride will be bursting onto the scene showcasing a vast amount of local talented singers.
There will also be an acoustic tent, dog show, Pride Bake-off and the event and will play host to a Wild Wild West Hoedown for the LGBT community to enjoy.
Peter said: “These local events are definitely something to be proud of.
“Manchester is justifiably one of the most LGBT friendly cities in the world. LGBT people from all over the world choose to make Manchester their home for this very reason.”
The main four-day city centre festival celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life with 72 hours of non-stop partying and fundraising in Manchester’s Gay Village.
This year’s theme is Love and acts that will grace the stage include Anastasia, All Saints, Foxes, MNEK and X Factor starlet Misha B from August 22 to August 25.
The LGF will be opening up its doors over the weekend, offering an alternative space for those who fancy taking a break from the heady homo buzz and put their feet up.
They are also screening the Pride event on their screens for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle on Saturday.
Image courtesy of Chris Geary via YouTube with thanks
