Manchester will be bracing itself for a weekend of wild, full throttle celebration of all things LGBT for Pride’s Big Weekender.
But away from all the hustle and bustle, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation are providing a sanctuary where revellers can recharge their batteries and reconnect with others.
The doors of the LGF’s Community Resource Centre on Richmond Street will be flung wide open to the thousands of people who will visit one of Europe’s most famous of LGBT events.
“Pride is a fantastic time to celebrate our communities but it can also be a very daunting occasion for those still wondering what all the fuss is about,” said Andrew Gilliver, Campaigns and Engagement Manager at the Lesbian and Gay Foudation.
“We aim to create a space where people can go if you want to meet people but don’t want to go out to pubs and clubs, or you can only handle the crowds and festivities for a short time.”
Bringing a touch of class and old school glamour to proceedings, the group will be hosting a black tie LGBTea dance on Friday 22 from 2pm to 5pm.
Attendees can relax with a selection of refreshments and Cadman’s School of Dance will be on hand to teach everyone how to cut a rug in style.
Going solo at a large event like the Pride Big Weekender can be intimidating, so for those who arrive at Pride alone, the LGF will be providing a buddy service for people looking to spend time with others in a chilled out space.
For anyone who wants to see the parade but is worried about not getting a good view they can catch all the action on the big screens on Richmond Street where they will also be playing Peter Capaldi’s debut feature length episode of Doctor Who.
Once everybody’s all partied out on the Sunday and people are looking for some rest and recuperation, the LGF will be putting on a selection of complementary and alternative therapies, massage, reiki and foot massages so everyone can start the week properly.
The bank holiday Monday however, will not only be a day for partying, it will also be one of remembrance.
Alongside the touching HIV Candlelight Vigil in Sackville gardens, members of the community are being encouraged to come and sign the Community Book Of Remembrance, sit in quiet reflection and talk to a friendly ear there to listen,.
“Last year, the LGF opened its doors across the Big Weekend to provide a safe space where Pride-goers could get away from it all, and it was such a success that this year we’ve planning a whole series of exciting themed days and events to make sure that everyone can enjoy pride,” added Andrew.
The theme of Pride this year is love and the LGF are encouraging people to tweet them @lgfoundation and share what they think #Love_is.
For more information about the weekend’s events, visit http://www.lgf.org.uk/
Image courtesy of Ian Pattinson, with thanks
