The LGBT community are set to experience sunny skies at Manchester Pride – but temperatures won’t match up to those witnessed in the recent heatwave.
An early weather forecast predicts that the four-day extravaganza will see regular sunny intervals when it takes place over bank holiday weekend from August 24.
The highest temperatures are slated to arrive on Sunday, August 26, with the heat expected to reach 20 degrees.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, August 25 – the day when the parade will march through the streets of the city centre – the initial forecast estimates there will be highs of 19 degrees.
The highest likelihood of rain is on the morning of Sunday 26, when there is an 18% chance of a downpour.
SUNSHINE: Those walking in the parade might be lucky enough to stay dry
The forecast might leave some Mancunians feeling bitter after revellers enjoyed temperatures in the 30s during London Pride in July. Brighton Pride – which was headlined by Britney Spears – was also in the mid-20s earlier this month.
On the other hand, Stockport Pride almost had to be cancelled when heavy rain threatened to dampen the festivities last month.
Following the event, Stephen Bowyer, Chairperson of Stockport Pride’s organising committee, said: “Despite a worrying start in the morning due to the weather, the community really turned out for a great day.”
HIGHS: The hottest temperatures are slated to arrive on the Sunday
Last week it was revealed that Manchester Pride has been forced out of Canal Street as developments nudge the LGBT community away from the iconic Gay Village.
The annual extravaganza – which this year will feature performances from Rita Ora, Jake Shears and others – is now looking for a new home to hold the festival’s musical acts in 2019.
Pride CEO Mark Fletcher hailed the move as a ‘new era’, as he remained optimistic about the future of the event in a video posted on Friday.
Being filmed at the location of Manchester Pride’s main stage, he said: “[2018] will be the last time that we will be able to party and celebrate LGBT life in this space.
“2019 marks a new era and a new chapter of the Manchester Pride festival. There are many developments taking place around this part of the city and unfortunately we will no longer be able to use this space.”
He concluded: “Exciting things are to come.”
MOVING: Manchester Pride is looking for a new home for its stages
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat councillor John Leech slammed Labour-led Manchester City Council for their part in ‘ripping the heart out of Manchester’ – which has meant the musical stages can no longer be used in their current spots.
He said: “Manchester provided a home and a sanctuary for the oppressed to express their love, and begin their long fight for equal rights. Removing this international celebration from its home will rip the heart out of Manchester.
“There has also been no consideration for local businesses and the impact that removing the main Pride stage from Canal Street will have on independent traders.
“Labour have not properly consulted local people at any stage of this process, they have disregarded the views of those that have raised concerns and are themselves in complete confusion, unable to guarantee any firm home for the festival next year just weeks before this year’s is due to begin.
“They must halt these greedy plans until they come up with something concrete they can propose to the community.”
A decision has not been made about where the main stage and dance stage will be relocated to, both of which are an extremely popular part of the Pride celebrations in Manchester.
