Pride is back for 2024, when we celebrate everything our fine city’s legendary queer culture has to offer, from full-scale street parties, to underground raves, to education, to dog shows – and pretty much everything in between.
There’s even a full-on celebration of LGBTQ+ TV and film running through the whole weekend and beyond, meaning when you’re not raising a glass, you can be thoroughly immersing yourself in the culture and history.
Without further ado, here’s the best stuff to do this Pride….
Prestwich Pride 2024
Prestwich Pride has announced its biggest and most vibrant line-up for the upcoming Prestwich Pride Weekend, taking place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August. This year’s festivities promise an electrifying array of events, showcasing the diverse and inclusive spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Kicking off the weekend on Friday 9 is the Drag Quiz, hosted by The Fat Britney at Macca’s Bar, promising an evening of laughter, wit and fierce competition. On Saturday 10, join the Manchester Frontrunners for an exhilarating Park Run at Heaton Park, welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies of all running abilities. Later on, there’s an eclectic mix of northern queer performers to watch, taking over all three floors at Cuckoo, with everything from DJ sets, live singing and drag performances. As the sun sets, the party continues into the night with the favourite neighbourhood DJs Love Hangover, providing the closing set at The Goods In.
Celebrity Pride Lunch at Witch Kings in Levenshulme
Cocktail legends Witch Kings in Levenshulme celebrate Pride with a very special celebrity lunch. Join Chef Tzarina from reality show Below Deck for a Pride-themed menu, delicious cocktails and live entertainment. Guests can also add bottomless drinks for £25.
Self-Care and Sip at Kampus
Studio Dawn has teamed up with Kampus and Nell’s Pizza to bring you a summer eve of crafting, cocktails and pizza in the Kampus gardens. Self-care and Sip is a way to dedicate a bit of time to yourself and get creative. The first session will focus on the theme of Manchester Pride, by hand pouring some gorgeous marbled rainbow-shaped drinks coasters. Tickets include a cocktail (or mocktail) as well as a big slice of Nell’s Pizza, with all the materials needed to make the coasters included too.
Queer As Folk: Celebrating 25 Years at New Century
Queer As Folk, Russell T Davies’s ground-breaking drama set in and around the Manchester gay scene, turns 25 years this year. Set in the 1990s, the drama documented the lives and loves of three young gay men – Stuart Allen Jones (Aidan Gillen), Vince Tyler (Craig Kelly) and Nathan Maloney (Charlie Hunnam). To celebrate the anniversary, the creators and stars of the show will take part in a special panel and Q&A as part of the inaugural Manchester Scene Festival. The event will focus on an hour-long conversation with creator Davies and producer Nicola Shindler. Alongside stories of the origins and creation of the show, this event will look at the impact the programme had on the TV landscape, and on people who were inspired by it to become their queer selves and even move to Manchester to live the life they saw on screen. After the panel, join the after party in New Century’s downstairs food-hall and bar, transformed for one night only into circa 1999 Canal Street.
Manchester Scene Festival’s Saturday Family Morning at First Street
First Street hosts a morning of family film fun with Manchester’s Scene Festival. Pull up a deck chair and join them for the outdoor cinema experience throughout the festival. On Saturday 17 August, you can watch the Iris Prize Family Shorts, followed by a screening of the 1939 classic musical The Wizard of Oz. No ticket is needed, just turn up – although spaces are limited, on a first come, first served basis.
Pooches of Pride at Angel Meadow Park
A celebration of Manchester’s campest canines, the Pooches of Pride dog show will transform Angel Meadow Park in a joint venture between Manchester’s biggest dog community Ex-PAW and Far East Consortium. Hosted by drag act Belinda Carlisle (not that one), the third year of Pooches of Pride will find entrants judges in categories including ‘Animal Kingdom Realness’, ‘Drag Kings of Manchester’ and ‘Shantay You Stay’, while veterinary experts from My Pet First Aid and the fabulously named Make Fetch Happen will be leading classes for visitors to learn alongside their furry friends. Entry to the contest will cost a £4 donation to Manchester Dogs Home and the winners of each category will take home a Pawty goody bag. Full details of each available on the event’s website. A dog toy drive and dog food bank will also be running throughout the day, for visitors to donate toys and blankets to Manchester Dogs Home.
Everyone Welcome: Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Tour with Scene Festival
Celebrate Pride with a fascinating historical walking tour around some of the city’s most pivotal LGBTQ+ locations, hosted by playwright and vastly knowledgeable guide Chris Hoyle. Over two fascinating hours, you’ll take in the sites of Victorian drag balls, the pioneering Canal Street and the Gay Village, Whitworth Locke, Sackville Gardens, the Town Hall and the Midland Hotel and learn of queer activism’s long and storied history in Manchester. Experience it first hand, with walks scheduled for 17, 18, 20 and 21 August.
My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) at HOME
Award-winning production My Son’s A Queer, (But What Can You Do?) makes its sensational debut in Manchester this August. Taking to the stage at HOME, ahead of Manchester Pride celebrations, the show is written and performed by Rob Madge. Directed by Luke Sheppard, the play has garnered widespread acclaim, evolving from a cult sensation to a WhatsOnStage award-winning and Olivier Award-nominated production.
Lost Boys and Fairies Exclusive Screening at Manchester Scene Festival
Head down to Everyman in the city centre for a very special, exclusive screening of the first episode of Lost Boys and Fairies. The series shows the heartbreaking, joyous and musical tale of gay couple Andy and Gabriel’s journey to adoption. The screening will be followed by a panel session with the series writer Daf James and cast member Sion Daniel Young.
Manchester Scene Festival presents The Lesbian Bar Project: FLINTA Screening, Q&A and After Party at Vanilla
Join Manchester Scene Festival for a screening of The Lesbian Bar Project: FLINTA followed by a Q&A and after-party at Vanilla in the Gay Village. For the past three years, the Emmy and GLAAD award-winning docu-series has been telling stories about lesbian queer bars and the communities they serve in the United States, and this is the first international episode. The Lesbian Bar Project: FLINTA documents the complex and triumphant stories of the FLINTA (Female, Lesbian Intersex, Non-Binary, Trans and Agender) communities in Cologne and Berlin; a reflection of where the queer community is headed internationally. Despite lesbian bars disappearing in Germany, there’s a growing FLINTA movement that epitomises the evolution of queer culture.
Museum After Hours – Pride Weekend at Science and Industry Museum
Celebrate Manchester’s Pride weekend and discover a diverse programme of activities, demonstrations and performances at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum. Explore the city centre museum’s galleries and displays after hours during the special adult-only event.
Experience the power of authentic spoken storytelling as LGBTQ+ professionals in STEM share their journeys. Join them for unique live performances, curated by Heard Storytelling, and explore a captivating display of objects that bring their stories to life. There’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in PROUD, an inspiring audio-visual exhibition created by Heard Storytelling.
Get creative and contribute to the museum’s community craft project inspired by their textile collection and the colourful traditions of the LGBTQ+ social movement. Contribute to their bespoke banner, which will be carried by the museum’s team during the Pride parade on Saturday 24 August.
Tickets also include after hours access to Revolution Manchester, textiles gallery and experiment as well as a 30-minute play pass to Power Up (with access to over 150 consoles). You can also get entry to the museum’s special exhibition Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Pride Weekend at The Firehouse
Nighttime destination and much-loved eatery Firehouse join in the Manchester Pride festivities with celebrations all weekend long. The party starts on Thursday with the Big Queer Fringe, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Banksie alongside Johnny Humes, Blyss and Bon Appetit. On Friday, they welcome Dean Mac live and Ghetto Fabulous, as well as House of Fire on Saturday and Sunday. Expect wild scenes.
Eat The Frog Pride Charity Raffle at Altogether Otherwise
Eat The Frog, Manchester’s community of creatives, wellness and runners, host a charity raffle ahead of Pride weekend. The gang have partnered with friends, as well as brands big and small, to offer a hefty list of prizes, and tickets are £1 each. All funds raised will go to Trans Mutual Aid Manchester.
Grand Pacific present An Evening of Pride Classics
Head to Grand Pacific as they join in the Manchester Pride celebrations with a very special evening of music. The eatery will host a dinner concert in its magnificent dining room, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an evening of iconic Pride classics. From ABBA to Beyonce and more, the timeless Pride anthems will be performed by all-female string group String Infusion. Tickets costs £60, including a four-course meal and two-hour performance.
King Street Presents Queen Street in collaboration with HEADS and Doll Parts
King Street will join in the Manchester Pride festivities by transforming into ‘Queen Street’ on Bank Holiday weekend. In a heartfelt, joyous celebration of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ icons, a unique exhibition will feature captivating images and biographies of both drag queens and prominent LGBTQ+ figures from across the region, highlighting their significant contribution to the Queer community and beyond. The project will feature Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Banksie, Bailey J Mills, Liquorice Black and loads more.
Presented by HEADS and Doll Parts as part of the King Street Present series, all proceeds from the event will go to AKT and George House Trust, aiming to both celebrate diversity and promote LGBTQ+ awareness. The festival will kick off on Friday 23 August with a launch party, featuring a live DJ set.
Elsewhere, head down to the shopping street for engaging workshops across the weekend, including guided make-up classes by Doll Parts, tooth gem installations by Bucktooth Gems and Buttery’s Bingo with Sam J Buttery.
Pride Weekend at Lamb of Tartary
Join the Lamb of Tartary in the Northern Quarter as they join in the Manchester Pride celebrations this weekend. A stellar DJ line-up will keep the dancefloor packed all weekend, from DJ Yiyi kicking things off on Friday night to Gaydio’s Nick Charles wrapping it up on Monday. On Saturday, LOT host the ‘Request Line’ brunch, where they will serve up 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas alongside your favourite Pride anthems, hosted by Narcissa Nightshade.
Diecast Pride Weekender
Get ready for a full weekend celebrating some of Manchester’s very best queer talent at Diecast. They’re joining in the Pride festivities with three days of alternative parties to the traditional offerings. Throughout the three day party, expect a diverse line-up of events including clubbing, brunching and a spectacular night session.
The party kicks off on Friday night with a Lil Miss Jackie takeover of Club Leno. Known for their dynamic sets and magnetic stage presence mixing house, disco and pop, expect a buzzing dance floor. They will be joined by celebrated DJ and founder of the Never Becky collective Mix-Stress, alongside WÏLES, who will bring their unique style, fusing electronic beats with queer anthems for an unforgettable audio experience. Mother and Muse of Lil Miss Jackie, Jackie P’s high-energy set will blend classics with contemporary hits, ensuring the crowd keeps moving all night long.
Maya Presents… Studio 24
There’s no clubbing experience more iconic than the legendary New York powerhouse that was Studio 54. This Manchester Pride, Maya will be taking you back to that golden age of disco by bringing Studio 54 magic to Canal Street. Promising a house twist, Studio 24 (2024, geddit?) will feature a full house of queens ready to slay the stage, including RuPaul’s Drag Race star BANKSIE, Yemi Kynn de Lynn, Jordyn Horowitz and Kobrah, with Hit & Run’s Rich Reason turning out the disco tunes. Partygoers are encouraged to dress as their favourite Studio 54 regulars – think Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger (maybe without the horse), Grace Jones or any disco diva that embodies the era.
Pride in the Gay Village with Sugababes, Rita Ora and Jessie J
As ever, the stage at Sackville Gardens will be crammed with an eclectic roster of international stars sharing the stage with up and coming artists. This year will be headlined by Brit Award-winner Jessie J and Broadway star Keala Settle on Friday, two-time Eurovision winner Loreen and global superstar Rita Ora on Saturday and British pop royalty Sugababes to close the main stage on Sunday. Other performers across the weekend include Manchester’s very own DJ Paulette, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, Claire Richards from Steps, Danny Beard & Friends and loads more.
As with every year, the festival will conclude on Monday 26 August with the Candlelight Vigil in Sackville Gardens, providing an opportunity for the community to come together to honour those lost, and stand in solidarity with those living with HIV. In collaboration with George House Trust, this heartfelt experience will be a powerful reminder to combat stigma and come together as a community in unity and support.
Pride Parade 2024
The world famous Manchester Pride Parade returns to Manchester Pride Festival, this year inspired by the spirit of the Manchester Worker Bee, with the theme ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer’.
The parade is set to “embody the worker bee spirit and create a hive of progress where everyone can thrive”. Get involved as groups and individuals come together to “celebrate diversity, unity, and the vibrant energy of Manchester, buzzing together toward a brighter future”. Basically, it’s a huge party that moves through the streets of Manchester celebrating all that’s great about our diverse communities.
The parade starts at midday on Saturday 24 August. Check Manchester Pride for updates on the specific 2024 route so you don’t miss any of the action.
Love Party Pride Party at Kampus
Love Party return with their ever-popular pay-what-you-can Pride event at Kampus. Taking place alongside the festivities on Canal Street and in the Gay Village, the event will take over the Kampus gardens, bungalow and beyond. This year, the event will raise money for grassroots trans charity Mermaids, with 100% of profits going to them.
Partygoers can expect a stacked line-up of the city’s best queer performers, including resident DJ Thom Docking, Decks On Legs, Good Afternoon, London party-starters Pink Phono and local legends Kiss Me Again. There will also be dancers roaming the neighbourhood including drag queen Vill, as well as a camp flag procession and hostess The Fat Britney shaking collection buckets.
It is recommended that ticket holders get down early (before 4pm) to secure a space. Kampus is open to all, so you can head down on the day and donate. Once the venue is at capacity there may be queues and admittance to ticket holders will be prioritised.
Wink Pride Dance Party at Off The Square
Manchester’s favourite queer audio visual extravaganza Wink is back for a huge Pride afterparty this August. Expect incredible music from live acts, resident DJs and dance performances for a proper Pride boogie.
In addition to DJ Meatmarket and visual artist Ben Trünk, hyper pop duo WDITMF will be taking to the decks as well as Manchester-based DJ Pangölin. Resident of the Mixing Mates night and label, she has been playing events including Parklife, Sticky Heat and All My Friends for the last few years. Concluding the line-up is CVNTT TRAXXX (FKA The Niallist), a stalwart of queer club spaces in Manchester.
Queer Pride Rave at The Yard
Ditch the glitter and leave your pretensions at home and gather at The Yard for a 12-hour party of music, love and protest. With a state-of-the-art sound system and indoor chill out space, the queer pride rave will also involve an alternative Pride march, and raise money for George House Trust on the night. Promising a mammoth night of celebration, expect sets from D. Tiffany, NYC Downlow and Adonis legend GIDEÖN, Michelle Manetti, Partok, Kiss Me Again (GB), Rojak and Bent Hedonism DJs.
High Hoops Pride Part 1
The queer-run, inclusive club night celebrates Manchester Pride by bringing the first of two consecutive nights of sweaty dance-floor action to The White Hotel. High Hoops are known for putting on some of the most interesting house and techno nights in the city. Expect seven hours of music from resident DJ Fastlove, sebastieN. with a b2b headline stint from Danish artist Courtesy and Berlin-based DJ and producer Byron Yeates. Underground Pride vibes.
High Hoops Part 2
The queer-run, inclusive club night celebrates Manchester Pride by bringing the second of two consecutive nights of sweaty dance-floor action to The White Hotel. High Hoops are known for putting on some of the most interesting house and techno nights in the city. Expect seven hours of music from Costa Rican DJ Paul Wolsch and Todmorden’s own Kim Lana, headlined by Edinburgh-based producer and former Panorama Bar resident, the one and very much only Prosumer.
Come As You Are 2024 at The Refuge
Returning to the Refuge for another weekend of pure abandon, Come As You Are will be taking over the bar and the terrace, one of the city’s grandest outdoor spaces to go dancing. Saturday will see Guy Williams’ Flash party taking over the terrace, usually set up at Pikes in Ibiza, with sets from Kim Lana, Supernature Disco and Mr Williams himself, while Sticky Heat take to the controls on the Sunday. More wild entertainment will be coming from the Ghetto Fabulous and Family Gorgeous drag crews, while in the bar there will be sets from Lena C, Urbi and Homoelectric resident Jamie Bull.
Red Light Pride Street Party at Kampus
Queer cocktail bar Red Light is throwing a huge free street party to celebrate Manchester Pride this Bank Holiday Weekend. Just across the water from the main festivities on Canal Street, the cocktail spot will serve up their delicious tipples to join in the good vibes.
There will be a drinks menu of summer classics available all night, including refreshing Aperol Spritz and Palomas, as well as some Red Light classics such as the Dark and Hoppy – with Appleton rum, ginger, lime, and tropical hops.
