Manchester Pride Festival has announced Alison Goldfrapp and Raven Mandella as the final headliners for its 2023 programme. Joining the lineup as a special guest is Austrian drag artist and Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst. This year’s festival will take place from Friday 25 – Monday 28 August, marking a memorable weekend of music, diversity, and unity.
Musician Alison Goldfrapp, recognised for her chart-topping hits with electronic duo Goldfrapp, will perform on Saturday 26 August, fresh from her debut solo album. Joining Goldfrapp, the “unapologetically Black and queer” dancer and drag performer Raven Mandella will headline Black Pride MCR on the MancUnity Stage the same day. Mandella’s global reputation as a captivating performer, coupled with his work with artists like Honey Dijon and Groove Armada, has made him a favourite among audiences.
Conchita Wurst, who achieved international fame with her Eurovision win in 2014, will make a special appearance on Saturday. The artist, known offstage as Tom Neuwirth, has become a global figurehead for the queer community, using her platform to support various socio-political causes.
The festival’s lineup also features artists such as Jake Shears, Pabllo Vittar, Gok Wan, and Natasha Bedingfield. With a focus on inclusivity, the event’s 96% queer, 54% women, 51% people of colour, 42% trans and non-binary, and 34% disabled or neurodivergent performers promise an enriching and diverse experience.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s festival, stating that the array of talents, including “Alison Goldfrapp’s powerful performances, Raven Mandella’s unapologetically queer stage presence and Conchita’s inspiring music and message,” will contribute to an unforgettable celebration.
In addition to offering a weekend of entertainment, the festival serves a charitable purpose. For each ticket sold to the Gay Village Party through Ticketmaster, £2.50 will be donated to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, directly aiding LGBTQ+ projects in Greater Manchester.
Tickets and further details about Manchester Pride Festival 2023 can be found at www.manchesterpride.com
