Manchester Pride 2025: Everything you need to know
Parade goers enjoy the Manchester Pride Parade in 2024. (Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
Parade goers enjoy the Manchester Pride Parade in 2024. (Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
Manchester Pride 2025 is set to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend (22–25 August).
This year’s celebration will honour the role Manchester has played in pushing for LGBTQ+ rights. “Love” has been chosen as the theme for the parade.
“Love has long been a source of strength and resilience for LGBTQ+ people. In the face of historical and ongoing discrimination, love has helped queer people have the courage to be themselves,” a post on the event’s website reads.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the parade route?
The parade is set to take place on Saturday (23 August).
Starting at 12pm BST, marchers will set off from Liverpool Road and navigate through the city centre via Deansgate, Peter Street, Oxford Road, Portland Street, Princess Street and Whitworth Street, before ended up at Fairfield Street at about 3pm BST.
An accessible viewing area is located opposite The Midland Hotel, on Peter Street.
What’s on?
Gay Village Party (Friday 22 to Monday 25 August)
Taking place in the Gay Village, there will be a cabaret, funfair rides, a silent disco and an anthem-filled party atmosphere celebrating love in all its forms.
Friday
Acts on The Alan Turing Stage from 7pm to 11pm include Samantha Mumba, Moonchild Sanelly and Club Zindagi. The Indoor Arena will feature Fat Pride, Luke Lucent and Daniela Corvea, followed by the silent disco from 6pm to 2am.
Saturday
Acts on The Alan Turing Stage from 3pm to 11pm include B*Witched and Diana Vickers. The Indoor Arena will host the Gaydio Dance Arena, followed by the silent disco from 6pm to 9pm.
Sunday
The Alan Turing Stage will feature Sister Sledge (with Kathy Sledge), Danny Beard, Divas Only with Misty Chance, Your Manchester Live with Belinda Scandal, and Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show from 1pm to 11pm. The Indoor Arena will welcome the likes of Club Dykes and Dolls, with performances from Gina Breeze, Kurlz a`nd Swagga, followed by the silent disco from 4pm to 2am.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a new addition to Manchester Pride, running on Saturday and Sunday (23 and 24 August), at Depot Mayfield. Performances across the stages are subject to change so check the Manchester Pride app for the latest information.
Saturday
3pm-11:30pm Depot: Black Pride MCR with Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter and Ghetto Fabulous. Hosted by Darren Pritchard and Rikki Beadle-Blair.
4pm-12:30am Freight Island: The Danny Beard Show, Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco, Bailey J Mills and Charity Shop Sue.
2pm-midnight Concourse: Bestley, Monopoly Phonic, Runway X Banksie.
6:30pm-11pm Garden Stage: DJ sets all night.
Sunday
2:45pm-midnight Depot: Olly Alexander, Nelly Furtado, Tulisa and Banksie.
Freight Island House of MCR: Pride Edition, Kulture Cabaret and Bongo’s Bing.
2:45pm-midnight Concourse: Gaydio Dance Arena with Altégo and DJ Paulette.
6pm-11pm Garden Stage: DJ sets all night.
Superbia Festival
Superbia Festival, supported by Factory International, will present an all-day celebration of local LGBTQ+ talent at Aviva Studios, on Saturday (23 August), featuring live music, panel discussions and workshops.
Community Lane
Open across the weekend from 10am to 9pm, the Community Lane hub will feature a variety of market stalls, supporting local artists and creators.
Candlelit Vigil
A candlelit vigil will take place on Monday (25 August) from 9pm to 10pm. In partnership with George House Trust, this moment of reflection, curated by Nathaniel J Hall and Kate O’Donnell, will bring together LGBTQ+ communities and allies to remember those lost to HIV.
To stay up to date and for the full line-ups, download the Manchester Pride app on iOS and Android.
How to get tickets
The Gay Village Party and Mardi Gras are the only ticketed events. Funds from sales support grassroots projects across Greater Manchester.
Diamond VIP and Gold VIP tickets have sold out but Platinum tickets are still available, offering perks such as access to a VIP lounge, a full weekend Gay Village party pass and a gift bag. VIP, weekend and day tickets are available from the Manchester Pride website.
Low-income tickets are reserved for those on limited incomes and are sold at half price. Proof of eligibility is required, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.
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