Manchester Pride

Held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Manchester Pride is a joyful, loud and proud celebration of queer identity and expression. The festival is one of the most important LGBTQ+ events in the country – but it isn’t just one sun-soaked weekend. Manchester Pride is also a charity that supports all areas of LGBTQ+ lives in the city all year round.

Most parts of the festival are free to enjoy such as the annual Pride parade, plus a Family Pride MCR and a Youth Pride MCR. The Gay Village Parties and the all-new Mardi Gras are the only part you need tickets for – that’s where the big names perform.

Manchester Pride 2025

This year’s festival runs from 22-25 August and features an exciting new element.

The much-loved Gay Village Party has been joined by Mardi Gras – a high-energy, high-glam queer spectacular at Depot Mayfield headlined by Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne and Billy Porter with special guests Big Freedia and Tulisa. There’s also a secret daytime rave, Behind The Butcher’s Curtain.

Over at the three-stage Gay Village Party, festival acts include Samantha Mumba, B*witched and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge.

Ticket holders for Mardi Gras will automatically receive a pass for the Gay Village Party or you can just buy tickets for the traditional Gay Village celebrations.

The Manchester Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 23 August. This year, it’s the Love Parade, bringing the city to a halt to put queer love in the spotlight. There’ll also be an inspiring rally so join the fight against discrimination, as well as the Superbia Weekend with alcohol-free arts and culture events. The festival, as ever, closes with its candlelit vigil in Sackville Gardens.