Manchester Village Pride

Manchester Village Pride was set up early in 2026 after Manchester Pride went into voluntary liquidation following the 2025 festival, leaving performers and suppliers unpaid and the festival’s future in doubt. It puts the delivery of the annual Pride festival in the hands of a Community Interest Company made up of Gay Village businesses, local activists, unpaid voluntary directors, and key partners such as Manchester City Council.

It’s hoped that the new CiC will provide more certainty around the future of the Pride festival in Manchester and ensure it is an “inclusive, safe and celebratory event” rooted in the community which created it.

Manchester Village Pride 2026

This event will take place in its usual summertime slot – the August Bank Holiday weekend. Expect a four day celebration from 28-31 August 2026 featuring familiar elements such as the parade, the Village party and the vigil in Sackville Gardens. There’ll also be a free community and family day on the Monday, and fringe events throughout August.

The theme this year is the Wizard of Oz coded ‘No Place Like Home’. The first acts announced include Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, and R&B and hip hop collective Booty Luv and Big Brovaz.

A full weekend wristband is a very reasonable £30. Organisers stress the importance of showing your support to make the event a success.