'Pride is officially back with the community': thousands brave rain for Manchester Village Pride parade
The first parade under the new community-led organisation followed the Yellow Brick Road from Deansgate to Sackville Gardens, with the "No Place Like Home" theme celebrating chosen families and the Gay Village.
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Manchester's streets burst with colour, joy and solidarity on Saturday as thousands of people braved the rain for the first ever Manchester Village Pride parade.
The event marks a new chapter for the city's LGBTQ+ celebrations. The previous Manchester Pride company was voluntarily liquidated last year, and a new Community Interest Company has been formed with a renewed focus on the community and the independent venues and bars of the Gay Village.
This year's theme, "No Place Like Home," is a nod to queer classic The Wizard of Oz, celebrating the meaning of home and belonging within a chosen family.
Manchester Village Pride spokesperson Rowan Barr said: "There is absolutely nothing like the magnificence of seeing Manchester's streets bursting with colour, joy, and solidarity. We adore watching thousands line the pavements in a vibrant celebration of our beautiful LGBTQI+ community."
She added: "This year feels incredibly special because Pride is officially back with the community, for the community, returning to the heart of the Village. Under our theme, we are taking inspiration from the magic of Oz, celebrating the found families that make us whole while transforming Manchester into our very own Yellow Brick Road."
What happened at the parade?
The parade set off from Deansgate at around 12pm, heading through the city via Oxford Road and Princess Street before finishing at Sackville Gardens at around 3pm. Parade-goers dressed as Wizard of Oz characters, one float declared "No Place Like Salford," and a large transgender pride flag was carried through the streets.
Despite heavy rain throughout the afternoon, the celebrations continued across the Village with bar takeovers and live performances from the likes of Danny Beard and B*Witched.
Dogs also stole the show, with adorable pooches spotted throughout the parade in rainbow accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the theme of this year's Manchester Village Pride?
- The theme was 'No Place Like Home', drawing inspiration from The Wizard of Oz and celebrating the concept of chosen families within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Who organised the Manchester Village Pride event?
- The event was organised by a newly founded Community Interest Company (CIC), which took over following the voluntary liquidation of the previous Manchester Pride company last year.
- Where did the parade take place?
- The parade started on Deansgate at midday, travelled through the city centre via Oxford Road and Princess Street, and finished at Sackville Gardens around 3pm.