Manchester Pride Festival 2025: A Weekend of Love, Pride & Celebration

When & Where

• Festival Duration: Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August.
  
• Fringe Festival (SCENE): A week of LGBTQ+ cinema and TV events runs from Thursday 15th to Thursday 21st August across venues in the city.
  

Main Events Overview

1. Mardi Gras (Depot Mayfield & Freight Island)

• Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August.
  
• What to Expect: A glamorous, high-energy celebration featuring world-class DJs, drag performers, cabaret, light shows, and immersive experiences in a thrilling indoor–outdoor setting.
  
• Headliners: Performances by Nelly Furtado, Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter, Olly Alexander, Tulisa, Louisa Johnson, Jodie Harsh, Tayce, Big Freedia, Gok Wan, Sonique, Danny Beard, House of MCR, Kulture Cabaret, and more.
  
• Includes: Mardi Gras tickets grant full weekend access to the Gay Village Party too.
  

2. Gay Village Party (Sackville Gardens & Canal Street Area)

• Dates: Friday 22nd through to Monday 25th August, nightly from around 5 pm to 2 am.
  
• Stages & Attractions: Two main stages:
  
  • The Alan Turing Stage (outdoor)
    
  • The Indoor Arena for late-night dance beats
    Includes cabaret, funfair rides, silent disco, market stalls, pop-up bars and food vendors.
    
• Performers:
  
  • Friday–Sunday Highlights: Samantha Mumba, B*Witched, Sister Sledge (Kathy Sledge), Diana Vickers, Danny Beard, Angie Brown, Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show, “Divas Only with Misty Chance”, “Your Manchester Live with Belinda Scandal”.
    

3. Manchester Pride Parade, The Love Parade

• When: Saturday 23rd August, starting 12 pm, running approximately 90 minutes.
  
• Theme: Celebrating Love as a source of strength, resilience, and affirmation, standing against discrimination and reinforcing a message of acceptance.
  
• Route: Through Manchester city centre, near Beetham Tower, past Canal Street, though the full 2025 route hasn’t been officially shared yet.
  
• Access: Free to attend, no ticket required.
  

4. Family Pride (The Great Northern)

• When: Saturday 23rd August, 12 pm–6 pm.
  
• What: A family-friendly space featuring storytelling, workshops, crafts, a sandpit, LGBT-themed bookshop, sports activities, and a designated viewing area for the parade.
  

5. Candlelit Vigil (Sackville Gardens)

• When: Monday 25th August at 9 pm.
  
• What: A poignant moment of reflection, lighting candles around the Beacon of Hope memorial in memory of those affected by HIV/AIDS and honoring those lost, a deeply moving close to the festival.
  
• Access: Free and open to all, no ticket required.
  

6. SCENE Festival (LGBTQ+ Film & TV)

• When: Thursday 15th – Thursday 21st August.
  
• Focus: Celebrating queer stories on screen, including iconic screenings like Party Monster, Victoria Wood-A-Thon, Altogether Different Comedy, new releases, shorts, and Q&As. Many events are free, some ticketed from just £2.5.
  

A Quick Guide Table

Why It’s Unmissable

• Inclusivity at Its Core: A headliner-packed schedule ranging from pop icons to drag royalty, offering something for every vibe, whether you’re dancing in Depot Mayfield or taking in the parade.
  
• Community & Reflection: It isn’t just about the party, family events and the solemn vigil remind us of Pride’s roots in resilience and remembrance.
  
• Cultural Diversity: SCENE Festival brings queer liberation to the screen; Kulture Cabaret and House of MCR showcase representation; every corner highlights creativity and heritage.
  
• Activism & Solidarity: In light of recent political developments, Pride remains a platform for solidarity, note that political party participation has been suspended to honor trans rights.
  

In short, Manchester Pride 2025 is shaping up to be a dazzling, soulful, and deeply meaningful celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking to dance, march, reflect, or connect with fellow allies and families, there’s truly something for every kind of Pride-goer.