Get ready for a vibrant celebration at the 2024 Manchester Pride Festival. Known for blending the spirit of protest with the city's legendary party vibe, Manchester Pride stands out as one of the UK's top Pride events. This festival honours Manchester's significant role in the LGBTQ+ liberation movement, showcasing queer culture and expression with pride and visibility.

As you prepare to challenge discrimination and embrace a world where everyone is free to love and live without prejudice, let your style reflect the vibrant energy of Pride.

When is Manchester Pride 2024?

Manchester Pride takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, kicking off on Friday, 23 August and running through to Monday, 26 August. While most events are free to attend, the Gay Village Party, which spans the entire weekend, requires a ticket.

Keep in mind that the celebrations extend far beyond the official events. Numerous organisations, venues, and event organisers across the city will be hosting their own events to coincide with Manchester Pride, ensuring a weekend full of vibrant festivities.

The Theme

This year, the Manchester Pride Parade is buzzing with excitement under the theme ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’. The iconic worker bee, a symbol deeply embedded in Manchester's history, takes centre stage to represent unity, hard work, and the collective spirit that defines the city. As we celebrate, the ‘Progress Bee’ becomes a call to action, reminding us that just like bees in a hive, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies can achieve incredible progress when united.

Highlight Events at Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride isn’t just a single-day affair; it’s a vibrant tapestry of events happening throughout the city. Here’s a rundown of key highlights to help you plan your stylish participation.

Manchester Pride Parade

The grand parade on Saturday, 24 August, is a must-see. Starting at noon from the junction of Liverpool Road and Deansgate, it’s a showcase of colourful, creative outfits and powerful messages.

Celebrate the ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer’ theme with your boldest, most vibrant outfits. Whether you’re marching or cheering, let your attire reflect the joy and unity of the parade, making sure you stand out and show your pride.

The Gay Village Party

The Gay Village Party promises an electrifying celebration of LGBTQ+ life and love right in the heart of Manchester’s iconic Gay Village. With a dynamic lineup of performances from global icons and local talent across The Village Stage, The Alan Turing Stage, and the Indoor Arena, this event captures the essence of Pride as both a celebration and a protest. Expect standout acts like RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Black Peppa and Danny Beard, all while supporting the Manchester Pride Community Fund with every ticket purchase.

The Gay Village Party is where Manchester’s vibrant queer culture comes alive, so don’t hold back on your style. This is your chance to go all out with your style—embrace bold, expressive outfits that reflect your personality and join in the celebration with flair.

The Candlelit Vigil

The Candlelit Vigil is one of Manchester Pride’s more subdued and reflective events, marking the closing of the four-day festival. This introspective gathering is dedicated to remembering those lost to HIV over the decades and provides a space for contemplation and tribute.

Held at Sackville Gardens, home to the Alan Turing Memorial, the National Transgender Memorial, and the Beacon of Hope, the vigil offers a poignant moment to reflect on the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and the work still needed to achieve true equality and eradicate hate.

For this event, choose an outfit that balances respect with personal style, honouring the vigil's significance while expressing your individuality.

Superbia

Superbia, Manchester Pride's year-round arts and culture programme, offers an array of alternative events that highlight Manchester's extraordinary queer talent.

This year's Superbia Weekend features a diverse lineup of music, dance, film, workshops, socials, and more, celebrating queer life and fostering community connections. Whether you're prepping for Pride or simply looking to engage with vibrant queer culture, Superbia's programme has something for everyone.

For workshops, socials, and performances, opt for comfortable yet stylish clothing that allows you to move freely and express your individuality. Look for pieces that reflect the vibrant and diverse spirit of the celebration while ensuring you stay relaxed and at ease throughout the events.

To complete your look for Pride, be sure to check out our Pride collection for outfit ideas that will help you stand out and celebrate in style!