The Manchester Pride annual festival returns this summer, with a huge programme of events and activities planned to celebrate. The parade, the Gay Village party and Candlelit Vigil are all set to come back with a bang over the August bank holiday, plus the brand new Mardi Gras party. And now Manchester Pride has revealed its most diverse line-up to date for this year’s Gay Village Party, which has been co-created with Manchester’s queer communities.
This year, Manchester Pride celebrates the pivotal role that Manchester has played in progressing LGBTQ+ rights, and the community and allies alike are invited to join in one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world, advocating LGBTQ+ equality with an exciting line-up of local and international artists.
When is Manchester Pride?
Manchester Pride 2025 takes place on Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August.
Manchester Pride 2025 event breakdowns and line-ups:
Gay Village Party
Rooted in community and queer joy, this four-day extravaganza takes place in Manchester’s legendary Gay Village (Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August). Expect cabaret, funfair rides, a silent disco, and an anthem-filled party atmosphere that celebrates love in all its forms.
Friday 22nd August
- The Alan Turing Stage: With acts including Samantha Mumba, Moonchild Sanelly and Club Zindagi – 19:00 – 23:00.
- The Indoor Arena: With acts including Fat Pride, Luke Lucent and Daniela Corvea. Followed by the silent disco – 18:00 – 02:00.
Saturday 23rd August
- The Alan Turing Stage: With acts including B*Witched, Diana Vickers and a takeover from some of the Gay Village’s most iconic performers – 15:00-23:00.
- The Indoor Arena: Gaydio Dance Arena. Followed by the silent disco – 18:00 – 21:00.
Sunday 24th August
- The Alan Turing Stage: With acts including Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, Danny Beard, Divas Only with Misty Chance, Your Manchester Live with Belinda Scandal and Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show – 13:00 – 23:00.
- The Indoor Arena: Club Dykes and Dolls with performances from Gina Breeze, Kurlz, SWAGGA and more. Followed by the silent disco – 16:00 – 02:00.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a brand-new high-glam addition to Manchester Pride 2025, running over Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August at Depot Mayfield (with proximity to Freight Island). A high-energy, high-glam, high-queer weekend filled with world-class artists, DJs, iconic drag royalty, electrifying cabaret, and untamed euphoria in celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Saturday 23rd August
- Mardi Gras, Depot: Black Pride MCR with performances from Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter and Ghetto Fabulous. Hosted by Darren Pritchard and Rikki Beadle-Blair – 15:00 – 23:30.
- Mardi Gras, Freight Island: With acts including The Danny Beard Show, Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco, Bailey J Mills, and Charity Shop Sue – 16:00 – 00:30
- Mardi Gras, Concourse: With acts including Bestley, Monopoly Phonic, Runway X Banksie – 14:00-00:00
- Mardi Gras, Garden Stage: DJ sets all night long – 18:30 – 23:00.
Sunday 24th August
- Mardi Gras, Depot: With performances from Olly Alexander, Nelly Furtado, Tulisa, Banksie and more – 14:45 – 00:00.
- Mardi Gras, Freight Island: With House of MCR: Pride Edition, Kulture Cabaret and Bongo’s Bingo.
- Mardi Gras, Concourse: Gaydio Dance Arena including Altégo and DJ Paulette – 14:45 – 00:00.
- Mardi Gras, Garden Stage: DJ sets all night long – 18:00 – 23:00.
Manchester Pride Parade
The theme for the world famous Manchester Pride Parade is ‘Love‘, embracing the transformative power of love.
The parade takes place on Saturday 23rd August, starting at 12:00 from Liverpool Road, navigating its way through the city centre via Deansgate, Peter Street, Oxford Road, Portland Street, Princess Street, Whitworth Street, and concluding at Fairfield Street around 15:00.
An accessible viewing area is located opposite The Midland Hotel on Peter Street, Manchester.
Manchester Pride Parade Route Map
The Rally
Kicking off the Bank Holiday weekend on Friday 22nd August, the community will stand together to protest against discrimination and prejudice, with inspiring speeches and performances from LGBTQ+ rights activists.
The Rally brings together activists, thought leaders, and community members to reflect on our shared history, acknowledge the work still to be done, and inspire action with tangible next steps. Through impactful speeches, performances, and discussions, The Rally serves as a platform for learning, a demonstration against systemic injustices, and a catalyst for change.
Superbia Festival
Saturday 23rd August, Superbia Festival by Manchester Pride, supported by Factory International, presents an all-day celebration of local LGBTQ+ talent – featuring live music, panel discussions, workshops and more at Aviva Studios.
Community Lane
Community Lane is a vibrant hub filled with a wide variety of market stalls where you can discover unique treasures and support local artists and creators, taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August, 10:00 – 21:00. Engage with amazing charities and community groups, and discover how they contribute to the fantastic LGBTQ+ life in Manchester. Find out more here.
Candlelit Vigil
The Candlelit Vigil in partnership with George House Trust is a significant event that marks the culmination of the Manchester Pride. Curated by Nathaniel J Hall and Kate O’Donnell, this moment of reflection brings together LGBTQ+ communities and allies to remember those we have lost to HIV, and to stand united in the fight against the global epidemic and the persistent stigma that surrounds it.
During the Candlelit Vigil on Monday 25th August at Sackville Gardens, participants come together to honour those who are suffering, persecuted, and have lost their lives due to HIV. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, both in the UK and around the world. Through the soft glow of candlelight, attendees create a united front, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to combating HIV, raising awareness, and fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.
Ticket Information
The Gay Village Party and the new Mardi Gras are the only ticketed events. For Gay Village Party, tickets are exchanged for a Pledge Band, granting access to areas managed by Manchester Pride, including performance stages and event spaces. A strict no Pledge Band, no entry policy is enforced. Funds from ticket sales support grassroots projects across Greater Manchester.
The rest of the Manchester Pride events are free to attend.
It’s set to be weekend of celebration and reflection at Manchester Pride – you can find more information and purchase tickets for the Gay Village Party and Mardi Gras here.