We sure know how to celebrate.
It’s no secret that when it comes to Pride, Manchester is the leader of the pack. The city’s thriving Gay Village has become world-famous, with huge names such as Ariana Grande, Rita Order and Years & Years joining us to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community during the annual celebration.
Now, confirming what us patriotic Mancs knew already, Bauer Media – home of The Hits Radio – has revealed that Manchester Pride has been named one of the best Pride events in the UK, nabbing the top spot for the ‘best large event’ in the country.
Asking listeners of Hits Radio Pride to vote for their favourite events, Manchester had some stiff competition – with huge cities such as London and Brighton also becoming known over the years for their fan-favourite events and festivals. The city’s annual event was also joined at the top by Bury Pride – which nabbed itself the title of ‘best small event’ in the UK. Both events beat over 150 events across the country for top place, with Belfast Pride joining them as the ‘best medium event’.
Pride events in the UK were hugely affected last summer, facing mass cancellations as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. This year, many of the UK’s biggest events will be returning, including Manchester Pride – which has confirmed an epic line-up for this August’s celebration. Guests can expect the likes of Sigala, Zara Larsson, Annie Mac, Eve and more taking to the stage for Manchester Pride Live, with the usual antics taking place within the Gay Village. The Parade, however, will not take place, with organisers confirming five smaller marches to allow for social distancing among attendees.
Mark Fletcher, CEO, Manchester Pride said: “We’re so proud and pleased that Hits Radio listeners love what we do. With this year’s event full steam ahead, it’s good to know that we are making a real difference for LGBTQ+ people and we can’t wait to come together again, safely this August at Manchester Pride Festival.”
David Catterall, Lead organiser Bury Pride/Co-Chair of the Bury LGBTQI+ Forum, Bury Pride said: “Everyone at Bury Pride are thrilled to hear we had won in Hits Radio Pride’s first Pride Poll. We know we had stiff competition, especially from all our friends at the other Greater Manchester Pride events.
“It is a team effort and we’re very grateful to all our partners who work with us. We work very hard to ensure that Bury Pride is fully inclusive and accessible to all, ensuring that we engage with all communities in Bury and Greater Manchester so that we can celebrate the rich diversity as well as having a great time doing it!”