Manchester Pride has announced a brand new event for its 2025 line-up – Mardi Gras. Held across two days (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August), the new Mardi Gras event will take over Depot Mayfield and Freight Island and will play host to world-class artists, performers, DJs and shows.
The name, Mardi Gras, is a nod to how Pride was celebrated before it became known as Manchester Pride. Attendees will not only be able to party together and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture but they can also enjoy a line-up of live performances, spectacular light shows, and a variety of exciting food and drink offerings across both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Mardi Gras has been created in response to feedback from Manchester Pride’s “Pride In Our Future” community consultation, recognising the evolving priorities of LGBTQ+ communities. The brand new event has been described as “a game-changer” for Manchester Pride 2025, which brings thousands of people onto the streets of Manchester every year.
The new Mardi Gras event aims to provide an exciting and inclusive space for everyone to celebrate Pride in Manchester, whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies. Funds raised from ticket sales will help to deliver safe city-wide celebrations for other events taking place during Pride, including the Parade and Gay Village Party.
David McGovern, Chair of the board of trustees at Manchester Pride, said: “Manchester Pride has always been about pushing boundaries, creating new opportunities for people to come together, and celebrating the incredible diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Mardi Gras represents the next step in this journey. Every year our audience has grown and with that, the demand for more ways to celebrate Pride has increased. Introducing this new dedicated venue at Depot Mayfield will mean we can invite new audiences and make Pride even more accessible for all to enjoy.”
As part of this new addition to the Manchester Pride calendar, Mardi Gras ticket holders will also receive full access to the Gay Village Party, making it easier than ever to experience the full breadth of Manchester Pride’s iconic events. Tickets for Mardi Gras will be available in both day and weekend options, giving attendees the flexibility to join in the celebrations at their convenience.
While Mardi Gras is expected to be a big part of the festival, Manchester Pride will also see the return of much-loved events such as the Manchester Pride Parade, Gay Village Party, The Rally, Candlelit Vigil, Superbia, Family Pride MCR, and Youth Pride MCR. The festival will kick off on Friday 15th August with celebrations rounding off on Monday 25th August, including the annual parade through the streets of Manchester, a powerful march symbolising the enduring significance of unity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality.
In addition to the exciting new Mardi Gras event, the Gay Village Party will return. Performances will be hosted across two stages – the Alan Turing Stage and the Indoor Arena. And adding to the joy, new for this year, audiences will have access to a thrilling funfair, market stalls, and pop-up food vendors, ensuring the Gay Village Party remains a focal point for the festival.
The Gay Village party will have a reduced capacity from previous years in response to feedback that the event had become too crowded. The Gay Village Party attendees will be required to purchase and wear a “Gay Village Supporter Band” to participate in the event.
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