How do you show up for Pride? Manchester gears up for Manchester Pride 2025

Thursday, 14 August 2025 09:25

By David Murphy

Manchester Pride is back with a bang for 2025, promising an inclusive, joyful, and empowering weekend packed with music, drag, community action and queer culture.

Running from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August, this year’s Manchester Pride will be split across two key events – the long-standing Gay Village Party and a brand new two-day Mardi Gras at Depot Mayfield and Freight Island.

Organisers say every part of the programme has been designed to reflect the spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities, aiming to ensure every visitor feels seen, supported and celebrated.

Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “Pride is where we come together – to celebrate who we are, to fight for who we need to be, and to uplift the joy and resilience of our community.”

Pop icons and queer legends take centre stage

The Depot Stage at Mardi Gras will feature headline performances from international stars Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter and Olly Alexander, promising a dazzling mix of music, pride, and pure euphoria.

Meanwhile, Black Pride MCR will highlight Black queer talent and culture, offering a space for celebration, empowerment and connection.

Drag, dance and unapologetic expression

Freight Island will be a haven for drag fans and cabaret lovers. Danny Beard – fresh from Celebrity Big Brother – will bring their signature flair with The Danny Beard Show, alongside sparkling turns from Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco, House of MCR, and Kulture Cabaret.

Expect dance battles, lip-syncs, fashion, laughter and bao buns – all in one vibrant venue.

A nod to queer legacy and protest

Concourse, one of the Mardi Gras stages, will evoke the underground spirit of New York’s 70s and 80s queer club scenes. DJs Altego and Yvette Lindquest are set to deliver sets inspired by disco, defiance and community resistance.

Local voices at the heart of Pride

The Gay Village Party will once again take over Sackville Gardens, with the Alan Turing Stage giving the spotlight to grassroots talent, Youth Pride MCR, and much-loved local performers.

Also returning is Ginny Lemon’s famously chaotic and camp Dog Show, bringing humour and community spirit in equal measure.

Indoor Arena celebrates all identities

A wide range of LGBTQ+ groups will gather at the Indoor Arena. Spaces like Fat Pride, Club Dykes and Dolls, and the Gaydio Dance Arena offer body-positive, sapphic, trans-inclusive and dance-heavy spaces for queer expression.

Tickets and community impact

The Mardi Gras Weekend ticket includes access to all Pride 2025 stages and events. Proceeds from ticket sales support Manchester Pride’s year-round work with LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester.

Organisers say Pride isn’t just a party – it’s a platform for protest, visibility and action.

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