Everything you need to know about Manchester Pride Festival
The Parade, The Big Weekend and so much more back this August Bank Holiday
Last updated 22nd Aug 2018
The award-winning four day Manchester Pride festival is taking over the city of Manchester from 24th - 27th August and Hits Radio is going to be there to celebrate.
The festival is Manchester's Pride's flagship event and is made up of the famous Parade, The Big Weekend, Candlelit Vigil and the family friendly Superbia Weekend.
THE PARADE
The streets of Manchester are set to be taken over by troupes of performers, acrobats and wonderful characters as "The Circus of Acceptance" takes over this year's Manchester Pride Parade.
Hits Radio will join the thousands taking part in the parade. We'll gather our clowns and jesters and proudly march in the this highly anticipated event.
The Manchester Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 25th August on the streets of the city and will feature 150 entries and 5000 participants plus thousands more who turn out to cheer them along the way.
The parade theme is designed to shine a light on the issues of equality and is a creative way of reminding people of Manchester that acceptance of peoples differences is a vital step in continued progress for quality for all.
THE BIG WEEKEND
Rita Ora, Sigala, Alexandra Burke and Nadine Coyle are among the headliners on The Thomas Cook Airlines Stage which plays host to live music across the weekend.
Hits Radio hosts the main stage on Sunday so be sure to join James Barr and Hattie Pearson from 3pm.
There's also a Dance Arena with all the biggest names in dance music performing into the small hours each night of the festival, including Ana Matronic and Manchester's very own TCTS.
THE SUPERBIA WEEKEND
The Superbia Weekend is free to attend and is a dry alternative to the rest of The Big Weekend festivities. Great for families the program of events is centered more around arts and culture. The three days of alcohol free activities takes place in the old Cornerhouse building located on Oxford Road.
THE CANDLELIT VIGIL
The Pride Festival draws to a close with the Candlelit Vigil which takes place in Sackville Gardens. During this time festival goers can take time out to reflect and remember those who may not be with us as they stand together for form a united front against the challenges the LGBT+ community still face in the world today.
Tickets for The Big Weekend are on sale now from £12.50 for a day ticket (prices vary depending on day) and £28 for weekend tickets. More information and purchase tickets here.