FAQ – Manchester Pride

About Manchester Pride

What is Manchester Pride?+

Manchester Pride is a world leading festival of LGBTQ+ culture.

We have four big goals:

Campaign for the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality at home and abroad. To educate the people of Greater Manchester and beyond to recognise, understand and challenge discrimination against all LGBTQ+ people.

To stage an annual world class pride celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester. This is called Manchester Pride Festival and includes things like the Parade, Candlelit Vigil, Gay Village Party, Youth Pride MCR and more.

Raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ mental health. To increase the levels of social engagement and wellbeing by celebrating cultural activities for, by and with LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and to work with organisations to improve the mental health of LGBTQ+ people.

Make packages of support, including grants, available for LGBTQ+ community groups, organisations, events and causes in Greater Manchester.

When does Manchester Pride take place?+

In 2025, Manchester Pride's dates are August 15th-25th August. Here are the dates of our key events:

The Rally: Friday 22nd August

The Parade: Saturday 23rd August

Mardi Gras: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August

Gay Village Party: 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th August

Superbia: 15th - 25th August

Youth Pride MCR: 15th-25th August

Family Pride MCR: 15th-25th August

The Candlelit Vigil: Monday 25th August

How does Manchester Pride operate?+

Manchester Pride is a charity. Like many charities, we get our income from a variety of sources including donations, some grants, and through the delivery of the Manchester Pride festival over August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Our August Bank Holiday celebrations meet a key charitable objective of ours, to deliver a celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester supporting the campaign for greater LGBTQ+ equality. In order to do this, we have a subsidiary trading company which is called Manchester Pride Events Ltd. It is a not-for-profit company. This company is registered with Companies House, is fully audited and is what’s called a wholly owned subsidiary. That means any surplus generated by the company is given directly to the charity which owns it.

Manchester Pride Events Ltd organises Manchester Pride events for the charity. All staff work for the Charity to deliver its charitable goals. It’s common for charities to have trading companies which generate income (it’s how many of the charity shops you see on the high street operate). In the case of Manchester Pride, our trading company doesn’t run shops - it runs a series of events celebrating LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester. Our August Bank Holiday celebrations are our biggest source of income, which supports us to deliver all of our other charitable objectives.

Where does Manchester Pride get its income from?+

The charity gets its income from a variety of sources including direct donations and some grants. However, the main source of income to enable us to deliver our charitable objectives comes from its not-for-profit trading company, Manchester Pride Events Ltd, which organises Manchester Pride each summer.

Does Manchester Pride make a profit?+

Manchester Pride is a charity and has no shareholders. It generates its income in a variety of ways including donations and income gifted to it from the surplus generated by its wholly owned and not-for-profit trading company, Manchester Pride Events Ltd.

Manchester Pride Events Limited delivers Manchester Pride over August Bank Holiday weekend. All income generated by the charity is retained by the charity to help it deliver its charitable objectives. Alongside funding LGBTQ+ causes across Greater Manchester, Manchester Pride delivers its own projects and initiatives to enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ people.

Every penny we raise is reinvested into supporting LGBTQ+ communities, celebrating LGBTQ+ life and campaigning for the further advancement of LGBTQ+ equality.

When people donate to Manchester Pride, where does the money go?+

When people give us a direct donation (by that we mean a donation of money they’ve raised or money put in a donation box), that money is always redistributed to our charity partners and to our grassroots community groups through our grant distribution programme. It does not go towards cover the running costs of the charity.

Does Manchester Pride fund grassroots organisations?+

Yes, absolutely! Local LGBTQ+ grassroots community groups provide vital support and opportunities for our communities. In addition to supporting our charity partners and funding LGBTQ+ events in Greater Manchester through our Arts & Culture programme, Superbia, we also provide financial and practical support to empower grassroots organisations and help them flourish. Previous grant recipients include Greater Manchester Prides (Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Stockport, Salford Pink Picnic and Didsbury), Sexuality Summer School, Vogue Ball at Queer Contact, Trans Creative, Queer Media Festival and lost more.

What benefits do Manchester Pride's August events bring?+

Our events over August Bank Holiday provide a very visible way for queer people to be out and proud in Manchester. Whether your view of pride is a protest or party (or both!), our events provide numerous ways you can get involved. They also provide a platform for the community to be able to fundraise for good causes.

Some other benefits that you might not be aware of:

Ours is the only UK Pride event to have a dedicated festival for young people (Youth Pride MCR).

We create opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and allies to gain skills. Each year we train more than 250 volunteers to be a part of the celebrations.

We provide a platform for LGBTQ+ artists from Greater Manchester – giving them access to a large audience and the oxygen of publicity.

We procure services and supplies from LGBTQ+ owned business across the city-region.

Manchester Pride's August Bank Holiday events make a £34 million impact and contribution to the economy of the city of Manchester.

General

How do I get to Manchester Pride?+

Manchester Pride events will take place across the city, key areas are: Sackville Gardens (Sackville Street, M1 3WA) you will find Gay Village Party staged areas The Rally, Alan Turing Stage and the Candlelit Vigil. Depot Mayfield (11 Baring St, M1 2PY) is where you will find Mardi Gras. You can easily travel to all locations from all major transport stations via foot, bus or tram.

Do I need a ticket for Manchester Pride?+

Manchester Pride is a festival made up of many events, most of which are free. We have two ticketed events as part of our celebrations: the Gay Village Party, and a brand new event for 2025, Mardi Gras.

Where does the money from ticket purchases go?+

Manchester Pride's events are a fundraising lifeline for the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester. As well as the income generation our celebrations provide to LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the Gay Village and around Manchester, our events provide specific fundraising opportunities for charities such as George House Trust and LGBT Foundation. Your ticket purchase helps to run our events safely and provide a celebration worthy of the world-class city of Manchester. As a charity, Manchester Pride does not have shareholders and does not profit from ticket sales. Find out more about Our Impact here.

Can I bring dogs to Manchester Pride Festival?+

Events at the Gay Village Party and crowd capacities can make the event site a very noisy and uncomfortable place for dogs. In the interest of protecting the welfare of animals, we would strongly advise against bringing your dogs to our evening events spaces where there is very loud music or performances taking place.

Assistance dogs are of course permitted to enter all of our event spaces.

How do I make a complaint?+

If you wish to send a complaint or feedback, please email info@manchesterpride.com. We will aim to respond to complaints within 28 days, with a further 28-day extension added if a more in-depth investigation is required. The deadline for complaints received regarding Manchester Pride Festival is 30th September each year.

* Please note that complaints over social media are not monitored by our complaints processing team.

Events

When will the Manchester Pride Festival line-up be revealed?+

We're working hard behind the scenes to bring you another fantastic line-up for 2025! We're are taking the necessary time to ensure we can continue to stage world-class celebrations for the community to enjoy.

Stay tuned to our social media channels and be sure to click the bell icon and turn on notifications so that you're the first to know when our line-ups are released.

Do you have Arts and Culture events this year?+

Yes! The Superbia programme will be returing once again, with a range of incredible events taking place across the city, more details to be announced.

Where should I stay over August Bank Holiday weekend?+

There are many different accommodation options within walking distance of Manchester Pride Festival. You may wish to book a hotel, a B&B, an Airbnb or stay with friends over the weekend.

Check out our social media channels in the run-up to the event where we'll be sharing details of our hotel partners, including some fantastic deals!

How do I apply for a Market Stall at Manchester Pride?+

Applications for trader market stalls at Manchester Pride Festival 2025 will open in due course. Please check back soon for more information, and keep an eye on our website here for more information on how to get involved.

How do I get my organisation/business involved at Manchester Pride Festival?+

Please check our website here for more information on how you can get involved in Manchester Pride Festival 2025.

How do I apply to be a Food Trader at Manchester Pride Festival?+

Applications for Food Traders at Manchester Pride Festival 2025 will open in due course. Please check back soon for more information, and keep an eye on our website here for more information on how to get involved.

Mardi Gras

What is Mardi Gras?+

Mardi Gras is an exciting new event for Manchester Pride 2025. Taking place at Depot Mayfield and in partnership with the Mayfield Partnership and Broadwick Live. Taking Place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August, Mardi Gras will be the ultimate experience of queer joy, hosting Manchester Pride's headline performances with world class artists, DJs and shows.

What is happening at Depot Mayfield at Manchester Pride?+

Our brand new event, Mardi Gras will take place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2025 at Depot Mayfield. Expect headline performances, DJs, secret raves, indoor and outdoor areas, a food village and exclusive VIP areas.

When will Mardi Gras take place?+

Mardi Gras will take place Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2025 2pm-11pm.

Is Mardi Gras different from the Gay Village Party?+

Yes, Mardi Gras is a brand new event taking place on Saturday 23rd and 24th August at Depot Mayfield, whilst the Gay Village Party will be a bustling hub of festivities inlcuding street parties, performances and a fairground taking place in Manchester's Gay Village.

Does my Mardi Gras ticket include access to the Gay Village Party+

Yes, all Mardi Gras ticket holders have a Weekend Gay Village Supporter Band included in their ticket purchase.

Gay Village Party

Does my Mardi Gras ticket include access to the Gay Village Party+

Yes, all Mardi Gras ticket holders have a Weekend Gay Village Supporter Band included in their ticket purchase.

What is the Gay Village Party?+

Manchester’s Gay Village is the heart and soul of Manchester’s queer community, and the Gay Village Party centers community, love and queer joy as part of a 4-day celebration where you can expect cabaret, funfair rides, a silent disco and queer anthems galore.

Is Mardi Gras different from the Gay Village Party?+

Yes, Mardi Gras is a brand new event taking place on Saturday 23rd and 24th August at Depot Mayfield, whilst the Gay Village Party takes place Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August and will be a bustling hub of festivities including street parties, performances and a fairground taking place in Manchester's Gay Village.

When will the Gay Village Party take place?+

The Gay Village Party will take place 22nd-25th August 2025.

How do I get to Depot Mayfield from the Gay Village Party?+

Depot Mayfield is easily accessible by foot at just a 5-minute walk from The Gay Village Party's Chorlton St gate.

Parade

How long is the Parade?+

The Parade kicks off at midday and usually runs all afternoon, the first floats will finish after approximately 90 minutes.

When is the Parade?+

The Manchester Pride Parade takes place on Saturday 23rd August and commences at midday.

Where does the Parade take place?+

The Parade weaves it way through Manchester City Centre in an incredible display of protest. A starting point can be confirmed closer to the event.

What is this year’s theme?+

This year's Manchester Pride Parade celebrates Love! Love has long been a source of strength and resilience for LGBTQ+ people. In the face of historical and ongoing discrimination, love has helped queer people have the courage to be themselves.

Can I walk in the Parade?+

Yes! Whist we don’t facilitate individual entries, but we can support you in finding an organisation for you to join and walk with. Alternatively, you can join the Manchester Pride Parade Entry as a Parade Trouper as a Volunteer - we will be announcing details in due course.

Ticketing

Where can I find your ticket Terms & Conditions?+

Please read our Ticket Terms & Conditions in the footer of our website before purchasing your Manchester Pride tickets.

I am having problems with buying my ticket. Who do I contact?+

All of our ticketing is dealt with through our ticketing agent, Skiddle, and therefore we do not hold any customer ticket data. Please contact Skiddle's customer services directly so that they can help you with your enquiry.

Who do I contact with general ticketing enquiries?+

All of our ticketing is handled by Skiddle. Please use their customer service help page for help with your enquiry, and get in touch with their customer service team with any further questions regarding your purchase.

I bought a Gay Village Party 2025 Earlybird/VIP Earlybird ticket before Mardi Gras was announced. Do I need to buy a seperate ticket for Mardi Gras?+

Earlybird ticket holders will be contacted by the end of Friday 14th March. Keep an eye on your inbox, and if you haven't been contacted after this date please get in touch via info@manchesterpride.com

Gay Village Party tickets are now cheaper than when I bought them as an Earlybird. Can I get the difference back?+

Unfortunately we are not able to offer partial refunds for Gay Village Party Early Bird tickets. Earlybird ticket holders will be contacted by the end of Friday 14th March. Keep an eye on your inbox, and if you haven't been contacted after this date please get in touch via info@manchesterpride.com/

I am struggling to afford a ticket for Manchester Pride. What can I do?+

We have a variety of ticket options available, from day to weekend, as well as many free events listed on our website. We also offer Low Income Tickets which you can find more information about on our website.

How do I claim my low income tickets after being accepted?+

Once we have informed you that your application has been accepted, we will be in touch to give you details on how to claim your Low Income ticket.

Can I upgrade my ticket from a weekend ticket to a VIP ticket?+

Unfortunately we do not offer ticket upgrades, so if you'd like to attend as a VIP then you would need to purchase a VIP ticket.

I have bought a Mardi Gras ticket, will I need separate ticket for the Gay Village Party?+

Nope, you are able to participate in the Gay Village Party if you have a Gay Village Party Supporters' Band. All Mardi Gras ticket holders have a Weekend Gay Village Supporter Band included in their ticket purchase.

Will I be turned away from the Gay Village Party if I only have a Mardi Gras ticket?+

I have bought my ticket online but I can't download it?+

Tickets are usually released for download much closer to the event. If you are experiencing technical issues with your ticket, please contact Skiddle for assistance.

Do I need a ticket to enter the Gay Village Bars & Venues?+

Gay Village venues will operate a 'No Gay Village Supporter Band No Entry' policy so you would need a Gay Village Support Band to be able to participate.

Do I have to pay to enter the Gay Village for Manchester Pride?+

The Gay Village Party will run over 4 days and will ask all participants to contribute to helping run a safe and inclusive event in the Gay Village by purchasing a Gay Village Supporter Band which will help to support cleaning, waste management, road closure fees and productions costs.

Does my Mardi Gras ticket include a Gay Village Supporter Band?+

Yes, your Mardi Gras ticket purchase includes your Gay Village Supporter Band.

What provisions do you have in place for customers with access needs?+

Find out all things Accessibility on our dedicated Accessibility Hub here.

I can’t attend anymore. Can I give my ticket to someone else?+

As stated in our Ticket Terms & Conditions, tickets for Manchester Pride Festival are non-transferable and non-refundable, and tickets can only be refunded if the event does not take place in full. Our ticketing agent, Ticketmaster, has a fan-to-fan resale option which can be found within your Ticketmaster account, so if you can’t attend the event for any reason, our first recommendation would be to head to your account and resell to someone who does want to attend. This way, the transactions will happen easily, safely and securely within Ticketmaster.

My favourite artist or performers has cancelled. Can I get a refund?+

Manchester Pride Festival has an incredibly diverse and varied programme of events, artists and performers and your Pledge Band will give you access to an amazing array of talent.

When you buy a ticket to the our events, you’re not just buying a ticket to see any particular performance - you’re enabling us to stage a world class celebration and support the LGBTQ+ community. We do not offer refunds if any particular event, artist or stage is cancelled (and sometimes this happens, as it's live events!). We’d recommend going to find some of the other incredible talent that’s bound to be on our stages over the weekend.

What happens if an area in the Gay Village or a stage is too busy?+

Safety is the most important factor for us. We work with the responsible authorities, Manchester City Council and our Safety Advisory Group to agree safe capacities in all areas of the event. We have a team in place to monitor capacities across the whole site and so there maybe times when certain areas are closed or you may be redirected around the event site. This is for the safety of everyone at the event.

The streets of the Gay Village will be crowded and we have a crowd management plan that is constantly being assessed 24 hours a day. If an area doesn’t look busy to you, there may be a reason it’s closed due to something else happening elsewhere on the site. We know it may be frustrating if you have to wait to enter a certain area or venue, but we ask you to please be patient and follow the directions of stewards for everyone’s safety, and rest assured that it will be a temporary closure and will be part of a wider plan incorporating the whole of the event.

I’ve lost my wristband at the event. Can I get a replacement?+

We are unable to offer replacement wristbands, refunds or exchanges if you’ve lost or broken your wristband so please be careful and keep yours safe. If you lose your wristband then you’ll need to buy another from the box office.

Is there a discount on tickets for NHS staff?+

Manchester Pride is a charity that is committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and beyond. All of our work must support this mission, which means we are unable to offer discounts to non-LGBTQ+ groups.

Can I bring alcohol with me?+

There are plenty of bars within our staged arenas with super quick service, so we won’t be allowing alcohol purchased outside the event to be brought into our staged areas. We also ask that all glass bottles and containers be left at home as we have a strict no glass policy in the public areas for everyone’s safety.

What ID should I bring to buy alcohol?+

Manchester Pride Festival bars operates a Challenge 25 Policy, so you may be required to present proof of ID on entry. We only accept a valid and in date passport, driving licence or national proof of age ID card that displays the PASS hologram.

Can I smoke in Manchester Pride programmed areas?+

Whilst we know that some of our staged and programmed areas are outside and open to the elements, we ask that you do not smoke within any of the staged arenas as many of our non-smoking guests have expressed their desire for the arenas to be smoke-free. It is against the law to smoke in enclosed spaces so no smoking is allowed in the indoor stages, but please extend this to the outdoor arenas too.

I’m not keen on being in any official photos. What should I do?+

We want to capture the best of Manchester Pride and so we will have photographers across the weekend taking pictures and videos to capture the celebration. If you do not wish Manchester Pride to use your picture, please inform the photographer and they’ll happily keep you out of shot.

Can I bring a drone?+

Unfortunately not. Please don’t bring a drone as it is dangerous to fly them in and around the event. We’ll be taking lots of official photos and videos, so leave this bit to us and you can enjoy yourself.

We’d also ask that you don’t bring anything that can be seen as weapon, horns or loudhailers, musical instruments, fireworks or flares, flagpoles, glass including perfume bottles, aerosol cans, spray paint, drugs including Nitrous oxide, selfie sticks, laser pens or anything else that may be a danger to the public or cause nuisance.

I have a complaint. Who should I contact?+

We hope that all our visitors have the best time at Manchester Pride, but if you wish to send a complaint or feedback, please email info@manchesterpride.com and quote your booking reference number. Our team is usually very busy wrapping up everything after the Festival, so we aim to respond to complaints within 28 days, with a further 28-day extension added if a more in-depth investigation is required. The deadline for complaints received regarding Manchester Pride events is 30th September each year following the event. We ask everyone to treat our team with respect when dealing with complaints.

Accessibility

What provisions do you have in place for customers with access needs at Manchester Pride events?+

Please see our Accessibility hub here on our website which will provide you with the information you need to ensure an enjoyable experience at Manchester Pride events.

How do I get in touch with the Accessibility Team?+

If you have any questions for the Access Team, please email accessibility@manchesterpride.com or call the Manchester Pride office on 0161 831 7700.