The world famous Manchester Pride Parade returned to Manchester Pride Festival in 2024 with the theme ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’!
The iconic worker bee, deeply rooted in Manchester's history, emerged as the focal symbol for this year's Pride Parade theme. Dating back 150 years to the industrial revolution, the bee has evolved beyond a mere emblem; it has become a powerful representation of Mancunians' hard work ethic and the bustling energy that defines the city as a hive of activity.
At its core, the bee symbolises unity. Just as worker bees collaborate to maintain in their hive, Mancunians embrace a collective spirit that excels individual efforts. This sense of teamwork is not only a testament to our city's rich history but also a guiding principle of Manchester Pride. The worker bee and the bee hive signifies the strength that emerges when individuals come together for a common cause. The bee, with its industrious nature, embodies the spirit of working harmoniously to create positive change and progress.
As we celebrated ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’ at the Manchester Pride Parade, the ‘Progress Bee’ became more than a symbol; it became a call to action. It reminded us that, just like worker bees collaborating in a hive, LGBTQ+ communities and their allies can achieve great things when united. The bee symbolises not only the hard work that has defined the city's history but also the ongoing commitment to progress, inclusivity, and equality that Manchester Pride champions.
This year we let the worker bee guide us, buzzin’ with the collective energy of a community that knows the strength found in togetherness. As we marched in the Parade, we embodied the worker bee spirit and created a hive of progress where everyone can thrive.
A Hive of Progress
Manchester has always been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ equality. In 1964, the North West Homosexual Law Reform Committee set the stage for LGBTQ+ liberation, led by Allan Horsfall, the group eventually became the national Campaign for Homosexual Equality and were instrumental in the decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour between two consenting males.
Fast forward to 1988 and again Manchester demonstrated its power in coming together. Over 20,000 voices resonated through the streets of Manchester in a historic protest against Section 28, marking one of the largest LGBTQ+ demonstrations in the UK.
Manchester’s world-renowned Gay Village gained prominence in 1990’s when it became a space for the community to be loud and proud, showcasing Manchester's open and liberal spirit.
In more recent years, Manchester Pride made history in 2018 by becoming the first organisation in the UK to incorporate the black and brown stripes into the rainbow flag, ensuring representation for LGBTQ+ people of colour.Just as bees are essential to the environment, diverse communities within society thrive by actively supporting one another. LGBTQ+ individuals play a crucial role in shaping a society where small actions collectively create monumental impact.
About the Manchester Pride Parade
The Manchester Pride Parade is the city's biggest parade, with tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies gathering to march through the city for equality, grinding the city to a halt with thousands of people lining the streets to take in the spectacular sea of colours. If there is ever an opportunity to shout loud and proud about who we are and what our values are, it is at the Parade!
When was the first Manchester Pride Parade?
On 20th February 1988, a huge anti-Section 28 protest was held in Manchester. Over 20,000 people took to the streets to let their disquiet be heard.
At the time, it was one of the largest LGBTQ+ demonstrations ever to take place in the UK! This and many other protests around the globe paved the way for the Pride Parades we see around the world today.
Fast forward to present day, and Manchester continues to lead the way in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.
Manchester Pride Parade entrant FAQs
When Is the Manchester Pride Parade?+
The Manchester Pride Parade 2025 will take place on Saturday 23rd August and starts at Midday.
Where does the Parade take place?+
Please check back soon for more information about the 2025 Parade Route
What is this year’s theme?+
In 2024, the theme was ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer’!
The iconic worker bee, deeply rooted in Manchester's history, emerges as the focal symbol for this year's Pride Parade theme - ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’. Dating back 150 years to the industrial revolution, the bee has evolved beyond a mere emblem; it has become a powerful representation of Mancunians' hard work ethic and the bustling energy that defines the city as a hive of activity. As we celebrate ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’ the ‘Progress Bee’ becomes more than a symbol; it becomes a call to action. It reminds us that, just like worker bees collaborating in a hive, LGBTQ+ communities and their allies can achieve great things when united. The bee symbolises not only the hard work that has defined the city's history but also the ongoing commitment to progress, inclusivity, and equality that Manchester Pride champions.
So, let the bee guide us, buzzin’ with the collective energy of a community that knows the strength found in togetherness. As we march in the Parade, let's embody the worker bee spirit and create a hive of progress where everyone can thrive.
If I’m not part of a registered group but I want to walk in the Parade, what can I do?+
We are looking for creative and expressive volunteers to represent Manchester Pride and be part of the parade’s opening group - the Parade Troupe. Volunteers will attend workshops to learn costume and prop making, dance, and more before then joining us as we march through the city of Manchester as part of the Parade.
Please check back in due course for information on the Parade Troupe
How much does it cost to participate in the Parade?+
Pricing will vary depending on how your entry is categorised - the pricing will be detailed in the application form.
How can my organisation take part in the Parade?+
Please check back in due course for application info for the 2025 Manchester Pride Parade.
What are the entry organisation categories?+
LGBTQ+ or HIV Organisation/Community Group: LGBTQ+ and HIV Community Organisations and community groups. This does not include LGBTQ+ corporate and political party networks, these networks should apply for a category that reflects their organisation.
Public Sector or Public Service: Public sectors include the public goods and governmental services such as the military, law enforcement, infrastructure, public education, along with health care and those working for the government itself, such as elected officials.
Greater Manchester Independent Business: An independent business is a business that is not inextricably associated with another business through common ownership, affiliation, sharing of employees, facilities, equipment, profits and losses. This category is only associated with businesses within Greater Manchester.
Private Sector: Private sectors means an enterprise, organisation, institution, corporation, or other legal entity that is controlled by private individuals.
Non LGBTQ+, Not for Profit:
Non-profit organisation that’s not LGBTQ+ or HIV led. This includes any LGBTQ+ networks within a non-profit organisation, but does not include LGBTQ+ networks within Commercial Businesses. To meet this category, you cannot have a turnover of more than £6.5million or a balance sheet total of more than £3.26 million.
Non-profit organisation that’s not LGBTQ+ or HIV led. This includes any LGBTQ+ networks within a non-profit organisation, but does not include LGBTQ+ networks within Commercial Businesses. To meet this category, you cannot have a turnover of more than £6.5million or a balance sheet total of more than £3.26 million.
Public Sector or Public Service: Public sectors include the public goods and governmental services such as the military, law enforcement, infrastructure, public education, along with health care and those working for the government itself, such as elected officials.
Greater Manchester Independent Business: An independent business is a business that is not inextricably associated with another business through common ownership, affiliation, sharing of employees, facilities, equipment, profits and losses. This category is only associated with businesses within Greater Manchester.
Private Sector: Private sectors means an enterprise, organisation, institution, corporation, or other legal entity that is controlled by private individuals.
What are the walker/vehicle entry categories?+
You will be able to select from the following:
A: Walking Entry (includes up to 50 walkers)
B: Walking Entry (includes up to 100 walkers)
C: Walking Entry (includes up to 150 walkers)
D: Vehicle Entry (includes up to 25 walkers)
E: Vehicle Entry (includes up to 75 walkers)
A: Walking Entry (includes up to 50 walkers)
B: Walking Entry (includes up to 100 walkers)
C: Walking Entry (includes up to 150 walkers)
D: Vehicle Entry (includes up to 25 walkers)
E: Vehicle Entry (includes up to 75 walkers)
Can anyone turn up on the day to take part?+
All participants in the Manchester Pride Parade must be a part of a registered group. We cannot facilitate people who arrive on the day and have not previously registered to participate in this year’s parade.
What is your co-branding and sponsorship policy?+
Manchester Pride requires approval for organisations participating in the parade utilising co-branding with corporate businesses. While we understand the importance of funding and support for your participation, it is crucial that all branding and sponsorship arrangements are communicated and approved by Manchester Pride. Therefore, we kindly request that if your organisation intends to use co-branding or sponsorship from corporate entities to fund your entry in the parade, you must inform us in advance. This will allow us to review and approve such arrangements to ensure they align with the values and objectives of Manchester Pride. Failure to adhere to this request may result in restrictions or exclusion from participating in future Manchester Pride events. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter as we strive to maintain the integrity and inclusivity of our parade.
What information do we need to provide to get accepted into the parade?+
The online application form will ask questions including who is completing the application, whether you intend to walk or have a vehicle as part of the entry and if you plan on having music. We are also asking organisations to let us know how they support LGBTQ+ people year-round aside from taking part in the Parade, to ensure that organisers are genuinely supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Can I submit my application if I don't know all of the information?+
If you’re certain you want to take part in the Parade but don’t have all the information, then we would advise you to complete the application form as soon as possible as the Parade may fill up by the time you return to fill out the form. If details have changed after you have applied, then we can amend your application if you contact us. Please note that it may not be possible to amend the type of application i.e. walking or vehicle entry or the number of people taking part if we are already full for each category.
Can you help me complete the application form?+
Of course! If you have any issues or need help completing the application form, please contact parade@manchesterpride.com.
I’ve completed the application form - does that mean I’ve automatically been accepted?+
We assess every application individually prior to acceptance so once you have applied, our team will look at your application and email you once your application has been accepted. Your application has not been approved until you receive confirmation, so we would not advise spending any money on your entry until this point.
When do I need to pay?+
Once your application has been received, the team will assess your application form and you will receive confirmation that your application has been successful. At this stage, you will receive an invoice from our Finance Team. The invoice will be due for payment within 30 days. If your invoice remains unpaid prior to the Parade, you will not be able to take part. If you do not pay or show up on the day and you have not notified us of your withdrawal, you will still be charged in full. If you are no longer able to march with us, it’s important that you inform us as soon as possible so we can give other organisations on the waiting list the opportunity to join.
What happens if there are changes to our circumstances and I need to change our application?+
Please contact parade@manchesterpride.com with your new details and we can amend your application for you.
Can I request additional walkers after I have been accepted?+
This is subject to availability and you will be charged. We will not allow any additional walkers who turn up on the day to walk in the parade.
When will I receive information about what to do?+
You’ll receive an Information Pack once you are accepted into the parade. This will include all the information you'll need to start preparing your parade entry. As we get closer to the time and we have confirmed all the details of the Parade, you will recieve an updated Information Pack that will include the parade route and other key 'on-the-day' information. We will aim to get this information to you as soon as possible.
Can we choose where we are located in the Manchester Pride Parade and who we are next to?+
We have many factors to consider when assigning the Manchester Pride Parade order such as accessibility requirements, groups with small children, avoiding conflicting sound and more. We will try our best to accommodate any requests and ask that you submit these during the application process.
Does the participant number include the driver of the float?+
Yes, please include all members of your party when considering the number of participants.
If I want to bring music on a trailer, will this be classed as a vehicle entry?+
Manchester Pride welcomes walking entries with trailers propelled solely by human power (pushed or pulled by individuals walking in the entry) or pedal power (attached to a bicycle or similar pedal-powered vehicle). Please note that trailers accompanying walking entries must not exceed a length of 2.5 metres and a width of 1.5 metres.
Will Manchester Pride Parade provide a float for me?+
Manchester Pride doesn’t provide any vehicles/floats. Your group will need to source your own.
What type of generator should we get?+
We advise you to get a portable, electric generator which is up to 10kVA. We do not allow petrol generators to be used in the Parade.
Can I bring my dog to take part in the parade?+
In the interest of animal welfare, pets are not permitted along the Parade Route. This does not include service animals. Please note this is for both Vehicle and Walking entries.
What happens if I withdraw from the Parade?+
For a full refund or for your invoice owed to be cancelled, cancellation must be made via email before 30th April 2024. For 50% refund or to reduce your invoice by 50%, cancellation must be made by 31st May 2024. For a 75% refund or to reduce your invoice by 25%, cancellation must be made by 30th June 2024. Cancellations after this date will be non refundable and you will be charged your full invoice. Applications that arrive after these dates are non-refundable. If you do not show up on the day and you have not notified us of your withdrawal, you will still be charged in full.
It’s important that you inform us as soon as possible, if you are no longer able to march with us, so we can give other organisations on the waiting list the opportunity to join.
It’s important that you inform us as soon as possible, if you are no longer able to march with us, so we can give other organisations on the waiting list the opportunity to join.
What are the vehicle height, width and length restrictions?+
Due to new regulations, your Vehicle/Float Height can be no more than 4.0 metres. All floats will pass under Metrolink’s live electrical wires on Peter Street, therefore any floats on the day that exceed that height limit will not be permitted entry to the parade. Please note that this height restriction includes decorations.
Vehicle/Float Length can be no longer than 11 metres.
Vehicle/Float Width can be no wider than 2.8 metres.
Vehicle/Float Length can be no longer than 11 metres.
Vehicle/Float Width can be no wider than 2.8 metres.
Does the Parade wristband give you access to the Gay Village Party?+
The parade wristband only gives you access to participate in the parade with your group. the tickets to access the Gay village party are sold separately. If you are interested in purchasing a Gay Village Party ticket please click here.
Are there any age restrictions?+
No, there are no age restrictions for people to join our Parade but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Are bikes permitted in the parade?+
Manchester Pride is committed to ensuring the safety and inclusivity of all participants in its annual parade, so whilst pedal bikes and mobility scooters are permitted, E-Bikes and E-Scooters will not be permittted.
Can I hand out flyers and other promotional material?+
Yes, however if you are handing our promotional material you will require a license from Manchester City Council: you can apply here. Please note we are unable to apply for a license on your behalf. Please note that the Manchester Pride Parade is not a marketing opportunity to sell to an audience and selling wares along the Parade route is not permitted.
Can I bring banners?+
Yes, please do! We encourage our entries to bring banners that show our crowds who you are and what your message is.
Do I need to complete a Public Liability Form?+
Public Liability Insurance is designed to offer protection to individuals, businesses and non-commercial organisations against claims for injury or damage, for which they are found legally liable. The policy will cover claims from any members of the public, clients or customers (‘third parties’) suffering from an accident/incident, while on business premises or elsewhere, in the event you or your business is found to be liable. If your business has made an error or omission which leads to an incident it is likely that this could result in a public liability claim.
Any community group in the absence of a Public Liability Certificate will need to complete a Public Liability Disclaimer.
Please submit your Public Liability form/disclaimer here. Manchester Pride asks that entrants who are able to provide public liability certificates or Disclaimers by 19th July.
Any community group in the absence of a Public Liability Certificate will need to complete a Public Liability Disclaimer.
Please submit your Public Liability form/disclaimer here. Manchester Pride asks that entrants who are able to provide public liability certificates or Disclaimers by 19th July.
How can I volunteer to support the Parade?+
Without the invaluable support from our incredible volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do for LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester. To learn more about volunteering, visit our website here.
How can I sponsor or support Manchester Pride?+
Sponsors play a crucial role in the success of the Manchester Pride Parade, contributing not only to the vibrancy of the event but also to the broader goals of promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and supporting community initiatives. The financial support from sponsors allows for the subsidisation of entries for LGBTQ+ charities and organisations, creating a more diverse and representative parade. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact our Sponsorship team at sponsor@manchesterpride.com.
