who are we

Last year, we successfully hosted a number of community events to promote and share the diverse, hard working local groups that we have in Manchester and increase the public awareness of LGBT communities. This year we are increasing these events with a whole host of comedy, literature, art, sport and debate from across Manchester and we are always keen to host new events and ideas that you may have for future festivals so get in touch and be part of the excitement.

The highlight of the Big Weekend in 2008 was the Parade which takes place again this year on the 29th August.

Manchester Pride has traditionally been a fundraiser for the LGBT and HIV communities and is the only Pride event in the UK that has consistently done so. In the past the festival has been called many names including Gayfest, Mardi Gras and in 2003, the city had the honour of hosting EuroPride. Between 2003 and 2006 Manchester Pride Ltd worked with Operation Fundraiser (the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and George House Trust joint fundraising body) to deliver the Manchester Pride festival. This raised over £450,000 before it ‘hung up its boots’ in 2007. The money was distributed to over 100 LGBT and HIV groups and charities in the Greater Manchester area.

In 2007 Manchester Pride realised its long-term vision of becoming a charity in its own right, successfully raising £95,000 for local charities that year alone. Last year in 2008, despite rising costs, the success of Manchester Pride steadily increased and the August Bank Holiday festival raised £105,000. This was distributed to groups such as the Marlin Swimming Group, Rainbow Families, and Keshet Manchester, as well as the free condom and lube scheme in the village and HIV organizations such as Body Positive North West.