With only a few weeks to go before the launch of Manchester Pride 2012, I thought I’d have a look at what’s been going on so far.

The Parade theme has officially been announced as “Queer’d Science”. I was immediately propelled back to the 80s and the brilliant teen film “Weird Science”, but it wasn’t until I did a little more reading that it’s actually a nod to the science pioneer and constant presence in Sackville Park, Alan Turing. This year marks a century since he was born and the theme is brilliantly pitched to celebrate a true Manchester legend that faced prejudice because of his homosexuality despite him being one of the most important code breakers during war time. This year’s scientific theme will be really fun – I’m thinking mad scientists, labs, smoke, bubbling test tubes, Doc Emmett Brown, Frankenstein….you get the drift!!

The Lifestyle Expo area will also return during the Big Weekend. The Expo is a great part of the festival and gives exposure to groups about health, welfare, community groups, legal advice and sporting clubs amongst other things. It is well worth a visit!

If you want to be a part of the Parade or the Lifestyle Expo, then applications can be made in the “Get Involved” section on www.manchesterpride.com

Manchester Pride 2012 will officially be launched at the end of this month and general tickets will go on sale from 1st May. I think it is great news that prices for this year’s Big Weekend have been frozen too. If you can’t wait until then to buy your tickets and fancy splashing out on Platinum Passes, then these are now available to buy. Remember that numbers are limited for these tickets. They can be ordered via “Get Involved” section of the website which also has full details of what VIPs can expect.

Speaking of getting involved – if you fancy contributing to the blog, then you can drop Pride HQ a line here:

Finally there will be a call for volunteers in May. Last year was the first time I was a volunteer for Manchester Pride and honestly, it was brilliant. I met some great people and I had a different experience of the Big Weekend. Look out for more details coming soon on the Facebook page or on Twitter @ManchesterPride.

Andrew Roberts

As we got ready to upload images from 2011's Manchester Pride and our video highlights footage, we took to Twitter and Facebook to ask you all what you enjoyed most about our 21st birthday celebrations! From performers, to letting your hair down into the early hours, to our VIP marquee... There was a good spread of elements from the festival that all attendees seemed to enjoy for 2011! For a glimpse into these, and to relive the festivities with those who spoke to us, what follows below is a selection of highlights from festival goers, staff, volunteer/interns and even a performer herself.

Rubika's Irena (Performer):

"Playing at Manchester Pride was an unforgettable experience, every part of this amazing event was exciting – the bands we played with, the audience who devotedly danced to our songs under the rain, an extremely professional way of the event organisation.. That was a big pleasure for us to participate in Manchester Pride 2011 and Rubika really hope to continue the tradition and take part in it next year too!"

Robbie Bloomer (Marketing Assistant):

"The best moment of Pride for me has to be the opening evening of the Big Weekend. I've seen a year’s worth of Team Pride’s work come together in seconds. It was an incredible experience watching an empty car park rapidly fill up with thousands of people, hearing the booming countdown to the beginning of the celebrations and seeing these bright lights reflect off tonnes of glitter above the crowd. It made me proud to be a part of it all."

Nick Goard (Festival Goer):

“It’s where I realised that my life was here in Manchester with my man. Made so many new friends here too in a short space of time. Manchester is now my home!”

Anthony Fortune (Summer Intern):

"I was an intern with Manchester Pride for some time, and I helped out with the Shameless At 21 video the festival released. Working in the office was a fantastic experience - I had no idea how much hard work goes into those ten days! Over the Big Weekend itself I was at in the village as a festival goer, so I really had a chance to enjoy both sides of Manchester Pride. My highlight was Pixie Lott - she's such a fun character and her acoustic set was both chilling and very impressive. I also think that this year's parade stood out as particularly special. Pam Ann is phenomenal!"

Ailish Marie (Performer):

"Performing on the Women's Stage of Manchester Pride on the Sunday evening was a fantastic experience. It was great to see my friends come down to support me, but I was even more surprised at the reception from the crowd who I had never met before. I think it's a great evening slot to showcase female talent and some of the other artists who were on before and after me were superb. I had an absolute ball at Manchester Pride's 21st birthday, and I know I'll be back for 2012 whether singing, partying... or both! My highlights were Patrick Wolf and the parade - the entries were great!"

George Lyall (Festival Goer)

“I met Kieron Richardson, played my character Barbie Buckfast on the Sat and met guys from Norway, Latvia and Germany, plus got announced to the crowd. I sang and danced to Hazell Dean, Toyah, Bucks Fizz and Blue, and overall found where I belonged! Manchester Pride you ROCK!”

Matt Horwood (Press Officer)

"This year's Manchester Pride blew me away. I have attended the festival for the past two years but this was the first time I had been on board and a part of the team. I think I have three main highlights: Patrick Wolf (who, for me, was flawless), actually being in the parade marching with patrons behind Pam Ann (a decision made very last minute and not by me) and the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil. The vigil for me is always a highlight; I think it really demonstrates the solidarity of our community here in Manchester, and goes to show our festival is more than just one big party"

Karen Price (Festival Goer)

"I took my 13 year old Daughter Amber to Pride this year and met up with friends and had a brilliant time. One of the funniest memories for us was when I purchased 4 beautifully decorated cup cakes to take home and with Pride being as busy as it gets found myself screaming every two minutes "mind the bloody cakes"! It's now my strap line for Prides to come. I do believe there are even photos to capture the moment I discovered the box had upended in the bag and our beautiful cakes resembled something that you put would be embarrassed to own up to making, tasted perfectly ok though. We have never laughed so much. Needless to say I'm steered away from cakes stalls now just in case I get the urge to purchase..."

 Santiago Street Machine (Performers):

"It was a huge honour to perform at Pride, and the crowd didn't disappoint! It was our first festival show - definitely one we won't forget... Roll on next year!"

Sarah Bland (Volunteer Team Leader):

"As to the Pride Big Weekend the VIP accreditation was my first stop on the Friday with a handful of volunteers, wishing all a Happy Pride . But it's when I got to the Village it became non stop for the next three days & that feeling of "OMG, it's here -  Pride Time!" Making sure all the lovely volunteers are happy, answering their questions and helping them to have fun while volunteering. It was important for me to keep everyone buzzing and hopefully they knew I was there to help when they needed it . Everyday the teams on shift were great , anything I asked they were there for me to help rain or shine & many willing to help extra. Saturday Parade Day for me is my favourite bit and the crew were fantastic even when we were all soaked we all had a such a buzz as always. The Sunday for me was more about the Women's Stage acts - such cool people to meet and wicked acts, loved it. Monday, I loved all the vollies going together to watch Blue for a dance as Pride was coming to an end. Then we all went to The Vigil which was touching for the team and for me so important, followed by time for us all to celebrate our hard work and to party the night away!"

 Kirsty Anne Smith re-calls meeting Heather Peace and getting engaged to her girlfriend as a highlight. Congratulations girls!

@Liffen, over on Twitter, told us:  “it’s got to be listening and dancing away to Rowetta, and getting friendly with the Greater Manchester Police...”

Rowetta herself responded to this, telling both us and Michael - “I loved it!”

Manchester Pride have caught up with other members of the community who have been heavily involved with the festival both this year and over the past few years, and we will be uploading interview sessions with them over time re-calling their highlights, from 2011 and beyond. For now though, as we enjoy the images, footage and memories of 2011...

What did you enjoy most?

The past twelve months have certainly been manic for Manchester Pride’s Festival Director Jackie Crozier with highs, lows, announcements, events and of course Manchester Pride’s huge 21st birthday celebration over the August Bank Holiday weekend. With Crozier recently announcing that 2011 will be her last year as a part of the Manchester Pride team, we decided to sit down and talk to J.C. about why she loves Manchester Pride, her experiences as its Festival Director and the all-important question: who would make her ideal Big Weekend line-up?

Aside from your role as Festival Director, tell us five facts we may not know about you?

I was part of the organising team for the 2002 British Transplant Games in Leeds; I am a slight geek for politics and American history; I am a member of the Labour party, and a supporter of Manchester United. I also have the responsibility of power of attorney for my Gran, who has Alzheimer's.

• Favourite film: Thirteen days
• Favourite song of the past twelve months: Now that's pressure, can I have 3?
• Favourite drinking spot(s) in Manchester: Too many to mention
• Hobbies and past-times: Tap zoo, gardening, walking my dogs, gigs
• Favourite motto or mantra: No pain no gain
• Pet hates: Rude people and people who don't have any table manners
• Inspirations and heroes: My dad was my inspiration and my hero
• Favourite holiday destination: Thailand, although I loved Egypt. I've so many more places to discover

For those who may not know much about what goes on behind-the-scenes, explain what your role of Festival Director entails?

The role has somewhat of a managerial aspect to it; I oversee everything that goes on within the Manchester Pride office, approve decisions to be made and decide what needs to be done and when. I make creative decisions on what it is we do each year and how we go about doing it, and give the team my ideas on what we need to achieve. I attend a lot of meetings that decide the fate of the organisation and the route in which we wish to take it. In addition to this, I set our targets, do a lot of meeting and greeting at the various events we hold or attend and help front a lot of the Manchester Pride press we get in the run up to the event. I have since become an expert on giving quotes for things!

You have led Manchester Pride for four years now, and have been an active part of its team for six. What is it about the organisation that means so much to you? What makes it great?

Manchester Pride stands alone as the only UK Pride event to consistently raise such large amounts of money for worthy causes. There are a number of reasons why we are able to do this so efficiently, which include the event itself (with year-on-year of fantastic line-ups), our hard-working teams of staff, volunteers, patrons, board members, friends and more but also the wonderful city that we are in. Manchester Pride – albeit an event to celebrate the lifestyle and culture of the LGBT community – feels embedded in the heart of the North West. Yes, the event takes part within Manchester’s Gay Village, but it is supported fully (and attended by) plenty of those who are not LGBT themselves. There is a real sense of community both in the Gay Village and also the general city of Manchester – the support we give one another, our shared pride, is something you can really feel over the Big Weekend. Everyone who is at Manchester Pride (whether working, volunteering or playing), and all of those who are nearby when the event takes place, are pleased with what is surrounding them. Even in all of those words I cannot describe it – it is that same Christmas buzz we all get each December – which is why I aptly referred to the festival on stage once as ‘Gay Christmas’. There is something a little magical about Manchester Pride: that is why it means so much to me and that is what makes it so great.

Many people are unaware that Manchester Pride is a charity, nor understand the amount of work it does for LGBT and HIV charities. How important is it for the LGBT community in Manchester to support one another?

I think it’s extremely important. Many UK Pride events are very much a show, a party, for people to let their hair down and enjoy a little fabulousness for the weekend. Of course, this is all in the name of LGBT life and people, but I think there can often be a lack of message in the methods.

Manchester Pride brings meaning back to gay pride events; whilst it is still a time for fun, frolics, meeting new friends and old, we also endeavor year upon year to achieve certain things. As an organisation we have a fantastic legacy we are proud of – beginning twenty years ago as a single bring and buy stall outside The Rembrandt – and we will never forget that. This is referred to on stage each year, is why we always celebrate our birthday, and why this year we had two events to commemorate the history of our festival (Queer to Stay at The Lowry and our Bring and Buy day).

In addition to this, Manchester Pride takes very seriously the issue of HIV in our gay community, both here and further afield. This is why the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil closes the festival each year, as we come together in Sackville Gardens to light a candle for those we have lost, and have speeches, readings and presentations on the issue of HIV and how we can support those with it and fight the prejudice against them.

Finally, Manchester Pride’s parade is enormous, and does not only feature fabulous drag queens, gorgeous girls and buffed up men in speedos. We are proud to have had almost one hundred floats this year, that showcased the likes of the police force, The Co-operative, the BBC and ITV and many of the community groups that Manchester Pride works with. Our parade is more than just a colourful stroll throughout the city centre; it is an example of LGBT individuals from all walks of life, career and background making it known that we are here, we are who we are, and there is nothing wrong with that nor nothing that will change it. What is so fantastic about this is the support from the thousands and thousands of people (LGBT and non-LGBT) who come down, watch, wave and cheer.

At the end of the day, we are a minority, and so supporting one another in the LGBT community is crucial.

Manchester Pride has won the Pink Paper Award for 'Best Pride Event' five years running, four of which you had run the festival for. What sets Manchester's Pride event aside from the others in your opinion?

There are four elements of Manchester pride that make us stand out when compared to other UK Pride events: a week-long Fringe (featuring over fifty events from the realm of sports, theatre, arts and cinema to name a few), our Pride Parade, the Big Weekend (with music across three stages over four days, lifestyle expo stalls, markets and more) and the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil to close on the Monday. These bring together the education, celebration, demonstration and enjoyment of LGBT culture and lifestyle, with the vigil paying respects and remembrance to those no longer with us. No other event does all of these things and Manchester Pride have worked extremely hard to build these up – there is a real ‘community feel’ to our event.

We are not a flag waving Pride event; we are a celebration of LGBT life and we do it in a real Mancunian way. The Manchester Pride parade along with London is the biggest Pride parade in this country. How many other UK Prides have had the UK’s biggest soap opera take part for the past two years? Artists such as Gossip, Girls Aloud, Chicane, Marc Almond, Human League, Sugababes, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Roisin Murphy, Blue, Patrick Wolf and Kelis have all graced our main arena stage. Which other Pride events have had talent like this?

OK, Bristol got Kelis this year, but we had her first…

Of the six years you have been a part of the organisation, what would be a few of your best bits?

It would have to be winning the Travel & Tourism Award. Manchester Pride work so hard at putting this festival on and I have never felt so proud as I did that evening as we were praised with the award for doing so.

I am proud to work with Fruit TV as a media partner; each year they introduce hours of footage from the festival – their highlights video always gives me goose bumps.

During 2007 the idea of scrapping Pride Fringe was discussed, having only the Big Weekend, as no money is generated from these events for the charities and groups we work with. However, I felt it was important to showcase our community over Manchester Pride and wanted it to stay a part of our festival. Today, the Pride Fringe is absolutely flawless, the events are superb and all of those involved should be extremely proud of the work that they do.

Despite the fact that Manchester Pride is clearly close to your heart and you have done some amazing things for the festival, you recently announced you would be leaving the organisation in the New Year. Why is this?

I feel after six years with the festival I have personally taken it as far as I can. I feel particularly proud of the money raised, the introduction of big screens to the event, Pride Fringe, our parade, winning the Tourism Awards, the level of PR and marketing that we achieve at the festival and the difference Manchester Pride has made with the community. I first stepped foot into a Manchester Pride event in 1995 and started working for the festival in 2005. All good things must come to an end, however, and new challenges must be sought. I've had a particuly difficult year with losing my Dad suddenly last November. That knocked me for six as I was a real Daddy’s girl, even at 36, and I've had some health problems to deal with. I'm currently off work recovering from a major operation and when I return to work for the final few months I am looking forward to welcoming the new Festival Director and my next role, wherever and whatever that may be.

What will you miss most about working at Manchester Pride, and is there anything you won't miss?

Wow, where do I start? There are so many elements to the festival that I am going to miss, from the people I work with, to seeing the village turned into a mini event site over the Big Weekend, to the hundreds of volunteers and community organisations, to our lovely fundraising partners LGF (the Lesbian and Gay Foundation) and GHT (the George House Trust).

There are not many things I dislike, however I won't miss the personal attacks from people within our community. There are always going to be people who have strong opinions on Manchester Pride and the Gay Village and we can't please everyone all of the time – I think we all know that. However, there are ways to communicate with organisations and personal verbal attacks on my staff and me are not one of them, nor are helpful or productive in any sense. At the end of the day I am doing a job that I love, and have loved for the last six years, and I am part of our LGBT community and have feelings too. Manchester Pride is not the big commercial organisation that some people think we are; we are a small dedicated team, with amazing volunteers, who give their time and energy to make sure that everyone attending the festival has a wonderful time.

Recently you were awarded the Community Champion prize at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation's Homo Hero Awards. How did it feel to receive this accolade?

I was absolutely over the moon. I’m still not quite sure why people voted for me – as I'm just doing my job – however I thank everyone who took the time to do so.

Manchester Pride patron and one of my close friends Heather Peace collected the award for me, along with Les Pratt from our Board of Trustees and Darren Adams, Deputy Festival Director. It was the day after my operation and so it was all a bit of a blur when I got a lovely text message from Darren and a call from Heather saying I had won. Once I had realised though I was, as I said, absolutely over the moon.

The LGF’s celebration of their ‘Homo Heroes’ is extremely important, and their demonstration of respect through this ceremony is admirable. We are lucky enough in Manchester to have an LGBT community with some very selfless, hard-working and passionate people – these people do not do it for any kind of glory, but the recognition awards like this show for them do let them know that we understand their efforts, and that we are grateful for what they do. This year being lucky enough to receive one of the awards put me on the other side of the audience, and I felt honored that others wanted to thank me in this way..

Do you plan on staying active and involved with LGBT rights and causes in the future?

I would like to continue working with or volunteering my time within the LGBT community. I still haven't started looking for a new role yet, however I would like to look at joining an organisation as a trustee to pass on my skills and knowledge of the community I have worked in for such a long time.

Who would be your dream headlining line-up, Friday through Monday, for a Manchester Pride event?

I've been asked this so many times and I don't think it has changed...

• Friday – Blondie
• Saturday - Groove Armarda
• Sunday – Gossip, followed by The Pet Shop Boys
• Monday – Adele (she would be amazing at the Vigil)

If not the Festival Director at Manchester Pride, what would be your dream job?

That's tough as I’m lucky enough to have had my dream job already… I would say another fantastic and ideal role would be to run my own festival here in the North.

What have you got planned for the future?

I'm currently recovering from the operation mentioned above, so it’s feet up for a couple of months. I'm under strict instructions to take it easy, so I will be doing as I'm told. I leave Manchester Pride mid-February, so at some point I should start to think about my potential future roles…

WRITTEN BY ANDREW ROBERTS

Manchester Pride seems to be approaching at some speed now, I can’t believe that since I started to contribute to the blog all those months ago, that we had the last volunteer social before Pride (which was great fun….sore heads all-round the next day), volunteer training and it's only next week that it all kicks off!

Pride Fringe begins on Friday 19 August and there are plenty of events leading up to (and over) the Big Weekend that are worth checking out. There is a good mix of free and paying events. If you’ve not had a look at what’s on then check out the brochure here. The stage listings for the Big Weekend have also been released and, as per usual, there are also plenty of events going on in the bars and clubs around the Village.

I’ve put together a list of what I fancy doing in the run up to the Big Weekend and over it. If you can’t decide, then maybe these will spur you on:

• 21x21: Portraits & Perspectives by Lee Baxter (19-25 Aug, 4 Piccadilly Place): I love photography exhibitions and I think this will be a really interesting one. 21 individuals from the LGBT community have been shot and have added their experiences of Pride to accompany their portrait. I have seen a small selection of Lee’s work on his website www.hip-replacement.com  and really liked what I saw. Definitely one of the top things for me.
• It’s a Gay Knockout (Thurs 25 Aug, 9PM, Taurus): This will be the first time that I have been to this event. I’ve heard that it’s loads of fun and pretty funny, as it is hosted by Polly I’d expect nothing less!
• Pam Ann (Fri 26 Aug, Gaydar Main Arena): Now, I’ve never really caught on to the Pam Ann thing. A couple of my friends who are coming over for Pride have told me that she’s hilarious live and that I’ve been missing out. From what I do know, she’ll be a great opening for the weekend.
• The Parade (Sat 27 Aug, 1pm, City Centre): There’s not really much to say about the Parade apart from it’s not to be missed. It’s likely to be bigger than before and the theme for this year is “Best of British”. It’s fantastic.
• Gaydar Main Arena (Sun 28 Aug): There are three acts that I want to see on the Sunday of the Big Weekend, Patrick Wolf, Sugababes and the recently announced Alexandra Burke. Fingers crossed for a beautifully dry day as most of it will be spent outside!
• Candlelit Vigil (Mon 29 Aug, Sackville Gardens): Another first for me. I’ve attended Pride many times, but never the Vigil and it’s about time I did.

Don’t forget that the Queer to Stay, 21 years of Manchester Pride exhibition is still running at The Lowry and is well worth heading over for. If you’re travelling up for the Big Weekend, it may be a nice little break from the festivities. Check out Warhol’s Divas whilst you’re there.

There will also be a nod to the beginnings of what is now Manchester Pride with a Bring and Buy sale in Sackville Gardens on Sunday 21 August. Last and by no means least the Lifestyle Expo and Market will also be running over the Big Weekend.

Volunteers….

We want you, we want you, we want you as a new recruit….OK that was The Village People shouting at anyone who’d listen to join the navy. I imagine their navy was a far cry from the real thing; it was probably more like “The Love Boat” rather than HMS Ark Royal. So what has this got to do with volunteers? Well Manchester Pride wants you as a new recruit!

It was on the back of responding to their request for people to write a short blog piece about what Pride meant to them, that I began volunteering. I wrote a blog piece loved doing it, so I asked if I could do another one that turned into another one and another. I was made-up when Pride HQ asked me to contribute regularly to the blog.

I started to really feel part of the team after I attended the volunteer social events that happen once a month in different venues. It’s fantastic to meet other volunteers for the first time and see familiar faces from previous events and catch up with each other. The most recent was held in Vanilla and had a great turn out – we were even treated to pizza & pool! The game had a very gracious winner, bagging a crate of beer.

Many people volunteer for different reasons – what’s mine? It’s to be part of something that has been part of me for such a long time and of course to meet new people. Pride has given me a lot over the years and I’ve realised it is time for me to give them something back.

Here’s how YOU can get involved:

• Complete an application form here & return it to Pride before Friday 22 July.
• The minimum you need to give is 4 hours of your time – not a lot really is it when the Big Weekend is 72 hours long!
• Roles include – Parade stewarding, Market research/data collection, Big Weekend crew, accreditation, photography and many more.

The next volunteer social (and the last one before Pride kicks off) is Thursday 4 August at VIA, Canal Street from 6PM. I’m looking forward to seeing some new faces!

This week Manchester Pride have spoken to Frank Strachan, Fashion Editor of Attitude magazine, to talk about style icons, The Power of the V, upcoming trends and dance envy…

Frank, gay men are often portrayed in the media as very fashion-forward; do you think this is a truthful representation?

Hmmm... I think that those that read our style pages in Attitude regularly, are most definitely fashion forward. I don't think by being gay, you're necessarily handed a free pass to fashion savvy, but I feel it would be true to say that gay men are often more clued up on what looks good and what's happening in fashion; maybe we're just more interested in appearances?

What new trends should we look out for over the next year?

I've just returned from Paris where the men’s SS12 (‘Spring/Summer 2012) shows were taking place, where V was definitely the letter of choice, with Louis Vuitton creating a new men’s emblem out of the letter, Valentino monogramming Vs and Dries Van Noten panelling ‘V’ shaped chevrons on their outerwear. I'm super excited about the return of Versace as a real powerhouse, as they showed the best SS12 collection, echoing early Gianni collections. With Gaga raiding their archive and November’s upcoming Versace H&M collaboration, there's no messing with them!

Who is your personal style icon and why?

Mr. Callagher, my school PE teacher. I've never seen anyone wear a tracksuit so well! Since I moved from Blackpool to London, the style icons have lost their panache, and so I yearn back to earlier days...

In your opinion what makes Attitude magazine stand out from the crowd?

I love the schizophrenia of Attitude, I've worked on the most outrageous sexy shoots, but also calmer much more sedate intellectual subjects. As a magazine for gay men, it has a very diverse readership, so we get to do something different every single issue. I think Attitudes aesthetic is more evolved and refined than other gay press, and it undoubtedly has a more intelligent and often hilarious voice!

It says on your profile on the Attitude website that you made a career change from dancing to fashion; what are the similarities between the two industries?

I love spectacle and performance, which I think definitely influences my fashion work. I also style The Saturdays and have worked with Kylie, Nicole Scherzinger, Girls Aloud etc, where performance and fashion cross over in a more obvious way. I love working with dancers, although sometimes my dance envy can rear its head!

What is your favourite global fashion destination?

Rio! We were lucky enough to travel over to Brazil last year to shoot our swimwear special, and we had the most wonderful time, everyone looks so cool, and it's the sexiest place I've ever been!

To find out more about the team at Attitude see here or here for the latest news from the fantastic gay man's lifestyle magazine!

WRITTEN BY ANDREW ROBERTS

On the August Bank Holiday of 1991 a bring & buy fundraising event was held outside The Rembrandt Hotel on Canal Street. This was the start of something, something that would become the biggest events in Manchester’s calendar. Pride. Fast forward 21 years (and a few name changes later) Manchester Pride is getting set to return ‘Louder & Prouder’ than before.

Taurus Bar was the host for the launch of this summer’s event. A huge M and P were stationed outside for people to have their photos taken with. Pictured are staff from George House Trust and the Lesbian & Gay Foundation with the letters. Were these hinting to what was lined up for Pride?

Jackie Crozier, the festival’s director took to the stage to let us in to what we could expect from the event. There are a few elements for Pride’s 21st birthday but one thing seemed to be very important; community, even though thousands of people will come for Pride, it should feel like an intimate gathering. Everyone should feel like they’ve been involved.

So, what can we expect? Here are a few hints as to what is coming:

• The Lowry will be holding the “Queer to Stay” exhibition which will chart the 21 year history of Manchester Pride through memorabilia and stories. It will show the impact that the festival has had on people, charities and community groups.
• Fringe – so far over 40 events have been programmed. Although these have not yet been revealed, I’m sure there will be some great things to see and do. I shall no doubt let you know about the goings on soon.
• The Big Weekend – Here’s the numbers bit... 55 lifestyle stalls, 45 market stalls, 4 days, 3 stages, 2 video screens, 1 great big hangover. I’m excited already. You’ll have noticed the addition of video screens, 1 will be stationed in the main arena and 1 will be stationed in Sackville Gardens. If, like me last year, you only got to see Kelis’ tinsel wig with the aid of binoculars then this is great news! No details of the performers yet, these will be announced in due course. Hmmm, I wonder who it’ll be.
• The Parade – Best of British has been chosen as the theme and participants have been encouraged to think outside of the box. With the Royal Wedding now a distant memory, this is another chance to dig out the Union Jack bunting. Expect around 100 floats to snake around the city leaving a glitter wake in their trail.
• The Vigil – This is a very emotional event as people gather to remember friends, family or partners that they have lost to the HIV virus. Manchester Pride is the only festival to hold a Vigil and long may this part of the calendar continue.
• Bring & Buy – in a nod to the very 1st “Pride” in 1991, there will be a bring & buy sale on the Sunday of the Big Weekend.

What else can I tell you? You’ll have noticed the new look website, and you would have probably seen the ‘Loud & Proud’ posters around the Village. You can also get involved. Volunteers are required and you can apply here. Finally you can buy your tickets now, yes right now. They are on sale from the usual outlets.

INTERVIEW BY LYDIA RULLOW

I don't know the Manchester Pride team as much as I should, so I thought I'd go all investigative journo, and interview a few members of the team! Climbing the stairs to Pride Towers, an alarmingly pink building on Oak Street in the Northern Quarter, I can't help but think that this place MUST have been built for the purpose!

My last victim, sorry interviewee is the lovely Makeila, so Makeila, how long have you worked for Manchester Pride?

I have worked for Manchester Pride on and off for the last three years. However I have been based in the Pride office as the official Press Officer for one year.

What is your role in the office?

My role is to ensure that Manchester Pride receives as much positive press coverage as possible. I am responsible for handling all media enquiries, writing press releases, feature articles and blog posts, monitoring press coverage, arranging press events and media interviews.

What has been your favourite Pride so far and why?

I would have to say last year as I got to work on the PR campaign from start to finish. It was fantastic to see it all come together and feel really proud of what was achieved. I had complete job satisfaction.

Are you a Village party animal? What is your favourite bar on Canal Street? I’ve got to say I’m a VIA girl myself.

I’ve been known to dance the night away in Cruz 101 with fellow Pride staff members (not mentioning any names).

I know it’s still a while away, but what are your plans for Manchester Pride 2011, I hope you won’t be working too hard!

I’ll probably be running around after journalists all weekend but hopefully I’ll get a chance catch up with my best mates who attend every year.

What has been your most embarrassing PRIDE moment so far?

Probably when Graham Norton made a joke about the cue cards I wrote for him at the Pride dinner. He is a very funny man but I went scarlet!

Now, you can tell me... What’s Jackie like to work for? Is she a real tyrant?! I know she works very hard.

She’s great. I’m learning a lot from her.

Thanks very much Makeila, it’s been a pleasure talking to you...

INTERVIEW BY LYDIA RULLOW

Onto desk number three now... a certain Mr Lance O’Meara. You’re a new member of the team isn’t that right?

I am indeed new for 2011. I joined the team in November but it feels like I've been here for years already.

Wow, so you’ve had a lot of experience with Pride Events with your work on the first Liverpool Pride in 2010. What’s your responsibility at Manchester Pride?

I have. I was part of the team who delivered Liverpool's first official Pride last year and it was a huge success. I'm looking forward to the challenges that Manchester Pride has ahead. I'm the Festival Coordinator here and look after the programming and grants aspect of the Pride Fringe, programming the Village Square area, liaising with community groups on a regular basis, updating of the website, answering all the queries from the general public and pulling everything together in between!

Right, now a little bird (a little bird called Twitter) told me a few months ago that you DO NOT KNOW WHO ERASURE ARE. Now, this was a while ago, so can I safely assume that you are now aware of this AMAZING 80’s band yes?

Well, I thought I wasn't... but then I recognised some of the songs they sang so I secretly knew who they were.

I was frankly shocked to hear this Lance, shocked, I mean, you’re similar in age to me and I’ve been a fan of Erasure for years... so I promised Jackie that I would test you on all your newly acquired Erasure knowledge... I can assure my readers that I have dragged Lance away from his computer and handed his IPhone to Jackie so he will be unable to cheat... The rest of the questions will be about Erasure (Just call me Magnus Magnusson...)

What was the name of Erasure’s first single?

 A Little Respect?!

No No No Lance, it's "Who Needs A Love Like That", 1985!

We'll try again shall we? Which famous “Thinking Lesbian’s Totty” did Vince Clarke pair up with for the duo “Yazzoo”. I will let you ask a “thinking lesbian” in the office for some help here...

I know this one actually (and nobody else did!)... it's Alison Moyet.

Better Lance, and shame on you Jackie Crozier! What was the name of Erasure’s first album?

Oh god, I haven't got a clue. Erasure?

Nope, it was Wonderland! Flipping 'eck! What was Erasure’s highest chart position?

I'm gonna go with #1... seen as they are such a popular and well-known band of the past.

That was a bit of a trick question actually! Yes and no... They reached number 1 in the American Dance chart with Victim in 1987, but they never made it to the number one spot in the UK!

Complete the lyric “I’m so in love with you, I’ll be forever blue..."

Dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum... you know you're making me work so hard. So that you give me.... sounds something like that in my head anyway.

"That you give me no reason, you know you're makin me work so hard..." pretty close Lance, I'll give you half a point for that! Final tally... 1 and a half out of 4, I'm not giving you the chart position question because you only guessed! Looks like you need to work a bit harder with the Erasure aficionados in the office, namely Jackie “Circus” Crozier and Darren “Sometimes” Adams... You can go and get your breath back and relax... I would ask for a brew, but I'm reliably informed that you make THE WORST tea and coffee because you don't drink hot drinks a poor excuse!

Interview by Lydia Rullow

In the corner of this very gay office, and surrounded by high piles of paper, press pass designs and invoices you can find the longest serving member of the gang, one Darren Adams (at this point Darren advised me he was a little busy and could I come back? I had a brew and when I returned, the piles of paper had miraculously disappeared although he was reluctant to leave his seat and I suspect he had merely moved them down beside his chair)

Although I’ve known you for quite a while, I don’t really know very much about you... what is a ‘Deputy Festival Director’ anyway?

Well it’s a pretty diverse job; obviously some clues are in the title, for example deputizing for the Festival Director! The main purpose of my role is to support the business side of the organization, such as financial management, which includes prepping and sticking to trustee approved budgets and working alongside our accountant in preparing and managing the processes during the annual audit.

I also manage the print and design processes, along with contracting various elements of the festival and managing ticket sales. I liaise with businesses and residents prior to the festival with regard to accreditation, along with that, I make sure that charity operates within legal and recommended guidelines and as Company Secretary, ensure all paperwork is filed with relevant bodies. It’s as fun as it sounds!

Ohhh... so you hold the purse strings eh? How many Prides have you attended, including the ones you have worked at?

You could say that! I’ve been with Manchester Pride since 2008, but have been attending it since the late 90s – a bit of a regular really!

What made you apply for the role at Manchester Pride?

I think there was some fate involved in me applying for the role. I seemed to just keep coming across adverts for the role, friends were forwarding emails, e-bulletins, the Guardian etc and by the 11th time I had seen it, I took the hint!

Who’s been your favourite VIP since you’ve worked for Pride?

My mum!...Oh you mean celebrity VIP? I worked in theatre management before I joined the team at Manchester Pride and have done for many years, so meeting celebs tends to be part of the daily job. If I had to say one person however, it would have to be Biggins. He just has a wonderful persona and really takes the time to speak to visitors to events and the festival. He is very charming.

What’s the most common question you get asked about Pride, and what is the answer?

A difficult one, I get asked all sorts of things, perhaps the main one is ‘What do you do for the rest of the year?’ It is surprising to many people that we work all year round in delivering the festival. There is so much to organize. As the event takes place in a city centre populated with a large amount of businesses and residents, there is so much more to prepare in comparison to a greenfield site. After the event you would think we put our feet up, but actually for me September is one of the busiest times, tying up all of the finances and preparing for our audit in November.

A little bit more serious now, why Pride? Why not a festival that is not sexuality based?

I have always enjoyed working in events management, but there is something special about LGBT events and those that attend. It’s great to work on an event that gives so much enjoyment and means so much to the people who attend and has solid place in our community. Also the money raised, goes to some fantastic organisations and projects, this makes me very proud to be part of supporting these groups.

Where does the money go?

We have always had a policy to support LGBT projects and those supporting people living with or affected by HIV. We support the LGF free Condom and Lube Scheme, which sees over 600,000 free condom packs distributed each year. We also support the George House Trust welfare fund, and I recently visited their centre to see just how vital this support is to service users. There are also lots of groups that receive project funding and support in running their own groups, which again really contributes to making a thriving, diverse LGBT community in Greater Manchester.

And one more cheeky one... got any stories you could divulge about Jackie Crozier?

Ooh I have plenty...but my lips are sealed!

Thank you for a fantastic interview, I’ll let you get back to the number crunching!