My First Pride

Wow where do I start

Yes Manchester Pride was my first Pride Festival

Saturday was the beginning for me

I stood in position on Whitworth Street and waited

My camera on my mobile at the ready

Then the Pride Parade came along

With an array of colour and a trip through the past

It was a joy to watch and a wonderful experience

We then walked down Chorlton Street to meet up with more friends

After tea we checked out the Village Markets and what a treat it was

Giving us gals an opportunity to indulge ourselves

Then more drinking and dancing followed

We checked out the Main Stage, Girlzone and Sackville Gardens

Watched and listened whilst the bands played, you were all great

I even lost my friends in the crowds, but they did find me

With so many people in one place we needed to join a few queues

We walked down Canal Street and made new friends

Then it was time for bed and back the next day to do it all again

I met my friends in the Village Square on Sunday afternoon, very much hung over

Just soft drinks today, yes I am a lightweight

We walked around and met some other friends, the crowds not so bad on Sunday

Then headed for the Main Stage to watch the performers

I stood there and listened, with a fine crowd and enjoyed the show

Now upon reflection I can write and share with you all how I feel

I found my experience a little overwhelming and emotional afterwards

Not very big on crowds but I think I coped quite well

I felt safe most of the time which I probably wouldn’t feel at a football match

Yes I was a bit scared at times especially when I got separated from my friends

It’s been quite a journey for me this last year, finding my way and my place

I think of you all now as my extended family and I don’t need to feel alone

The togetherness that the Pride brings is great, we form a unity

Our goals are the same to celebrate who we are

Manchester Pride ensured that the Gay Village was secure

Providing a warm, safe and welcoming environment for us all

This comradeship is something very special and I am proud to be a part of it

Well done Manchester Pride for an excellent job

This was my first Pride but not my last

All the best to Jackie Crozier and your team and supporters

One very big thank you to everyone involved

For a unique and worthwhile experience

By Andrew Roberts

That’s it, another Manchester Pride Fringe and Big Weekend has been and gone. I can’t believe how quickly it came around, from my first involvement in February. Time flies when you’re having fun!

How was Pride for you? For me it seemed a little more special, hard to explain how I felt to be honest. Proud is probably the best word and looking around at all the other volunteers and of course team Pride I think the sentiment was shared.

The Big Weekend was and is the highlight for most people; it was a weekend of firsts for me. It was the first time I’d seen Pam Ann live. Yes, I’ve never seen her live before and watching the clips of her on YouTube I wasn’t sure I was going to like her, however from the moment she came on; to the moment she went off I laughed and laughed and laughed.

It was the first time I’d watched the Parade from start to finish. I had an earlier start than usual; I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the set up. I was looking at rows of wagons and trailers that were half done or virtually bare. I couldn’t believe the turn around by the time the first floats pulled out on to Deansgate….as a side issue, I watched the parade from Deansgate this year and it was so much easier to find decent spot with a great view!

It was the first time I’d seen Patrick Wolf live or really listened to his music. He was a huge surprise for me. I wasn’t sure what to think about him beforehand, but he really did bring something different to Sunday and watching the crowd go for it during his set was just brilliant. Whilst I’m on Sunday and the main stage, it was the first time I’d seen that particular configuration of the Sugababes live – they were good, they looked great and were in fine voice! It was also the first time I’d seen Alexandra Burke sing more than 2 songs. The only time I had seen her before was when she switched the Christmas lights on and she was brilliant then, so I was expecting something amazing and I wasn’t let down. What a voice, she was so well rehearsed! Her dancing and dancers were so in time and she looked amazing in that knickers/bra/swimsuit get up. Before she came on stage I did actually say “I bet she’s in her knickers”.

It was the first time I’d volunteered and of all the things over the weekend, this was probably my highlight. As I said earlier, it’s quite hard to explain; having been on the socials beforehand it was good to know a lot of faces, however when it comes to the weekend you meet lots of new faces and you appreciate the scale of the event. I hope that from this I’ve made some good friends that I’ll see throughout the year and not just on the run up to main event!

Finally on a personal note, I want to say goodbye good luck to the former Festival Coordinator Lance – I hope he’s reading this, so if you are, I’ll see you soon! Last but not least, to Festival Director Jackie Crozier, thank you for making me get drunk and make a fool of myself all those years that you’ve been in charge of Pride and I was a regular punter. This year’s event has been special, so thank you very much for letting me cover events and mouth off on the blog. I wish you the best of luck for whatever you do after Pride - put a good word in for me to the next Director.

Day 2 of the Big Weekend will be a non-stop day of celebrations, with early starts for some people!

If you’re just arriving and haven’t got a ticket, please be advised that the Box Office will be busy throughout the day. Please be patient, the staff will try to get through everyone as soon as possible. The Box Office will open at 10:00, but tickets will also be available from Spar Piccadilly and Piccadilly Tower.

At 13:00 the biggest event of the day will be the Pride Parade. Starting at the top end of Deansgate (at the junction of Liverpool Road) and making its way through the city centre finishing at the Village. The Best of British themed parade lead by Pam Ann; will bring a riot of colour and extravagance to Manchester. The city will certainly come to a standstill and take in the atmosphere. The Parade route will no doubt be very busy, so try and get there before the start time to get a great vantage point.

The Lifestyle Expo will open from 11am and is worth a visit for information from various groups and organisations.

The Village Market will also open from 11am, stalls will be selling a variety of products from rainbow flags to things that are, perhaps, a little more, erm, saucy.

Sackville Gardens will be the place to head down to for some of the best up and coming musicians. There will be sets from (amongst others); Sam Gray, Cosmo Jarvis and Nikki Garnett.

The Village Square has a great selection of musicians playing throughout the day, check the guide for full listings. The Square is great to chill out for a little while and is well worth a visit.

Gaydar Main Arena will be the place to go for great DJs and dance acts, they will undoubtedly get your feet moving! Soundgirl will be taking to the stage with their funky pop sound at approximately 8.30pm. With the crowd fully primed, 9.30pm will see the night’s headline act; the gorgeous Pixie Lott take to the stage. Pixie’s list of hits will be the perfect way to set you up for a night of partying!

Please don’t forget that there will be free safe sex packs available throughout the Village, so if you’re planning on getting lucky, please be safe.

As the name would suggest, the two of you are father and son. How does this relationship affect your music and have you always used music as a means of family bonding?

We don't really pick any type of genre to perform and with our generational gap we listen to varius types of music along with music from different eras. In short we love music and will perform songs we think suit our voices. Musica has always been a part of our lives both of us are very aware that we can pipe up at any moment, the car, the supermarket even the tennis court. It's a laugh as much as it is work.

You were first seen by the nation on Britain's Got Talent in 2010, and today have over 14 million views on YouTube. How does it feel to be so watched and recognized, and have things changed greatly since your time on the show?

It feels very overwhelming that a year has passed and we still get recognised. I suppose the reference point of youtube is always there and people can be constantly reminded. We have of course appeared on various other TV shows since and presented for a couple so have been seen in a different environment which is great. Have our lives changed?? Well we haven't let that happen really. We have always and will always be very positive and pro-active people so our exposure on BGT has just helped this. We are now just busier than ever.

Tell us a bit about The Jennifer Charity.

Well we have set up the Jennifer charity to support widowed fathers and their children. Jennifer was James' mother, Graham's wife and she died when James was only 1 leaving Graham to raise James alone. There was very little support from external sources other than family and much pressure from social services as single fathers were often looked upon s being uncapable. Unfortunately 25 years on there still was no official provision for widowed fathers and we decided it was time to change that.

Father and Son are performing at this year's Manchester Pride. How is Pride important to you both, and what can we expect from your set?

James has performed at 3 previous Pride events and really was where his career got a kick start. He met his first producer at pride when being on the same bill as Irish Boyband Too Close for Europride and it led to him co-writing and recording an album. There are lots of good memories I have of performing at Manchester Pride and we are both looking forward to being on the stage together this year. The set is going to be generally what you might expect. Big vocals, catchy songs and one surprise song that the audience wouldn't really think we would perform.

Manchester Pride has also special memoties because my theatre company 2toned performed Didn't We at the first extended fringe festival a couple of years ago.

The Pride event is also a massively important event in Manchester and across the country because it allows members of the LGBT community to come together in a safe environment and feel part of something really special, not to mention the amount of money that is raised for people living with HIV and AIDS in the UK which is still an important issue.

What does the future hold for Father and Son?

We are obviously pushing the charity and campaiging across the country for Jennifer so that is a big project in itself however we are currently filming and 'Dad Documentary' with The Sound Research Company which is an international look at the lives of single fathers. We are also developing our own radio show with Tower FM of UTV. We have regular slots on their breakfast show and really looking forward to getting our new podcast from September leading to our own full length show later in the year. Seperatly we are both persuing acting careers as this is something we are both trained in and have been working closely with directors to find the right parts. James also writes a regular blog for Celebritain.com.

Manchester Pride are delighted to welcome Father and Son to the festival this year, and they will be performing in the Gaydar Main Arena on Monday 29 August. For more information on Father and Son, see:

Twitter - @FatherandSonBGT

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Father-Son-Entertainment/172848006113802

WWW - FatherandSonEntertainment.com

Charity - www.JenniferCharity.co.uk

Sinderfella billed as Manchester’s adult only pantomime with balls will be hitting The DanceHouse Theatre for a limited season this Christmas.

The show will feature Shameless star Alice Barry (Lillian) as The Fairy Godmother, Thompson Arms regular Miss Thunderpussy as Sindefella and Gaydio Radio's Nicksy as Buttons.

We caught up with the show’s Producer and Director Simon Gross to get a sneak preview of possibly the naughtiest panto Manchester has ever seen...

So Sinderfella; what kind of naughtiness should Manchester prepare ourselves for?

Oh lots and lots and lots , A nymphomaniac Prince, Two Ugly Old Slappers, A walking talking Cock ,need I say anymore?

Put it like this it’s not for the faint hearted or persons of a prudish nature that’s for sure!!

Seriously, Sinderfella is a hilarious twist on the traditional fairytale Cinderella packed with feel good party anthems such as 'It's Raining Men', 'Time Of My Life', 'Amarillo', 'Dancing Queen', 'Like A Virgin', dazzling costumes, and tons of audience participation. It is a hilarious night out and the perfect way kick start your Christmas off with a bang!

Where did the idea come from to bring Sinderfella to Manchester this year?

We produced the show in 2009 in London’s West End at The Leicester Square Theatre and it was a sell out. It’s been a passion of mine to bring the show to the North and after loads of researching, meeting after meeting talking, I decided on Manchester was the next stop, both because it’s the second biggest city in the UK and also Manchester really knows how to party and that what Sinderfella is all about - party party party!

Did we hear right that we can enjoy a sneak peek of the panto before it opens at Pride this year?

Some of the cast will be giving you a small dose of what is to come –oh, ah, that sounds interesting!!

If you all come back to do this again next year, which classic fairytale would you like to take on and give a naughty spin, and why?

Could be Snow White And The Seven Poofs, Jack and his giant Dildo, or even Beauty and the Beast - I mean let’s face it I’ve been with a few beasts so I’ve got plenty of experience!

Sinderfella will be appearing at Manchester Pride on the 26th August on The Sackville Gardens Stage at 8.45-9pm.

You can also catch the gang at The Thompson Arms from 9pm and Club Essential from 2am on the 28th August.

The show will play at Manchester DanceHouse Theatre from 15th Devember-7th January 2012.

Tickets are 18.50 and can be booked at Ticket Line 0161-832 1111 / Quay Tickets -0845-208 0500 / Dancehouse (after 4pm) 0161-237 9753

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.

Santiago Street Machine is one of Manchester's bands of the moment, performing everywhere from small intimate gigs to electric underground club nights. Their music is made to make people dance and can promise the performance at Pride won't be anything less than exceptional. This week we caught up with Team SSM before their set at Manchester Pride 2011.

1. Over 45,000 come to celebrate Manchester Pride, do you think this will be one of your biggest gigs so far? And if so do you have anything special planned to create a fantastic party atmosphere?

Without doubt, Pride's going to be a massive gig for us. It's our first outdoor festival gig so we're excited about playing to a crowd where the sky is literally the limit to how hyped they can get. We've just come out of the studio and have recorded some new tracks which we'll be throwing into the

set. They'll definitely add to the party atmosphere.

2. Do you feel your performance at Manchester Pride could wide people's knowledge of new music styles and how do you feel the crowd will react to your music?

Our sound probably isn't as "pop" as some of the other acts, which we think is a good thing for the Pride crowd as it will offer more diversity and introduce them to something they might not have heard before. When we started out our idea was to make music that we'd want to dance to at festivals, so Pride is a perfect arena for us; a crowd that are there to get involved and have a bit of a rave! We've had some awesome reactions at our gigs over the last year and crowds have definitely fed off the energy that we put into our performances, so we're expecting the same and more from the Pride crowd.

3. What does supporting the LGBT community mean to you?

It's a real honour to be asked to play at Pride and to support the great work they do in Manchester promoting diversity and challenging discrimination in the community. And what better way to do it than with a massive street party.

4. Do you have any big plans for the future and can we expect to see Santiago Street Machine topping the charts in years to come?

Big plans!? Big's a small word for us ... which you'll hear from the massive sound on stage. The live show gets more exciting every time we play so it's going to be a huge year of gigs ahead. We're currently working on a debut single release and writing new material ready for our return to the road in September. As for what to expect in the future, more releases, collaborations and more raving.

Check www.facebook.com/santiagostreetmachine for all you need to know on the band.

Today we caught up with the talented James Price. James will be performing on the Village Square at this year's Big Weekend so make sure you keep an eye out for him.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a performer?

From an early age I've always been a bit of a show-pony, but I suppose I didn't realise I really wanted it until I got my first gigs when I lived in Sydney. Before that point it never seemed likely.

How do you feel about performing at Manchester Pride?

I'm so thrilled to be performing again. Last year was fantastic so I'm looking to do it good. I'll definitely not be having a big Friday before my Saturday set like last year..

From who or what do you draw inspiration?

When I was little my parents would listen to the likes of Crystal Gale, Gloria Estefan, Madonna & likes, but now I really love vocal pop jazz/soul. My favourite male vocalist is a guy called Amos Lee. Incredible talent!

Our theme this year is ‘Best of British’; what is your favourite thing about Britain?

It's unbeatable and uncompromisingly offensive sarcastic sense of humour.

Have you been to Manchester Pride before?

Yes. Apart from performing last year I've been to most since I was 18. It's always been a fantastic atmosphere and I'm delighted it's ticketed to keep out the riff-raff.

Describe your ideal weekend.

Not to be working, and to wake up just before noon to a freshly cleaned house, proceeded by lunch with friends before getting ready for an all-weekender dance workout at an open-air festival. Come to think of it, Pride is coming up...

What does the future hold for you?

I hope the future holds for me ambition and a bit of luck!

Today we met with Michael Hinch, exciting new songwriter who will be showing off his talents at this year's Big Weekend.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a performer?

Well I have been performing from about the age of six in school shows and stage productions but it wasn't until I was 15 that I was spotted by my management company who over the last 5 years have worked really hard and close with me on many different things getting me ready for a long and successful career within the music industry, since then I have always known that I wanted to be a performer, I love being on stage entertaining people.

How do you feel about performing at Manchester Pride?

I can't wait!! I've done a number of pride events across the country and have always wanted to perform at Manchester Pride so when my management told me that I had a spot I was so happy, it's going to be an awesome day and I'm really looking forward to it.

From who or what do you draw inspiration?

I would say I draw my inspiration from friends and family especially if I am writing new songs in which I reflect on personal experiences and things going on around me

Our theme this year is ‘Best of British’; what is your favourite thing about Britain?

Well it certainly isn't the weather!! lol this is quite a tough one but I would have to say Fish & Chips :) you can't beat sitting outside and eating them out of the paper.

Who is your favourite current artist?

Current artist would have to be Adele, watching her perform 'Someone Like You' at The Brits just blew me away, she has an amazing voice and is a extremely talented artist.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

Usually after a stressful day I would put on some music, watch a DVD or go see some friends and just chill out.

Have you been to Manchester Pride before?

Unfortunately I've never managed to get to Manchester Pride before so am really looking forward to this year and a great weekend.

Describe your ideal weekend.

I would be out on the road touring and performing every night then relaxing after with a few drinks :)

Do you think your work is particularly relevant to the LGBT community?

I do yes, music and entertainment is a powerful tool to help bring people together.

What does the future hold for you?

Hopefully lots of things, I have a new single and album out later this year along with a new music video so some very busy and exciting times ahead.

 Today we met up with hot new electro pop duo Red Lights One, who will be performing at this year's Big Weekend.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a performer?

From the moment we each picked up a guitar at 9 and 10 years of age! We learnt about music past and present, had lessons and just kept developing ourselves as writers, performers and musicians.

How do you feel about performing at Manchester Pride?

FANTASTIC! It's our first year doing the pride festivals, and the clubs and stages we have performed on so far have been great. The audience are always lively, supportive and really energetic. Can't wait to be a part of the festival and get on that stage!

From who or what do you draw inspiration?

Many artists past and present, from The Rolling Stones and Johnny Cash to Maroon 5 and Tinie Tempah. Life is a big inspiration and helps us greatly in our song writing.

Our theme this year is 'Best of British'; what is your favourite thing about Britain?

It's history of great music! Fortunately our nation is responsible for some of the most amazing groups, solo artists and songs.

Who is your favourite current artist?

Musically, Raphael Saadiq; creatively, we love Lady Gaga. She’s an amazing singer song writer who’s created an iconic global marketing brand.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

Sit down with a guitar and write something together.

Have you been to Manchester Pride before?

No, so we are really looking forward to it! We've heard it's such a great atmosphere and apparently one of Britain's biggest and best Pride Festivals!

Describe your ideal weekend.

One that is crammed full of gigs! Fortunately for us most of our weekends are!

Do you think your work is particularly relevant to the LGBT community?

The topics we write and sing about can be related to by someone of any orientation however we do have a big gay following and are proud that we have the opportunity to be performing at Pride the events across the UK.

What does the future hold for you?

Hopefully wider recognition, allowing us to reach more people with the music we love writing and performing. We’re currently writing our first album and looking to collaborate with some great production teams so hopefully you should be hearing lots more from Red Lights One.