By Andrew Roberts

It’s here……..!!

Manchester Pride officially kicked off on Friday and the Fringe events are well underway, there was the Family Fun day, Pink Dog Show and the Heather Peace/Bruno Langley gig. Lee Baxter & Jez Dolan’s photography exhibition also opened at The Hub.

Various events are happening this week too; tonight Outdoor Lads have their climbing evening, tonight also sees Fetish Knights beginning at the John Thaw Theatre, Valentino King’s Drag King Workshop is on Tuesday and Die Mommie Die opens on Thursday.

It’s the Big Weekend that I imagine most people are looking forward to. Those who are travelling over have probably started packing their bags, picking their outfits and planning where to go and what to do. Here’s my very own Big Weekend guide…..

• Don’t forget your tickets! If you’ve not got a ticket yet, fear not! They are still available online, on the phone and in person. If you decide to get one over the Big Weekend then the box offices will be very busy. Remember that they are also available from Spar over the weekend.

• There are plenty of wristband exchanges dotted around the perimeter of the Village. My top tip is to get them as early as you can on Friday. The exchanges will be super busy after the Parade on Saturday, but the team work as quickly as possible getting them on wrists.

• Don’t peak too early, yes we’ve all done it and trust me I seem to get too excited too quickly – the last couple of years I’ve tried to work on the mantra of “pace”. The Big Weekend is a marathon and you don’t want to miss any of it. If you want to just go for it, then at least remember where you’re staying.

• Be safe. What else is there to say on this? I’m starting to sound like a parent, but there will be plenty of free safe sex packs in the bars and clubs. Pick one up just in case.

• Don’t forget that there are a few new additions this year including big screens and for the Twitterers there is a Tweetdeck meeting place in Sackville Gardens.

• Speaking of Twitter, the hash tag will be #MCRPride.

• I hope to do a post Pride round up and would love to hear what people thought about it, so if you see me around – do say hello!

• Have an amazing time!

I’m really excited about the Big Weekend, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends and have a laugh but for the first time I’m actually involved with Pride itself as a volunteer. Getting involved has been a great experience and I’ve met some brilliant people and hope to see them after the dust from the weekend has settled.

Thank you to Team Pride for letting me contribute to the blog, it’s been fantastic and more importantly thank you to everyone who’s read them, 'Liked' them, Tweeted them and shared them. xx

WRITTEN BY ANDREW ROBERTS

One of the first Pride Fringe events kicked off at The Lowry on Saturday, “Queer To Stay – 21 Years of Manchester Pride”.

I went along to the preview evening on Friday; I wasn’t sure what to expect as all I knew was what has been published in the Fringe brochure but I had heard little teasers from Pride HQ. It was going to be strange to have memories suddenly brought back by seeing memorabilia from past events and also inspiring seeing how the festival has evolved over the last 21 years.

The entrance is striking, a shocking pink wall featuring the new Pride logo and typeface. It has immediate impact. It also obscures what is around the corner, making you want to go and explore further. I was greeted by a large display case with posters and programmes from previous events. It was looking at the poster for the ’96 event that my memories came back; the artists that were playing (which I still listen to when I want a “retro” moment), the Kiss 102 logo, the huge tent that used to be on Brazil Street – yes before it became an abandoned building site it was a big part of Mardi Gras.

The item that was on my right hand side was the most simple yet most fascinating. It was one of the tables used for the Bring & Buy sale outside the Rembrandt Pub. It was just a table with paint marks and bits of scribble in Biro, but it was the event that surrounded it that made it so special. Whilst I was admiring it, I chatted to John Barry who I have to say was extremely charming – it was John that was one of the key people in starting the annual event. It was his idea to call it Mardi Gras in 1995, he told me that at first no-one liked the name, by the time he’d been to the bar and back they’d changed their minds. He also wrote a tune for it.

The exhibition has got a great feel to it. The space is not too big, it gives the images, videos and display items plenty of room to be seen. The facts and figures that feature massively on one wall are amazing. People were gathered around odd exhibits reminiscing about who they saw in the videos and sharing their own memories about that particular year.

One particular part of the exhibition will no doubt have emotional memories for many people. A room of contemplation has been set up with a beautiful image of the candle light vigil surrounding the walls. This space lets you write and leave a message for a loved one.

This is a fantastic event for Pride and wonderful for the event to have links with The Lowry who work closely with the LGBT community. They have the digital arts festival Digitfest (www.digitfest.com) running 10-12 June; this is being driven by a group of young volunteers that identify themselves as LGBT. The Lowry also has the Andy Warhol “Divas” exhibition starting this month featuring portraits of Liza Minelli, Jane Fonda, Grace Jones and Marilyn Monroe.

The Queer to Stay exhibition is open now and runs until 16th October so there is plenty of time to see it and perhaps have a walk down memory lane. The Lowry & Pride would still love to receive more items to put on display. If you have something then please contact us and let us know.

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.

In the run up to our ticket launch (Sunday 1 May), we will be displaying messages from 21 key members of Manchester Pride's thriving LGBT community.

Today's voice comes from Manchester Pride's very own Festival Director, Jackie Crozier:

• "I can't believe that Manchester Pride is 21 years old. It's amazing how far we've come over the years and I'm just so proud to be a part of it. Each year I’m absolutely blown away - from the dedicated team of volunteers, the passionate crowd and all the businesses that get involved, everyone loves it. What makes it even more fantastic is that we have raised almost £900,000 since 2003 for local HIV charities and LGBT groups – long may it continue."

TREVOR BURCHICK - Saturday 30 April 

• "To me, Manchester Pride is an important annual anchor event, a pillar of community strength and one that sends out a powerful beacon of hope to millions LGBT people all over the world. It's success helps support the work of many other LGBT groups, makes a valuable difference to our society and it's delivered with pride!"

TRACEY WALSH - Friday 29 April

• "Manchester Pride is a coming together of a community of like minded people, one big street party, a reunion with open arms to newcomers where fun and atmosphere is always guaranteed; and at the heart of it all, a most worthwhile fundraising cause."

JOHN BARRY - Thursday 28 April

• "The cause behind this world famous event is as important today as it was back in 1991. I am so proud to still be a part of it in this, my 21st year. Happy 21st Manchester Pride!"

DAWN BRADBURY - Wednesday 27 April

• "Pride for me is that spine-tingling anticipation on the Friday afternoon knowing that the Big Weekend is here and it’s our time to shine on the world stage – for those four days we show how it is possible to live in a totally inclusive community every single day of our lives and still throw the best street party outside of the Rio Carnival!"

ANDREW STOKES - Tuesday 26 April

•  “I first attended Manchester Pride fifteen years ago and I’m proud to say that I was involved with the running and delivery of the event from 2002 to 2010. There are so many things about Manchester Pride that make me proud. I’m proud of the fact that the event is taken to the heart of the people of Manchester. I’m also proud of the fact that at its heart, as well as being about celebration, it’s also about fundraising. We live in a society that has come so far in the last two decades, where some significant legislative change has brought about major improvements in our community, but our work is not all done and I hope that Pride’s 21st this year will raise even more significant funds to continue that work.”

TERRY LONGDEN - Monday 25 April

• *"In my opinion, Manchester Pride is the only event of this kind where you feel welcome and part of, no matter where in the world you come from, or what sexuality floats your boat; and the best thing about it is it only gets bigger and better each year! It's no wonder big 'names' gather to be part of this very special annual occasion."

STEPH KAY - Sunday 24 April

• "Seeing Manchester become one of the most tolerant, welcoming and cohesive city’s in the UK since my first Gay Pride has been a privilege. It has always been the highlight of the year for anyone, like me, who values equality."

JEZ DOLAN - Saturday 23 April

• "The day of the Manchester Pride Parade is absolutely one of the best in the year! Having been involved with Pride since about 1995, its still a complete joy to participate in an incredible celebration of the diversity, visibility and creativity of the LGBT communities of Manchester, and sharing this with the whole of our city. The fact that Pride still continues to raise massive amounts of money for HIV/AIDS and LGBT causes gives us all the more reason to celebrate. Happy 21st Manchester Pride!"

SARAH BLAND - Friday 22 April

• "Manchester Pride is about celebrating how far our gay community has come over the past 21 years and allowing us to be who we are with pride and without prejudice."

JONATHAN MAYOR - Thursday 21 April

• "There's a wonderful moment at the Vigil when I look out on a star-scape of candles - thousands of lights in the darkness. You can suddenly see hands and faces where before there was only the night. Faces wet with tears, maybe, faces pained with loss, yes - but faces that love, people that accept, care, remember. A family. I love Manchester then."

JON HAMILTON - Wednesday 20 April

• "For me 21 years ago, Pride was a demonstration for our equality - today Manchester Pride is a celebration of our equality! 21 years ago people died of HIV today people live with HIV. Pride in Manchester does make a difference in our community."

LAURA HAMILTON - Tuesday 19 April

• "Manchester Pride means celebrating the key role Manchester's LGBT community played in responding to the UK's HIV epidemic, whilst also raising awareness and challenging the stigma that still affects many people living with HIV today."

CARL AUSTIN - Monday 18 April

• "To me, Pride is all about being able to be true to yourself – you can be who you really are and accepted by everyone around you without having to hide behind any pretence. Funnily enough it’s the one time of the year that all my family gets together. We don’t even manage that at Christmas so what better way to celebrate all diversities within our community as a whole."

ADAM ZANE - Sunday 17 April

• "I have been lucky enough to visit a few Pride events around the world – from London to Los Angeles – and I think Manchester Pride is totally unique. I'm incredibly honored to be a patron of Manchester Pride and I will be there this year, dancing in the streets with my husband and being outrageous and fabulous - just like Pride!"

SALLY CARR - Saturday 16 April

• "Pride is a celebration of years of struggle and oppression of LGBT people and an opportunity to assemble so we can address future struggles as they arise."

ROBERTA JANE UPTON - Friday 15 April

• "Manchester Pride means so much to me, as it’s the celebration of the tolerance and acceptance of diversity that this great city has, holds, and cherishes. That tolerance and warmth allowed me, as an outsider to find and live the life I had been holding back for so long. Thank you Manchester - celebrate with Pride!"

JON ATKIN - Thursday 14 April

• "Manchester Pride represents the best of what the city has to offer; diversity, community, celebration, fun, inspiration, social responsibility and of course, pride itself. I have many wonderful memories of the event over the years, some quite emotional (such as the first time the police marched in the parade and the many HIV Vigils) and so I wish Pride a very happy 21st birthday."

ROSIE LUGOSI - Wednesday 13 April

• "Thank you for trying to douse our pride. For giving us crumbs, for making us grateful. Thank you for our history. We are writing our own future. Thank you for keeping us on our toes."

PAUL MARTIN - Tuesday 12 April

• "Manchester Pride shows the world that LGBT people are proud of who we are, and enables us to celebrate the important contributions we make to society."

IAIN SCOTT - Monday 11 April

• “As a gay man who has 'travelled' with Pride on its 21-year journey from a small trestle table outside the Rembrandt to its current massive international status, I am so proud of what has been achieved. Good luck to us all for Pride 2011.”

With just 21 days until tickets for Manchester Pride's 21st birthday go on sale, we take a look, day by day, at the number one hit singles during each and every event in Pride history.

Roll Deep were top of the pops during our last Pride event with Green Light.

 

David Guetta was tearing up dancefloors during Pride 2009 with Sexy Chick.

Feisty popstar Katy Perry burst on to the scene kissing girls during Pride 2008 - very fitting indeed!

Kanye West was number 1 with Stronger during Pride 2007.

Shakira's hips certainly didn't lie back in 2006 when she was top of the pops over Pride number 16.

Back in Pride 2005, McFly were rocking the number one spot with their hit I'll Be OK.

Natasha Beddingfield was queen of the charts during Pride 2004 with These Words.

Sean Paul & Blu Cantrell stormed to the top of the charts with Breathe during Europride in 2003.

Crossroads by those Blazin' Squad hunks (phwoaar!) was at the top of the charts at Pride 2002.

5ive had everyone up dancing at Pride 2001 with their #1 single Let's Dance.

Groovejet by Spiller was the chart topper over Pride number 10 in 2000.

Mi Chico Latino by Geri Haliwell was top of the pops during Manchester's ninth Pride in 1999.

No Matter What by Boyzone was number 1 over Manchester's eightth Pride in 1998.

Will Smith's Men in Black was number one during Pride number seven in 1997.

During our sixth Pride in 1996, Spice Girl's Wannabe was number one.

Country House by Blur was the chart topper during our fifth Pride in 1995

Love is All Around by Wet Wet Wet was number 1 over Manchester's fourth Pride in 1994.

Mr Vain by Culture Beat was top of the pops during Manchester's third Pride in 1993.

Rhythum is a Dancer by Snap! was number one during Pride number two, all the way back in 1992.

The first number one in Manchester Pride history was Everything I Do by Bryan Adams back in 1991.