When did you first volunteer for Manchester Pride?

2007

What type of volunteering have you done previously?

I volunteered at Pride London 2007, which was my first voluntary role. Since then I have volunteered at radio stations, TV shows and other festivals.

What has been your best experience whilst volunteering for Manchester Pride?

There are so many highlights for me with my time at Manchester Pride and so little time to note them all down. I have to say making so many friends and contacts in the industry is proving to be one of the best things that has happened. I love the parade, I love just making people happy on site, doing that little bit extra that costs me nothing and is very rewarding to the individual. Seeing Lttle Boots was great... oh and Dragonette... oh and Frisky and Mannish! There's so many great things about Manchester Pride!

How did you hear about Manchester Pride?

I found out about Manchester Pride whilst I was volunteering at Pride London, the guys from Oz Promotions were on hand with their much needed umbrellas to promote the festival. As soon as I got back from London I signed up to volunteer at Manchester Pride and have never looked back since.

How has volunteering benefitted your personal development?

Before I volunteered for Manchester Pride I had never even been the the Village! Meeting the people that work behind the scenes and enjoying countless 'social evenings' with them has helped me understand more about myself and the LGBT community. I now have a strong group of friends who I meet in the Village when possible (although, I'm a little far away now)

How has volunteering benefited your professional development?

I have learnt so much through my time volunteering with Manchester Pride. As a teenager I always knew that I wanted to work with music and festivals but didn't quite know where or what position. After the years I have spent with Pride I have had the privilege of working in all sorts of roles, be it working within the promotions and marketing side, or team leading volunteers in the VIP marquee or even helping to organise and manage one of Manchester Pride's stages! It has given me confidence in my skills and the inspiration to further my career in this industry, I am now currently studying Festival Management in Edinburgh.

Would you recommend volunteering for Manchester Pride?

Well this is a no brainer, the opportunities are endless, as long as your willing to put in the hard work and determination then definitly volunteer. The benefits of volunteering for Manchester Pride are endless - you'd be silly not to really!

Best Pride moment?

This is a really difficult question to answer, there have been so, so many great moments. The most special moment for me every year is the Vigil. The Vigil signals the end of Manchester Pride and is such an emotional time, as they are very serious issues we are dealing with but also for all the volunteers and staff, it's also the time when we are most tired and a bit emotional about the festival ending for another year. When Heather Small performed 'Proud' on that stage it was sensational and to finish it all off with some fireworks just tops it for me!