Community Lane returns for 2023, in partnership with LGBT Foundation
Manchester Pride Festival, a renowned celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Manchester, is delighted to announce the return of the beloved Community Lane in 2023. In partnership with LGBT Foundation, the festival is now accepting applications from community organisations, charities and the public sector.
Launched in 2022, Community Lane was a big hit with attendees, uniting community-led initiatives, sober spaces, market stalls and expo stalls in one centralised and welcoming area. Manchester Pride is building on last year’s triumph, aiming to make Community Lane more interactive and responsive to the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ communities.
LGBT Foundation, a leading charity with LGBTQ+ health & wellbeing at the heart of everything they do, bring invaluable expertise and resources to the partnership. Together with Manchester Pride, they are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering space within the Community Lane, promoting unity and fostering connections among the LGBTQ+ communities.
Cloe Gregson, Senior Events Manager at Manchester Pride, said: “Community Lane was a brilliant addition to last year’s festival, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming it back in 2023. We’ve listened to our community’s feedback and evolved our offerings to ensure an even more exciting and inclusive experience this year. With the incredible support of LGBT Foundation, we believe Community Lane will be a testament to the power of unity and community.”
Community Lane will be situated on Chorlton Street, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling festival while remaining at the heart of the event. The Lane will showcase market slots in collaboration with Manchester Markets, a reimagined sober offering through featuring Sober Socials, a variety of well-being sessions, and the newly introduced ‘Activism Hub’ for change-making initiatives.
For the first time, Manchester Pride welcomes unfunded community groups free of charge to Community Lane, demonstrating its commitment to making the festival accessible to all.
Participation Details
Community Lane will be open from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August, from:
Manchester Pride is offering both one-day slots and the traditional three-day weekend offerings to accommodate a wider range of groups and businesses.
To apply for a spot, organisations can choose from several categories, depending on the scope and nature of their operations: LGBTQ+ and HIV community groups and organisations, not for profit, independent Manchester businesses, small businesses, public sector organisations, commercial organisations, and the new ‘unfunded LGBTQ+ community group’ category. The cost for participation varies by category and length of slot chosen, details of which can be found on the Manchester Pride website.
Applications are now open. To apply, visit www.manchesterpride.com/community-lane.
Manchester Pride Festival is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering space for the LGBTQIA+ community. By spotlighting organisations and networks, it aims to strengthen community ties and promote unity.
ENDS
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