Fundraising events have been held over August Bank Holiday weekend since the late 80’s, with the first Manchester Gay Pub and Club Olympics event taking place in 1985 — think boat racing down the canal, tug of war, and egg and spoon races adjudicated by drag queens! In the summer of 1991, The Village Charity established the festival then known as Manchester Mardi Gras, 'The Carnival of Fun'. The celebration raised £15,000 for HIV & AIDS causes, and the event continued to grow year on year. 

Today, Manchester Pride continues to campaign for LGBTQ+ equality year-round, elevate and showcase queer talent, and fundraise to support local LGBTQ+ good causes and projects through our Grants programme - all whilst celebrating queer life and love in Greater Manchester.