Roll up for a whole year of Pride events in Greater Manchester… starting soon!

The whole of Manchester is already gearing up for Pride celebrations that will last throughout the year. Hooray! A diverse array of events is being scheduled, with the whole of Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community preparing for a year filled with festivities, performances, and communal gatherings.

The calendar kicks off with Pride in Trafford, which is scheduled to unfold from May 13 to 18, 2025. The event promises a programme that includes parody musicals, theatre shows, cabarets, networking sessions, workshops, and outdoor performances. This year marks a significant expansion as events will be held in Altrincham for the first time alongside the usual venues in Sale. Notable highlights include performances such as The Wheel of Nouns interactive cabaret on May 14 and I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar, presented by musician-turned-comedian Holly Redford-Jones, showcasing the artistic expression prevalent at the festival. Darren Adams, producer for Pride in Trafford, noted to the Manchester Evening News that the festival is “proudly committed to championing LGBTQ+ arts as a powerful vehicle for expression, representation, and social change.”

Following Trafford’s celebration is Stockport Pride, scheduled for June 1, 2025, set to enliven the historic Market Place. Although specific details regarding performers and attractions are still pending, previous events have typically featured an array of drag acts, musicians, food and craft stalls, family spaces, and more.

The month continues with Salford Pride’s Pink Picnic on June 21 at Peel Park, a highlight of the city’s LGBTQ+ calendar. The event has garnered a reputation for its festive atmosphere, featuring performers and community activities. This marks the 14th iteration of the Pink Picnic, with tickets commencing at £5 and under-16s allowed entry free of charge.

On June 22, Rochdale will once again host its Rochdale in Rainbows event, building on the success of last year’s parade which was its inaugural outing. The festivities promise to be expanded with a return parade, set to commence at 12:30pm, which will then lead into further entertainment and stalls surrounding the Great Hall at Rochdale Town Hall.

Later in June, the Sparkle Weekend will take place from June 27 to 29, marking its 20th anniversary. Widely recognised as one of the largest celebrations of gender diversity in the UK, Sparkle will be hosted in Sackville Park and is organised by the national transgender charity of the same name. This free event will offer a variety of family-friendly activities, live performances, and informative talks, with donations encouraged to sustain its operations.

As summer heats up, Prestwich Pride is slated for August 8 to 10, 2025. Promised to be a notably vibrant occasion, the event aims to cater to diverse tastes, from family-friendly activities to late-night festivities. The previous year attracted widely known talent, and enthusiasm is high regarding the upcoming iteration under the leadership of Director Matthew Cooper, who described the forthcoming event as a culmination of community celebration and fundraising efforts.

The culmination of pride events will be Manchester Pride, taking place from August 22 to 25, 2025, a hallmark of the UK’s LGBTQ+ calendar known for its sizeable participation and high-profile performances. Last year, the event featured renowned artists including Jessie J and Rita Ora, and anticipation is building for announcements regarding this year’s line-up.

Other notable events such as Bolton Pride, Trans Pride Manchester, Tameside Pride, Levenshulme Pride, and Wigan Pride are also in the works, though specific dates remain unconfirmed. But, what are you going to wear?

Source: Noah Wire Services