Manchester Pride

Being the third-largest metropolitan area in the UK the event promises to be a massive party each time. In 2025 the event introduced the Mardi Gras festival as an addition to the Gay Village Party that takes place every year making the event even bigger. 

A large crowd of people holding rainbow flags during a Pride event in Manchester.

Manchester Pride Date

This event takes place towards the late summer Pride season, but adds in another day of celebrations by spanning over the August bank holiday Monday.

When is the Manchester Pride taking place in 2026?

The event spans from 28-31 August 2026, peaking over the bank holiday weekend in late August. 

In 2026, the main Love Parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 29.

Note: On the Website of Manchester Pride they state that they started the legal process of voluntary liquidation. However, the date for 2026 is published on their Instagram page. Just keep this in mind when planning, as there is the chance that the event might not go through as planned.

What is the main party at Manchester Pride?

This year’s festival newly introduced Mardi Gras in 2025. Meanwhile, the Gay Village Party runs from the Friday to Monday, turning Canal Street and Sackville Gardens into a big party. The weekend usually culminates with Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens on Monday offering a moment to reflect on grief, solidarity, and hope. Usually running in the lead-up to Pride is the SCENE Festival being a city-wide LGBTQ+ film festival in Manchester. After the parade, the heart of the after-party scene pulses back in the Gay Village, particularly along Canal Street. Check the website for the full program.

Manchester Pride Route

The Parade usually starts at midday on the Saturday. It winds through Manchester city centre, beginning near Beetham Tower, passing along Deansgate -> Peter Street -> Oxford Street -> along the Gay Village at Portland Street and Whitworth Street and heading toward Fairfield Street ending at Piccadilly Station.

Parade Starting Time

The Parade shoukd kick off at 12pm Saturday 29th August 2026. Floats and participants typically finish after around 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Key Facts

When did Manchester Pride first take place?

The first pride was hold in 1985 with a community celebration supported by the city council. In 1988, a major anti-Section 28 protest drew over 20,000 people to the streets. In 1991, the event (then known as Mardi Gras: The Carnival of Fun) was raising significant funds for HIV/AIDS. In 2003, Manchester hosted EuroPride, drawing around 37,000 attendees, after which the festival took on the name “Manchester Pride” and registered as a charity in 2007. Manchester was introducing the first UK inclusion of black and brown stripes in the rainbow flag in 2018, representing queer people of color. 

How many visitors to Manchester Pride?

Pre Covid the estimated turnout in 2019 was 170,000 visitors over the weekend and 2023 and 2024 should have been similar to this. Also in 2025 at least 150,000 can be expected. 

What is the theme this year?

In 2025 the official theme for Manchester Pride was “The Love Parade”, highlighting love’s power as driver for LGBTQ+ community.

For more information, check the official Manchester Pride Website (currently suspended) or the Manchester Pride Instagram page. For more Pride Events in Europe check the overview of Pride Events in Europe.