Manchester Pride

Being the third-largest metropolitan area in the UK, the event promises to be a massive celebration each time. This year, the event will be introducing the Mardi Gras festival as an addition to the Gay Village Party that takes place every year.

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 2025?

The event spans from 15-25 August 2025, peaking over the bank holiday weekend in late August. 

In 2025, the main Love Parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 23.

What is the main party at Manchester Pride?

This year’s festival newly introduces Mardi Gras on 23-24 August. Meanwhile, the Gay Village Party runs from the 22nd to the 25th, turning Canal Street and Sackville Gardens into a big party. The weekend culminates with Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens on Monday, 25 August, offering a moment to reflect on grief, solidarity, and hope. Also running in the lead-up to Pride is the SCENE Festival (15–21 August), a city-wide LGBTQ+ film, screen, and storytelling celebration, featuring screenings, comedy, panels, and creative performances at venues across 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 starts at midday on Saturday, 23 August. It winds through Manchester city center, 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 kicks off at 12pm Saturday 23rd August 2025. 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?

The official theme for Manchester Pride 2025 is “The Love Parade”, highlighting love’s power as a source of strength, resilience, and unity for LGBTQ+ people.