In the aftermath of last year’s celebrations, Pride bosses announced that 2022’s event would be returning to its roots. Highlighting the current hostility facing the trans community in particular, it was suggested that the Pride truly needed to be a protest.
Following a public consultation, it was decided that the music festival would move back to the Village, passing the torch once again to local acts and talent. As Manchester Pride 2022 opened this evening, this sentiment and commitment was plain to see.
Officially opening Manchester Pride 2022 on Friday (August 26) at Ducie Street Warehouse, alongside Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester Pride CEO Mark Fletcher reiterated the need to come together and continue to support those who still need help making their voice heard.
READ MORE: In pictures: Manchester Pride 2022 kicks off in style
“We kick off tonight in the Gay Village with the Gay Village Party and I implore you to get down there as we kick off with Trans Filth & Joy - a celebration of our Trans and Non-Binary citizens. We can’t be anymore over the moon to be putting them at the forefront of the weekend.
“This is a time when we really need to come together in solidarity and take to the streets, remembering the parties who have won - we have fought for this. But the protest continues, because we march in solidarity with those who are less privileged than us.
“It’s been three years since we’ve been able to take to the streets and march for our freedoms and we are so thrilled to be back out there, and I want to hear a big cheer, because this year we have a Manchester Pride parade. The theme for this year is peace and everyone has their own interpretation of peace - what it means for you individually, what it means for us collectively and what it is we’re striving for.”
Echoing his sentiments, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham took the mic and shared what the idea of protest in 2022 means to him. “In terms of protest, this year I want to protest at the people who continually fight culture wars.
“I’m fed up with it, because they’re constantly trying to divide us. We’re here to promote equality and diversity and that is what we will always do. Not seeing conflict on the streets, but bringing people together and that’s what I’m saying this year, no more culture wars."
Referencing the extremely challenging circumstances currently facing Greater Manchester and the nation more widely, he said that the city had overcome some very difficult times over the last few years. “We’re here, you’ve done it, we’ve made it happen.
“What have we got, we’ve got problems with trains, problems with vaccines - but nothing stops Manchester Pride. We’ve had a tough time, but you know what it’s alright because we’re going to have Jacob Rees-Mogg as levelling up secretary,” he joked.
Reflecting on what the annual LGBTQ celebration means to the city and the council, he said: “It’s hard to put a value on it - ok sure there’s the economic benefit - but there’s much more than that, it’s what it says about this place, what it stands for.
“It’s a celebration of our common humanity, it says to the world, Manchester is a place where everybody is welcome and everybody's free to be who they want to be, to love who they want to love, this is who we are everybody.
“And you have gone back to the roots, especially this year, and it’s going to be a fantastic Manchester Pride. We need to give people a lift in these challenging times, and bring some light, colour and celebration to the heart of the city this weekend.
“And that’s my message to Greater Manchester - get out there and have a great time. And if we do nothing else this weekend, promise me you’ll do one thing, show 10 Downing Street what a real party looks like.”
Just down the road, a sea of Pride flags lined Canal Street, as revellers came out to celebrate the start of Manchester Pride. At one end drag act Shania Pain led the crowd in a rendition of My Heart Will Go On, while at the same time Lara Stevens ‘I Said Hey What’s Going On’ blared out of the speakers, crowds swaying back and forth.
It’s always a colourful and joyous celebration, but this year with some major changes and tweaks to the format, the atmosphere feels especially electric as the annual LGBTQ event returns to its roots and is handed over to the community at the heart of it.
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