The rainbow flags are billowing in the wind, the outdoor seating has been extended along Canal Street and the colourful outfits are out in full force - Manchester Pride 2022 is finally underway. This year's event, running from August 26-29, promises to be all about Pride's activist roots, and of course, the party too.
This year's main headliners include Spice Girl Melanie C, Drag Race UK icon Bimini and Girls Aloud's very own Nadine Coyle, and plenty more. Local acts include Lady Bushra, Misty Chance, Cheddar Gorgeous, Jsky and Frogboi, who will all being taking to the stage across the four-day event.
In a slight switch up, Manchester Pride's main stages will be all based within the Gay Village, with stages at Sackville Gardens, Chorlton Street Car Park and Sackville Car Park. And, after what feels like a lifetime, the Manchester Pride parade will finally return to the streets of Manchester City Centre - the first time since 2019.
READ MORE: Manchester Pride Parade 2022 time, route and where to watch it
Outside of the Village, meanwhile, there will also be Family Pride, Youth Pride MCR and Superbia, hosting a wide range of creative, artistic and family-friendly activities. You can find more about them here.
The Gay Village is already bustling with people heading into the party early, while builders and venue owners put the finishing touches on Canal Streets bars, clubs and restaurants. A number of venues along the street have also planned their own entertainment and events, with a number of singers and drag artists set to appear.
The party really gets underway this evening, kicking off at 7pm with a celebration of Trans Filth and Joy in Sackville Gardens, alongside Fat Pride on the Mancunity Stage at Chorlton Street Car Park, and a cabaret showcases hosted by Donna Trump at Sackville Car Park.
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