Trafford’s inaugural Pride festival is returning for a fifth year with a wide array of cabaret, comedy, theatre and dance celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
Pride In Trafford will take place from May 17-20 at Waterside Arts Centre in Sale with events featuring the likes of comedian and TV presenter Stephen Bailey, award-winning playwright Philip Stokes, and drag queen Belinda Scandal.
The four-day celebration will officially kick off with a flag raising event to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Wednesday, May 17. The opening ceremony at Sale Town Hall will also feature selection of speeches and song performances.
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Also on May 17 will be a performance of ‘The Chosen Haram’, from Turtle Key Arts and Sadiq Ali. The ‘unique and complex take on circus’ will be performed on two Chinese poles.
A ‘Bi-Topia’ show depicting LGBTQ+ life in a ‘world in war-time’ will run from May 17-20. The ‘hilarious, honest and raw’ exploration of an authentic Bisexual experience will be performed by Sam Danson and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair. The show will be accompanied by a visual arts installation at Sup Bar & Coffee House.
On May 18 at 7.30pm, Laugh Riot will feature comedians Stephen Bailey and Marie Goulbourne, alongside author and speaker Rosie Wilby and MC Jonathan Mayor for an evening of alternative comedy.
‘Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me’, also on May 18, is described as being a ‘twisted coming-of-age story’ exploring family dynamics by ‘Heroin(e) for Breakfast’ playwright Philip Stokes.
Local pizzeria Mano a Bocca will host a free outdoor celebration at Waterside Plaza on Saturday, May 20, featuring performers and family-friendly activities, including Mini Pride at Sale Library.
A high tea with a twist will also take place on May 20, featuring ‘glittery’ cakes, alongside theatrical high jinx and acrobats from performer Eleni Edipidi and Levantes Dance Theatre.
Pride In Trafford will end with a closing party disco and ‘camp cabaret’ hosted by iconic drag queen Belinda Scandal alongside an informal dinner on May 20.
Organisers behind this year’s event promise it will be a ‘real celebratory, meaningful and contemporary representation of LGBTQ+ culture and our community’ today.
Darren Adams, Producer for Pride in Trafford, adds: “Our closing day promises a family-friendly and joyful coming together for all ages with outdoor art, free performances and mouth-watering pizza. What is there not to love?!”
Pride in Trafford runs from May 17-20. More details on the festival programme and how to get tickets can be found here.
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