Pride Month, celebrated in June each year, is fast approaching. But why, how, and where is it celebrated, we hear you ask?
Pride Month is traditionally celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of riots for gay liberation that began on June 28th, 1969. These riots were monumental, and considered a turning point in the fight for LGBT+ rights.
Today, Manchester is one of the best places to show your support as an ally, celebrate your own identity, or learn more about the LGBT+ community. In fact, we can’t think of a better place to celebrate Pride Month than our beautiful city.
Don’t believe us? Check out our list of ways to show your Pride this June in Manchester.
While the official Manchester Pride celebration isn’t until August, don’t be put off — there are still plenty of ways to get involved with the LGBT+ community in Manchester. Whether you want to take in a bit of culture, or a park picnic is more your scene, there’s something for everyone in Manchester this Pride Month. Here are some of our favourite events to check out this June.
Salford’s annual Pink Picnic is back this June 17th at Peel Park, and with a line-up of local drag artists, dancers, musicians, and activists performing on stage, it’s definitely not to be missed!
The Pink Picnic is Salford’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Non-binary plus (LGBT+) pride event, and is now in its twelfth year. As a grassroots celebration of the LGBT+ community that aims to keep the essence of Pride at its heart, The Pink Picnic brings together local businesses, groups, charities, and of course, people to showcase Salford’s diversity.
You can find out more about the event and grab your tickets here.
Lovers of theatre, music, and all things extra: this one’s for you!
On the opening weekend of this year’s Pride Month, the talented Danny Beard will be joined by West End star Matt Henry and Alison Jiear (star of Jerry Springer: The Opera) to lead a line-up of outstanding musicians and singers in ‘brand-new orchestral arrangements, presenting the music of Pride as you’ve never heard them before’. Sounds good to us!
Pride Classical sets out to celebrate the iconic tracks that truly represent Pride to the LGBT+ community, and will culminate in a brand-new community-composed Pride anthem. We’ll see you there!
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here.
Even if you’re a Manchester newbie, you’re sure to have heard of the famous Gay Village. Located just South of Chinatown, the Village serves as a hub of bustling bars, clubs, and cafes, as well as being Manchester’s own piece of living social history.
Looking to pay Manchester’s Gay Village a visit? Here are some of its must-visit spots.
If you’re looking for an inclusive, mind-blowing night out on Canal Street, look no further. Complete with music video walls, the Manchester equivalent to the landmark London venue is a veritable pop paradise.
Spread out over three floors and with a fully heated rooftop terrace, G-A-Y is a great choice for those wanting a fabulous night on a budget.
You can find out more about the venue over on their Instagram @gaymanchester.
For those wanting to enjoy the inclusivity of the Gay Village without getting too boozy, head on down to Richmond Tea Rooms on Sackville Street. This Alice in Wonderland-inspired venue combines a stunning fantasy-themed interior with a delicious menu of freshly made sandwiches, shakes, and, of course, cocktails. You’d have to be mad to miss this!
Richmond Tea Rooms hold a regular calendar of events from burlesque to Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, so check out their website to make sure you don’t miss out this June.
How are you planning to show your Pride this June? Let us know over on our socials @mapartments_.