Gigs & Nightlife

Manchester Pride announces major new Mardi Gras event at Depot Mayfield

Let's get this party started!

Thomas Melia - 4th March 2025

There’s a brand new event launching that coincides with Manchester Pride and it’s coming to Depot Mayfield.

Manchester Pride is adding a completely new event as part of its summer showcase which gives us one more reason to look forward to those sunny skies and warmer months.

Titled ‘Mardi Gras’, anyone interested in attending the event can expect two days of high energy live performances and unity.

The name of this new event pays homage to the origins of Manchester Pride before the celebration adopted its official title.

‘Mardi Gras’ will be hosted between two neighbouring venues, both of which are popular for their ability to create outstanding shows, Freight Island and Depot Mayfield.

Freight Island is renowned for its use of indoor and outdoor spaces, and this two day spectacular will utilise all areas of the venue meaning everyone gets a chance to party.

Then Depot Mayfield, best-known for hosting the enormous Warehouse Project season, will also be used for Mardi Gras.

As well as this new concept, Manchester Pride will be running its usual joyous occasions in the Gay Village.

Once again, partygoers will live get the chance to see live entertainment across two stages, including the Alan Turing Stage and the Indoor Arena, both of which are set to be electric.

Cheaper Early Bird tickets are already on sale for Manchester Pride Festival 2025. Credit: The Manc Group — Gay Village will be adorned with various decorations this summer for Pride. Credit: The Manc Group

The Manchester Pride Parade is back for 2024. Credit: Carl Sukonik — Gay Village will be adorned with various decorations this summer for Pride. Credit: The Manc Group

Guests who are looking forward to Manchester Pride can expect a roster of independent food vendors, market stalls and funfair attractions helping to celebrate the festival in style at the Gay Village Party, keeping the city’s LGBTQ+ heart at the heart of the festival.

While Mardi Gras is expected to be a big part of the festival, Manchester Pride will also see the return of much-loved events such as the Manchester Pride Parade, Gay Village Party, The Rally, Candlelit Vigil, Superbia, Family Pride MCR, and Youth Pride MCR.

The celebration will, as usual, close with the Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens on Monday 25 August, in partnership with George House Trust.

David McGovern, Chair of the board of trustees at Manchester Pride, said: “Manchester Pride has always been about pushing boundaries, creating new opportunities for people to come together, and celebrating the incredible diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Mardi Gras represents the next step in this journey. Every year our audience has grown and with that, the demand for more ways to celebrate Pride has increased. Introducing this new dedicated venue at Depot Mayfield will mean we can invite new audiences and make Pride even more accessible for all to enjoy.”

Phil Burke, Chair of the Village Licensed Business Association, said: “The VLBA is thrilled to support this exciting new addition to Manchester Pride. It’s fantastic to see the celebrations expanding across the city while keeping the Gay Village at the heart of the festival.

“Mardi Gras was originally organised by Village venues back in the 1990s, so it’s wonderful to see our community’s rich history celebrated with this revival.

“Our members are proud to host the street parties, showcasing the brilliant LGBTQ+ venues and talent Manchester has to offer. We look forward to welcoming thousands to the Gay Village Party this August and remind attendees to purchase a ‘Gay Village Party Supporter Band’ which will give them access to all the venues within the Village, and ensures the safe delivery of the celebrations.”

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester Pride is one of the biggest and best Pride events in the country. It gives an opportunity for Manchester residents from all walks of life to celebrate LGBT+ culture and to continue the fight for equality and against injustice. It also sees huge numbers of people visit our city and shows us in our best, most inclusive light.

“As both Manchester and the event continue to grow, we look forward to seeing Pride celebrated across even more of the city this year whilst keeping the things we value most such as the Parade and the Vigil.”

The festival will kick off on Friday 15 August lasting 10 days until Monday 25 August, featuring the notable annual parade which still champions the fight for equality.

To register for tickets and to be on the mailing list for updates about Manchester Pride you can sign up HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)