A “groundbreaking” new drag school especially for LGBTQ+ youth and allies in Greater Manchester has been launched this week.
As part of a new partnership between Manchester Pride and local group Drag Kings of Manchester, the new drag school – which is called ‘The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things’ – is kicking-off with a series of exciting free summer workshops aimed at providing the region‘s LGBTQ+ youth and allies with “performance skills, confidence, and community”.
Offering “a transformative experience in the world of drag”, this innovative new drag school is exclusively for members of Youth Pride MCR aged 14 to 18, and those up to 25 with additional needs.
In case you’re not familiar with Youth Pride MCR, it’s a project by Manchester Pride that’s dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and their allies by creating a safe and inclusive community, and organising engaging workshops where participants can explore their identities, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections.
Those taking part in the new workshops at ‘The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things’ this summer will have the opportunity to develop their performance skills, learn about makeup and costume, build self-confidence, and ultimately perfect their drag performance craft.
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At the end of the five-week course, those taking part will then have a chance to perform at the Youth Pride MCR event as part of the legendary Manchester Pride Festival.
Manchester Pride says it has developed the workshops in response to feedback directly from the young people it supports.
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More than 50% of young people said they wanted to learn more about drag and creative performance.
Beyond the glamour and glitter, Manchester Pride and Drag Kings of Manchester say the workshop series also aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth and allies with “valuable experience and insights into the creative industries”, as well as help to improve their social and public speaking skills.
Manchester Pride launches ‘groundbreaking’ new drag school to teach LGBTQ+ youth performance skills / Credit: Youth Pride MCR
“We are excited to launch this unique and creative initiative, offering our young members a platform to express themselves, meet new people, and potentially ignite their passion for a career in the creative industries,” Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said ahead of the launch of the new drag school and workshop series.
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“The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things encapsulates the spirit of Manchester Pride, creating opportunities for the LGBTQ+ youth of our community to thrive, be seen, and heard.
“We are eager to see the talent and creativity that will emerge from this program.”
You can learn more about the workshops and upcoming events here.
Featured Image – Youth Pride MCR
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Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2023 
