All Mancs know that Canal Street offers one of the best nights out in the city, and one particular bar has stood the test of time for almost three decades.
Via, right in the midst of the city’s LGBTQ+ heartland, has been part of Manchester’s epic nightlife scene ever since it opened in 1995.
It’s an institution of the Gay Village and is still serving up massive nights out when other bars in the area have shut their doors for good.
The secret to its success boils down to a perfect formula of live entertainment, food, outside space and fabulous interiors, all immortalised through groundbreaking TV shows like Queer as Folk and Cucumber.
Via was once a former carpet warehouse, but all those years ago was transformed into a gay bar, then known as Via Fossa.
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Its decor was inspired by Irish pubs, hence all the ornate, church-like wood and chandeliers, and although Stonegate have made a few changes since they took over in 2016 (a new bar here, a new seating area there), the bones and the soul of the venue haven’t changed a jot.
Here, it’s all about the live experience, especially the drag cabaret Via is famed for.
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Via has been part of Manchester’s epic nightlife scene ever since it opened in 1995 / Credit: The Manc Group
Sometimes that takes the shape of a tribute act – you’ll find the likes of ‘Madonna’ and ‘Cher’ parading around this legendary venue.
Other times it’s actual famous faces, which have included in recent times, or will include in the coming months, drag legend and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Danny Beard, Claire Richards from pop group Steps, Mutya Buena from Sugababes, Christina Bianco, Black Peppa, and X Factor’s Sam Bailey.
And it attracts its fair share of famous punters too – Fred Again, one of the hottest names in music right now who will headline Parklife in the summer, was partying in here with Romy from The XX not too long ago, documenting it all on his Instagram page.
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The inclusive and safe hotspot has been part of Canal Street’s vibrant nightlife scene for longer than almost any other bar. The only places that have been here longer are the New Union, REM Bar, and Cruz 101.
The secret to its success boils down to a perfect formula of live entertainment, food, outside space and fabulous interiors / Credit: The Manc Group
Mike Mitchell, general manager of Via, has ploughed masses of time and energy into the bar’s live entertainment, and has done since the minute Covid restrictions eased in 2021.
He wanted performers to be able to get straight back on to the stage after so many months without live work, and supercharged Via’s programme with cabaret shows all throughout the week.
Arguably its best night of the week is Sundays, when it’s a full cabaret show with around six acts in one night.
House acts Ky Kelly, Miss Penny, and Shania Pain are joined by other musical performances, with free entry and live entertainment for hours and hours.
During the daytimes, it’s a more relaxed pub-like atmosphere, with a menu that includes stone-baked pizzas, burgers, winges and loaded fries.
Describing the bar, Mike went for one word – ‘epic’, and who could possibly argue with that?
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Sustainable clothing brand Lucy & Yak to host first-ever PreLoved Weekender in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Popular sustainable brand Lucy & Yak is set to host its first ever pre-loved clothing event this bank holiday weekend.
Lucy & Yak is turning its stores into dedicated PreLoved hubs for an entire weekend – celebrating second-hand shopping with communities across the UK.
Since 2023, Lucy & Yak – which is an independent, people-focused brand with all items made using organic, natural, recycled, or deadstock fabrics – has kept more than 42,000 items, also known affectionately as ‘Yaks’, in circulation through its PreLoved scheme, where customers bring in and return their old pieces, and once processed, will then receive a money-off voucher to put towards their next purchase.
Damaged pieces are repaired or upcycled by the Re:Yak Studio team in Yorkshire, before being sold on in-store to find their new homes.
While Lucy & Yak stores carry a dedicated PreLoved rail year-round, this late May bank holiday weekend from Saturday 23 – Monday 25 May, the whole Manchester store experience will be transformed – with a much larger, expanded PreLoved section.
There’ll be everything from old gems to one-off pieces available to get your hands on – all still wearable, all still loveable.
As well as here in Manchester city centre, the PreLoved Weekender will also be taking place at Lucy & Yak stores in Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, Exeter, London, Norwich, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Portsmouth, so no matter where you are in the country this bank holiday, you don’t have to miss out.
What’s more is that fashion lovers in Manchester will also get to take part in a series of upcycling workshops in store on Bank Holiday Monday, with more events planned in the coming weeks.
The brand says its stores are ‘more than just shops’ – they’re spaces for the community to connect, and where Lucy & Yak’s values come to life in person.
Lucy & Yak’s first-ever PreLoved Weekender is coming to Manchester this bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
“We’re so excited to bring the PreLoved Weekender to our stores this May,” commented Lydia Coley, who is the Managing Director at Lucy & Yak.
“Lucy & Yak has always been built around community, creativity, and doing things a little differently, and PreLoved brings all of that together. We’re incredibly proud of keeping over 42,000 Yaks in circulation. Every second-hand Yak has a story, and this weekend is about helping those pieces find their next home in a fun way.”
The PreLoved Weekender will be taking place at Lucy & Yak’s Manchester store in the Northern Quarter this Saturday 23 – Monday 25 May, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
Daisy Jackson -
10th March 2023 
