What's On

Manchester Pride back with a bang for 2023 as tickets for Gay Village Party go live this week

Six of the seven main events at Pride 2023 are free — but the one you have to pay for is also one you don't want to miss.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 7th March 2023

We’re less than five months away from Manchester Pride 2023 and as one of the biggest annual events in the UK, let alone the city, there’s a huge programme of events and activities on the cards.

Kicking off on Friday, 25 August, the celebrations are set to last the entire bank holiday, with the party not rounding off until Monday, 28 August.

We don’t need to tell you how special Pride is in Manchester but, whilst we’re here: the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ life not only brings people from all walks of life together to have fun, demonstrate and champion individuality and community, but it also won the award for ‘Best Large Festival’ last year.

Now, for Manchester Pride Festival 2023, there are six wonderful events that are all absolutely free to attend, however, the ticketed Gay Village Party around Canal Street is back as always and passes go on sale this Wednesday at 12pm. It promises to the bigger and better than ever.

A space for all members of the LGBTQ+ family to come together, the Gay Village Party is the heart of the legendary annual festival. The four-day street party will see a whole host of performances by artists and performers from the community, with non-stop music, dancing and all-round good vibes.

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Whilst the rest of the festival at large is free to enjoy at your leisure, tickets are required to enter the Gay Village Party performances in and around Canal Street.

You can purchase either day or weekend-long passes tickets, with all events scheduled on Monday 28 August free to attend, not to mention, low-income tickets, family packages and VIP options available.

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Better still, £2.50 from every ticket will be donated to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, with the money going directly to LGBTQ+ causes and projects around Greater Manchester through the distribution of grants. You love to see it.

Credit: Supplied

Ticket options and prices include:

  • Weekend: £37.50
  • Friday ticket: £21.00
  • Saturday ticket: £31.00
  • Sunday ticket: £31.00
  • Monday ticket: Free plus £2.50 donation 
  • Diamond VIP (weekend): £182.50
  • Gold VIP (weekend): £122.50

To ensure the Manchester Pride Festival is accessible and inclusive in the midst of a cost of living crisis, more low-income packages have been made available as well:

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  • Weekend: £20.00
  • Friday ticket: £11.75
  • Saturday ticket: £16.75
  • Sunday ticket: £16.75

Manchester Pride 2023 free events programme

As for the rest of this year’s Pride Festival, you can access various different events for absolutely nothing and, always with the people behind this wonderful occasion, there’s plenty to be enjoyed.

Manchester Pride Parade 

The main event: Manchester‘s biggest parade will be returning to the city centre on Saturday, 26 August, with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies marching for equality in front of thousands of spectators.

Superbia Weekend 

You’ve also got ‘Superbia’, Manchester Pride’s year-round arts and culture programme, which offers a culturally rich alternative to other elements of the festival, creating space for all with a series of alcohol-free events and spotlighting new work from LGBTQ+ performers.

Human Rights Forum 

Taking place on Friday 25 August, the Human Rights Forum will bring together prominent activists and thought leaders to discuss the challenges that continue to face LGBTQ+ communities today, and what we as individuals can do to bring about political and social change.

Family Pride MCR

It’s never too soon to start celebrating pride. Family Pride MCR provides a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages, ally or otherwise, to enjoy Pride celebrations, with a special programme of events designed for little ones.

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Youth Pride MCR

A safe and nourishing space for young people to experience Pride in a way designed just for them, Youth Pride MCR is a free event specially curated for those aged 14-18 fusing fashion, music, art, performance and creativity. Manchester Pride is the only UK Pride event to have a dedicated space for young people.

Candlelit Vigil 

Manchester Pride Candlelight vigil

Last but not least, there is the Candlelit Vigil, which is the culmination of Manchester Pride, closing the four-day Festival on Monday 28 August with an ever-important moment of reflection in Sackville Gardens.

The home of Alan Turing, The National Transgender Memorial and the Beacon of Hope, the gardens are transformed into a sea of flickering candles to remember and honour those who we have lost to HIV, as well as those discriminated and persecuted against for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, both here Manchester, the UK and, indeed, all around the world.

Read more:

If you’ve ever come across Manchester Pride before, you’ll know that it isn’t just a Manc event; people travel from all over the country and even the globe to experience this legendary festival.

Pride 2023 is set to be an absolute belter as always and whether you’re coming along for the free events or wanting hoping to be part of the iconic Gay Village Party, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

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Once again, tickets for the Manchester Pride Festival 2023’s Gay Village Party go live at 12pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 8 March) and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Supplied

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 22 – 28 April 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Can you believe we’re already into our last full week of April, and May is right around the corner?

So far, April has been full of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more – and thankfully, there’s more where that came from as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with throughout this week too.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Bloomtown Blossom Trail

Manchester City Centre

Monday 22 April – onwards

Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage Gardens
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.

From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library, to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown Map.

There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more about 2024’s trail here.

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Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 22 April – onwards

Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

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The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 22 April – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

Find out more here.

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Did you see that one of the biggest charity shops has recently opened here in Greater Manchester?

The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton.

Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers can find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.

There’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.

And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s even the chance to get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, all without the hefty price tag.

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Find out more here.

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Power UP

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 22 April – onwards

Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group

Did you know there’s a huge gaming event currently happening in Manchester?

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With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back for more in 2024 down at the Science and Industry Museum, and it’s taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming every weekend.

There’s everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more to get stuck into, and each ticket includes unlimited play all day.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

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Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch

Pieminister

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Monday 22 April – onwards

Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Manc Group

Pieminister’s legendary pie bottomless brunch with free-flowing drinks has finally made a comeback.

The popular pie restaurant chain – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, and on Deansgate – is known and loved all across the UK for its thick and chunky pies, but its bottomless brunch offering is something else.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie, vegan, flexitarian, or gluten free, there’s something to suit everyone on the menu.

Find out more and book your bottomless brunch slot here.

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The Wizard of Oz

Palace Theatre Manchester

Wednesday 24 April – Sunday 5 May

The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets

A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is arriving here in Manchester this week.

Taking to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is set to be truly magical for all the family.

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Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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The Botanist LIVE

Greater Manchester

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April – onwards

The Botanist LIVE / Credit: Supplied

The Botanist has brought back The Botanist LIVE to “help everyone celebrate summer” with free live music every weekend.

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Set to “supply the soundtrack to your weekend” every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late, and guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.  

The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up and wait for its house band get the party started. 

Find out more here.

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Red Rose Diner

East Lancashire Railway

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Friday 26 April – onwards

Red Rose Diners / Credit: ELR

Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this week.

Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 March right through to November this year, East Lancashire Railway’s Red Rose Diners are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.

The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.

Find out more and book here.

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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?

The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.

So that means it’s time for a walk, right?

Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.

Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.

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Spring Fest

Alderley Park

Saturday 27 April

Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley

Spring Fest is taking over Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this Saturday.

With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, Spring Fest is a chance to celebrate the magic of spring and everything that it means for wildlife, animals, and nature.

You can expect a jam-packed day full of different outdoor family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.

Find out more here.

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Ex-Paw Extravaganza

Angel Meadow Park

Saturday 27 April

Ex-Paw Extravaganza / Credit: Ex-Paw MCR

A festival especially for dogs is all set to take over a popular Manchester city centre park for some “paw-tastic fun” this weekend.

And the best bit about it? It’s absolutely FREE to head on down to.

Back by popular demand, the Ex-Paw Extravaganza festival is returning to Angel Meadow Park near Manchester‘s Green Quarter this Saturday for a jam-packed day of “pawsome activity”.

Kicking off from 11am and running right through until 4pm, this year’s dog-themed festivities include a selection of different stalls to shop from, dog agility courses, puppy play areas, hands-on pet first aid courses, and so much more.

Find out more here.

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Looking for somewhere to go for a hearty roast dinner in and around Greater Manchester this weekend?

From the moment we start to feel the weekend rolling in, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to Sunday roasts, steaming jugs of gravy, and big glasses sploshing over with red wine.

It’s just the best feeling, and there’s plenty of it to be found here in our region.

We’re used to it being wet and miserable most of the year, and while we do love Sunday lunch on a sun-soaked afternoon in the beer garden when we get the chance, nothing warms the cockles more on those darker days than a giant plate piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and gravy.

Read our round-up of some of the best Greater Manchester roast dinners here.

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Featured Image – Ex-Paw MCR | The Manc Group | Bruntwood

What's On

Win VIP tickets to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Stockholm – plus flights, accommodation, a bar tab AND an annual pass for The Mezz

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Win tickets to see Taylor Swift in Stockholm with The Manc, the AO Arena and The Mezz. Credit: Flickr, Paolo Villanueva

We’ve got a treat for you – a rare chance to try and get yourself tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert, on the European leg of The Eras Tour.

The enormous tour is already the highest-grossing the world has ever seen, worth more than $1 billion.

Taylor Swift’s mammoth three-and-a-quarter hour live show has driven so much demand for tickets, ticketing platforms had to change their usual models so their websites didn’t crash.

These tickets are gold dust – but now we’ve got a couple of VIP ones up for grabs, completely free.

The Manc has teamed up with the AO Arena and its brand-new members-only restaurant and bar The Mezz for huge giveaway.

The grand prize is an all-expenses paid trip to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Stockholm.

It includes two VIP tickets to the show itself on Saturday 18 May, plus two return flights to to Stockholm from Manchester, and accommodation for two at the Quality Friends Hotel in Stockholm.

While you’re at the show at the Friends Arena, you’ll have a £250 bar tab to enjoy.

And when you return home to Manchester, your new VIP lifestyle will continue, with two annual passes to The Mezz for the rest of the year.

That gets you access to The Mezz’s incredible restaurant space – where the menu is designed by Michelin chefs Simon Rogan and Tom Barnes – and huge exclusive bar area.

And then you can enter the AO Arena itself through The Mezz’s designated doors to watch any show you fancy from the best seats in the house.

All you need to do to win is head to our Instagram page here or click on the post at the end of this article.

Make sure you’re following the AO Arena, The Mezz, The Manc, and The Hoot Leeds on Instagram.

Tag who you’d take with you on this once-in-a-lifetime trip in the comments, then share to your story for an extra chance to win (don’t forget to tag us!).

The competition for Taylor Swift tickets ends on Monday 22 April at 23.59.

Good luck swifties!

Read more

Featured image: Flickr, Paolo Villanueva

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