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Manchester Pride confirms the festival will be happening this year
Some more good news
Manchester Pride has today confirmed the good news that it will be going ahead this year.
Plans for a physical festival to celebrate LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester are coming together for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The charity is planning to hold the Manchester Pride Festival, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, in its regular spot from Friday August 27th until Monday August 30th.
On Monday Boris Johnson outlined England’s roadmap out of lockdown, with the plan that live events will be able return this summer.
But with the pandemic always front of mind, Manchester Pride has revealed that it has alternative exciting plans which can be activated if the proposed dates for the roadmap out of lockdown change.
The four day event, which brings thousands of people to the city centre each year, is set to return for another weekend of campaigning, celebrating and fundraising for LGBTQ+ life, featuring activism, equality, youth and family, arts and culture, community and partying.
The team behind the festival is working towards a programme of events that includes all of the traditional elements, with some tweaks and allowances for the new restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The biggest difference will be a reduced capacity MCR Pride Live, which in response to audience feedback will be held at a smaller venue to ensure that the event is accessible, safe and viable.
To ensure the safety and comfort of festival-goers, artists and the Manchester Pride team the event’s capacity will be reduced by 50% – the venue will be revealed later this year.
Manchester Pride Festival 2021 will be made up of:
- THE GAY VILLAGE PARTY, 27th–30th August 2021
- MCR PRIDE LIVE, 28th– 29th August 2021
- MANCHESTER PRIDE PARADE, 28th August 2021
- THE CANDLELIT VIGIL, 30th August 2021
- SUPERBIA WEEKEND, 28th- 29th August 2021
- HUMAN RIGHTS FORUM, 29th August 2021
- YOUTH PRIDE MCR, 29th August 2021
- FAMILY PRIDE MCR, 28th August 2021
- + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “Manchester Pride is proud to part of a global Pride movement that celebrates advancements in equality and challenges discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people. As both a charity and organisers one of the UK’s largest Pride festivals, we had to fight for our survival throughout 2020.
“Having to postpone the Manchester Pride Festival in 2020 was necessary but extremely hard for myself and the team and I am so pleased that we are able to plan for an event in 2021. Naturally there is some uncertainty over what will happen in the coming months but we have to plan now in order to be able to deliver a festival of this scale.
“We are confident that by reducing the capacity of MCR Pride Live we can deliver the event, as long as the government’s plans for vaccinations and reopening of events and hospitality remain on track. With the health and safety of everyone involved our key priority, we remain cautiously optimistic and have plans in place to respond to a number of potential scenarios.
“Whatever happens Manchester Pride will deliver a celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Greater Manchester this August and we will do everything we can to make it a Covid safe, live, in person event across the city.
“If this just isn’t possible then we will host an alternative, innovative, world class celebration that incorporates socially distanced events and digital elements to ensure that LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester can come together to celebrate and ensure that our campaign for greater LGBTQ+ equality continues at this vital time.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic added: “We’re delighted that the Manchester Pride Festival is back for 2021 uniting people to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture. It’s been a difficult year for everyone and we look forward to working with Mark and the team to bring this much-loved festival safely back to the heart of Manchester.
“Virgin Atlantic has long been staunch supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and we strongly believe in making our business as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Although we haven’t been flying as many passengers as we’d like over the last year, we certainly haven’t been sitting still.
“We are working with Open for Business to show the economic impact that anti-LGBTQ+ laws have on countries around the world and how these laws restrict tourism and limit growth. In a post-Covid world, as travel and tourism recovers, it’s more important than ever for destinations to be open and welcoming to everyone.
“It’s an exciting time for us and as travel restrictions relax, we look forward to welcoming people back onboard Virgin Atlantic, flying them safely from Manchester to their favourite destinations including Orlando, Barbados, New York , Los Angeles, Islamabad and Atlanta.”
Tickets for all events, from Superbia Weekend to Youth Pride MCR, will be released over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled.
For those who bought tickets for the events due to take place in 2020, tickets were automatically rolled over to 2021.
Should the event be cancelled or rescheduled, all tickets will be automatically rolled over to 2022, and anyone who doesn’t want to roll forward their ticket will have the option for a refund at face value.
For more information about the festival, head over to the website here.
What's On
The UK’s largest vintage pop-up market is coming to Manchester this weekend
Refresh your wardrobe at the Glass Onion vintage pop-up
Fashion lovers can browse a variety of items at a huge pop-up vintage market in Manchester this Sunday.
Glass Onion vintage pop-up is back in town and thrifters can get their hands on all sorts of gorgeous garments and fantastic retro-wear to add to their wardrobe.
The UK’s largest vintage retailer will bring its abundance of vintage clothing and accessories to New Century on Sunday December 3rd.
Shop vintage brands, Y2K, American and European vintage, designer clothes, premium and rare clothing items, including Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Burberry, Diesel and North Face.
Founded in 2004 selling vintage gems from a coal shed in Barnsley, Glass Onion has been sourcing and selling items on market stalls and festival pop-ups, processing up to 20,000kg of second hand clothing every single week.
Now Glass Onion has its own in-house remade factory, where they recycle and transform damaged and unwanted clothing into something wardrobe-worthy, saving items destined for landfill.
It even has its very own premium vintage boutique with exclusive pieces curated especially by GO’s product team.
The vintage retailer has become renowned for its pop-ups, held all over the country attracting hundreds of vintage hunters at every event.
On Sunday, shoppers can expect over 65 rails of unique and diverse clothing, including statement pieces as well as everyday wardrobe staples.
Browse through the deals area with items at £10, £15 and £20 – buy two of the same price and get £5 off, as well as more great offers.
Early access tickets are £5 for those who want to get down first and check out the incredible stock, tickets are then just £1 after the first hour and free for the last hour. For tickets, click HERE.
The vintage pop-up event is on Sunday December 3rd, 11am – 4pm at New Century Hall, 34 Hanover St, Manchester, M4 4AH.
Follow @glassonionvintage on Instagram for some sneak peeks at what’s to come.
What's On
Avril Lavigne announces huge outdoor gig in Manchester next summer
The ‘00s icon is coming to Manchester!
Avril Lavigne is coming to Manchester to perform a huge outdoor gig at Castlefield Bowl next summer.
The Canadian singer-songwriter has announced two outdoor shows in the UK in 2024.
She will be performing at Cardiff Castle on July 2nd before heading to Manchester to play at Castlefield Bowl on July 3rd, as part of the Sounds Of The City series.
The star will be supported by Canadian rock band Simple Plan, best known for their song ‘I’m Just a Kid’.
Lavigne enjoyed success with her pop-punk songs in the noughties, including the hits ‘Sk8er Boi’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘Girlfriend’.
She is best known for her monochrome punk-style, smokey eyes and long blonde hair – something every skater girl wannabe copied.
The punk-pop star shared her latest studio album back in February 2022 under the title ‘Love Sux’. She later released an expanded deluxe version of the LP in November of that year.
She has received eight Grammy Awards nominations, including Best New Artist.
The UK tour will be a celebration of her Love Sux album and will be part of wider touring throughout Europe in 2024, taking place at festivals including I Days in Milan on July 9th, Festival de Nîmes in Nîmes on July 10th, and Festival Cruïlla in Barcelona on July 12th.
The singer is yet to announce any more UK dates as of yet, but the upcoming dates in Manchester and Cardiff won’t be her only shows lined up for next summer.
Tickets to see Avril Lavigne perform next year will go on sale this Friday, December 1st, at 10am and will be available to buy HERE.
What's On
Tinsel Town festive fairground and ice rink returns to Trafford Centre this Christmas
There’s even a festive funfair with an ice rink and a big wheel
The Trafford Centre has the festive season covered with plenty of events planned for all the family – check out what’s on.
From Santa’s Grotto to Tinsel Town, as well as exciting new store openings, book signings and exclusive brand pop-ups, there’s always something new to discover.
Here’s what’s happening at the Trafford Centre this festive season:
Black Friday Sales
November is coming to an end and Christmas shopping is well underway, so why not head over and grab some deals while you’re on the hunt for presents – you could even treat yourself.
Many sales have already gone live with the rest happening this Black Friday, November 24th.
Black Friday highlights include up to 50% off at Lakeland and Levi’s, 30% off everything at Ted Baker, and 25% off at Molton Brown and Carvela.
The Grotto: Dear Santa
Step into the immersive wonderland of Santa’s Grotto this Christmas. Families will journey through the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in search of Santa’s Merry Mailroom.
The Grotto can be found on Lower Peel Avenue, near the Dolphin Fountain. ‘Whispering Winter’ inclusive sessions are also available for those families who prefer a more relaxed experience.
The Grotto is open now until December 24th. Tickets cost £25 for children / £7.50 for adults and are available now, click HERE.
Tinsel Town
The huge festive fairground is back and has plenty of exciting rides suitable for younger kids and older thrill-seekers too.
Open now until January 1st, 2024, attractions include teacups, a caterpillar rollercoaster and funhouse. There is also the thrilling Snow Jets ride or the Starflyer, as well as a brand new attraction VOID – calling all you dare devils!
Christmas market stalls will be dotted around with a variety of food and drink vendors selling Yorkshire Pudding wraps, bratwurst, burgers pancakes, donuts, mulled wine, hot chocolates and plenty more.
Tinsel Town entry costs £2 if booked online in advance, or £2.50 on the day, with ice skating sessions sold separately. Purchase tickets by clicking HERE.
Skate at Tinsel Town
This ice rink is covered in a traditional-style canopy decorated with twinkling fairy lights and is open now until January 1st, 2024.
Take to the ice on a 25m x 20m shimmering, covered ice rink for a 45-minute ice skate session to celebrate the winter season. Glide away under a sky full of twinkling lights whilst festive music transports skaters to a whimsical, festive haven.
Ice skating tickets are £12.50 for adults and £10 for children off-peak / £15 for adults and £12.50 for children peak, for a 45-minute ice skating session, with entry to the Tinsel Town fairground sold separately.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Gandy’s Snowstorm 3: Northern Lights
Don’t miss this sensational ice-skating show live from the heated theatre big top, on 200 sq. meters of shimmering real ice. Be wowed by this all new production featuring 16 ice skaters, international circus stars, amazing special effects, and the return of the massive ice bears!
The show begins on November 24th and runs until January 1st, 2024. Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Big Wheel
It’s back and it’s here until January 7th, 2024.
You’ll be able to enjoy all the glittering lights and sights as you soar above the ground at a staggering 55 metres high. Take in the incredible views and a little piece of magic this Christmas.
Letters to Santa at Selfridges
Bring the little ones along to post their Christmas lists to Santa. Don’t forget to include your return address – Santa just might write back. Make sure to get them in on time; last posting date is Monday, December 4th. Find out more on the Selfridges website HERE.
Charity gift wrapping
This handy service will be here to help with a dedicated team of volunteers from a number of North West charities from December 14th – 21st.
Volunteers will expertly wrap your gifts in return for a donation. Find them on lower Regent Crescent, outside JD Sports.
Ladbaby book signing at WH Smith
Ladbaby will be in-store on November 25th.
Social media phenomenon Ladbaby, aka Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, are the creators of the bestseller ‘Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper’ and will be joining WHSmith for a Christmas signing of ‘Greg the Sausage Roll: 12 Days of Christmas: A LadBaby Board Book’.
Tickets are £7.99 includes entry and a of the book to be collected at the event.
Parents accompanying their children do not require a ticket (one accompanying adult per child with ticket.) Find out more and book HERE.
Get Prepped for Party Season at Selfridges
Don’t miss Selfridges Beauty Workshop Series from November 22nd – 26th where beauty brands CHANEL, Dior & YSL Beauty and more will be sharing their expert tips and favourite looks for party season. Find out more and book HERE.
New store openings
Lululemon and Lounge have opened new stores, ‘Skinwear’ brand Narvvi will be joining the centre this month, and Holland & Barret has had a store makeover. LEGO fans of all ages will love discovering their brand new store, and Marks and Spencer’s much anticipated new store will open on November, 30th.
Find something to do in Manchester
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