Manchester Pride Festival returns for 2023 and tickets are on sale now

The Manchester Pride Festival is returning for 2023 and tickets are now on sale for the hugely anticipated event.

The city’s Pride — which brings thousands of people onto the streets of Manchester in unity each year to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community — has revealed its huge programme of events and activities. The festival will kick off on Friday August 25th with celebrations rounding off on Monday 28th — that’s one hell of a Bank Holiday weekend!

Manchester Pride is part of a global Pride movement celebrating LGTBQ+ people and challenging discrimination. It is made up of several fringe events, providing opportunities to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, engage families and young people, and celebrate queer arts and culture. Events include:

Manchester Pride Parade

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

Gay Village Party

A space for all members of the LGBTQ+ family to come together, the Gay Village Party is the heart of the festival and a real celebration of LGBTQ+ life. The four day street party will see a whole host of performances from LGBTQ+ artists and performers. Tickets are required to enter the Gay Village Party performances.

Candlelit Vigil

The Candlelit Vigil is the culmination of Manchester Pride, closing the four day Festival on Monday 28th with a 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 and those who have been persecuted in the LGBTQ+ community, both here in the UK and around the world.

Superbia Weekend

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

Human Rights Forum

Taking place on Friday 25th, 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

Family Pride MCR provides a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages to enjoy Pride celebrations, with a special programme of events designed for little ones.

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.

Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of Manchester Pride Festival 2023 with an exciting schedule of events and our partnership with Booking.com. 

“We know how important it is to make the festival as accessible as possible, which is why six out of the seven events are free to attend. £2.50 from each ticket sale goes directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, details of which can be found on our website.”

Day tickets and weekend tickets are available, with all events scheduled on Monday August 28th free to attend — and low income, family tickets, and VIP options also available. 

A donation of £2.50 from every ticket will go to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, with the money going directly to LGBTQ+ causes and projects in Greater Manchester through the distribution of grants.

To book a ticket go to the Ticketmaster website.