Manchester is set for a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ culture this August, with organisers unveiling the city's first-ever Pride Fringe programme to run alongside Manchester Village Pride.
The new initiative will see venues, cultural institutions, businesses and community organisations across Manchester host a wide range of events, including film screenings, live performances, comedy, exhibitions, family activities and club nights.
At the heart of the programme is SCENE: Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival, which returns for its third year from 20 - 27 August. The festival will feature screenings, panel discussions, comedy events and appearances from leading figures in television and film, including It's A Sin creator Russell T Davies and producer Nicola Shindler.
Manchester Village Pride itself takes place from 28 - 31 August, with this year's parade adopting the theme "No Place Like Home", inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Organisers say the theme reflects Manchester's reputation as a welcoming city for LGBTQ+ people.
Alongside the parade, the festival will include a Community Showcase in Sackville Gardens, the annual Pride Vigil, a Dance Arena celebrating queer club culture and a Family Day featuring activities for LGBTQ+ families and allies.
The wider Pride Fringe programme includes performances at HOME and Aviva Studios, LGBTQ+ history tours, exhibitions, community events and family-friendly activities across the city. Highlights include a drag tribute to Schitt's Creek, a queer cabaret showcase, comedy nights, line dancing events and the launch of the inaugural Liberation Pride Pageant.
Family-focused events will include Proud Fest at Great Northern Warehouse, hosted by Drag Queen Story Hour UK's Aida H Dee, while Manchester Arndale will stage its Pose with Pride weekend featuring live entertainment, makeovers and community activities.
A number of events will also raise funds for LGBTQ+ organisations, including the LGBT Foundation and Trans Mutual Aid.
Carl Austin-Behan, spokesperson for Manchester Village Pride, said the response from businesses and organisations across the city had been overwhelming.
"People often say, 'It takes a village', and this year Manchester has proved exactly that," he said. "From hotels and independent businesses to cultural venues, retailers, community organisations and countless individuals, people have come together to show what Manchester does best: supporting one another."
He added that this year's "No Place Like Home" theme reflected Manchester's long-standing reputation as a city that welcomes people for who they are.
Kumar Mishra, chair of Manchester Accommodation BID, said extending Pride celebrations across the month would give visitors even more reasons to visit the city and explore its LGBTQ+ cultural offer.
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