Following the collapse of Manchester Pride Events Ltd last year, the latest initiative marks a fresh start for the Pride celebration, focusing on inclusivity, safety, and community involvement.
The Manchester Village Pride (MVP) is a collective effort between local businesses and community stakeholders dedicated to resurrecting this important Pride celebration over the Summer Bank Holiday Weekend, from Friday, August 28 to Monday, August 31. The event will feature essential elements, including the parade, the Village party, and the vigil.
Manchester Village Pride is being backed by key partners including Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, City and Equity, and various LGBTQ+ organisations. MVP aims not only to restore Pride but also to strengthen its community roots. This plan is further bolstered by a Pride Fringe that will showcases a rich array of LGBTQ+ arts, culture, and nightlife.
To ensure transparency and community engagement, the Community Interest Company will host engagement sessions with local LGBTQ+ organisations, giving them a platform to provide input that shapes the event’s planning. Additionally, Manchester Village Pride will create a Community Advisory Board through an application process to incorporate diverse community perspectives in the decision making.
Carl Austin-Behan, a founding board member of MVP, expressed the group’s vision, stating, “Pride has a home – and that home is the Village – but Pride belongs to everyone.” His enthusiasm reflects the collective desire for a fresh start, emphasising a commitment to responsibility, equitable compensation for artists, and sustainable support for local charities and community services.
The initiative has attracted significant financial backing, with Manchester Village Pride securing loans of £120,000 from local venues, demonstrating a shared commitment to support the event. Austin-Behan added, “This renewed focus on community and transparency is an opportunity to ensure LGBTQ+ people across Greater Manchester feel supported and empowered.”
As the excitement builds in Manchester, local leaders are stepping forward in support. Deputy Council Leader Cllr Garry Bridges affirmed the importance of Pride for the city, stating, “Pride is vital for Manchester, as a symbol of our welcoming and inclusive city.”
With these solid foundations, Manchester is poised not only to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also to ensure that Pride remains a meaningful and inclusive experience for all, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience. The countdown to a historic and heartfelt Pride weekend has officially begun.
More details about this year’s Pride, including ticket sales, will be announced soon.
