The ultimate guide to Manchester Pride 2025

Get ready to celebrate in Manchester for Pride 2025, one of the UK’s most vibrant and inclusive Pride events! From the iconic Gay Pride parade to dazzling parties and show-stopping performances, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip to the famous festival.

From the dates of Manchester Pride weekend this year to the event’s line-up and schedule, get ready to immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colour and unity that takes over the city. Don’t forget to book your train tickets early to join the festivities!

What is Manchester Pride?

As a key highlight of Pride Month celebrations, Manchester Pride brings together thousands to honour LGBTQ+ communities. The city will come alive with spectacular events, from the iconic parade and dazzling performances at Mardi Gras to family-friendly activities and reflective moments at the Candlelit Vigil.

Manchester has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ equality. In 1964, the trailblazing Northwest Homosexual Law Reform Committee was formed, helping to drive the decriminalisation of homosexuality. And in 1988, over 20,000 voices roared through the streets to protest Section 28. These powerful historical moments have paved the way for today’s celebrations, where love and acceptance take centre stage.

When is Manchester Pride 2025?

Pride weekend in Manchester will take over the city from the 15th to the 25th of August 2025, climaxing over the Bank Holiday weekend when the ticketed events will be held. Mark the Manchester Pride dates in your calendar for an unforgettable celebration of unity and self-expression.

Ticketed Manchester Pride events and schedule

Manchester Pride is a celebration that highlights the vibrant energy and inclusivity of the city. At its heart lies the iconic Gay Village around Canal Street, which transforms into a buzzing hub of rainbow flags and live music. The festival offers so much more than just a party, though. It’s a movement with a purpose. Through a variety of outreach activities, Pride aims to educate and inspire the wider community about LGBTQ+ issues. Even better, all proceeds from ticketed events go directly to the Manchester Pride charity that works tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals across Greater Manchester.



Check out the activities available in our go-to guide below.

Dance the night away at the Mardi Gras Festival

Prepare to bring the glitter and soak up the glam, because Mardi Gras is the dazzling new highlight of Manchester Pride! This epic two-day extravaganza at Depot Mayfield is bursting with a line-up of world-class artists, including Olly Alexander and Leigh-Anne. You’ll be partying into the night with fabulous drag royalty, electrifying DJs and jaw-dropping cabaret shows.

With three huge indoor stages to explore, a buzzing food village to keep you going, secret day raves like the mischievous Behind the Butchers Curtain and chic VIP hideouts, Mardi Gras is shaking up the Pride experience (for the better!). And don’t worry, the beloved Gay Village Party is still in full swing – with your Mardi Gras ticket including a Gay Village Support Band, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re dancing under the big lights of Depot’s headline acts, soaking up the magic of Freight Island’s performances or partying non-stop at Concourse, this is Pride celebration dialled up to the max.

Location: Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY
Dates & times: 23rd-24th August: 12pm-11pm
Cost: Tickets start at £83.16 per person

Shimmy your way around the Gay Village party

The heart and soul of Manchester Pride, the Gay Village Party is a vibrant celebration packed with music and community spirit. At its centre is the Alan Turing Stage, where you can belt out queer anthems, cheer on stunning drag performances and dance the night away to showstopping Pride divas.

Step inside the Indoor Arena, a crowd favourite, and get swept up in dance beats and electric energy, before turning up the fun at the late-night silent disco. But the magic doesn’t stop there! The streets of the Gay Village come alive with its iconic LGBTQ+ bars and venues hosting pop-up parties and live performances. Even your four-legged friends can get involved at Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show, which will be returning for another year. So, whether you're a regular or a first-timer, the Gay Village Party is the ultimate way to celebrate Manchester Pride in 2025.

Location: Sackville Gardens, 41 Whitworth St, Sackville St, Manchester, M1 3WA
Dates & time: 22nd-25th August: 5pm-2am
Cost: Day tickets start at £18.90 & weekend tickets start at £29.70 per person

Take part in Manchester’s Gay Pride Parade

This year’s Manchester Pride Parade is all about celebrating love in all its glory! Love has always been a beacon of strength and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community, empowering people to live authentically, even in the face of adversity. The Love Parade is your chance to march proudly through Manchester’s streets, joining tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies as the city comes alive with colour and unity. The exact parade route and map have not yet been released, so keep your eyes peeled on the Manchester Pride website for more information.

Whether you’re marching in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, this spectacular event invites everyone to wave their flags, raise their voices and proudly stand for love.

Date & time: 23rd August: 12pm
Cost: Applications are free for LGBTQ+ or HIV organisations, other applications are dependent on the ‘Category’ and number of walkers

Get the whole squad involved at Family Pride

Family Pride returns on the 23rd of August, celebrating the diversity of modern families in all forms. From LGBTQ+ families and single-parent households to same-sex parents, adoptive families, foster families and multi-family homes – this event is a joyous tribute to love and belonging. Partnering with Proud2bParents, Family Pride aims to ensure that children experience stories that mirror the beautifully diverse world around them, where every family is cherished and included.

This inspiring initiative also features a curated guide to Manchester’s most welcoming and family-friendly spaces, making it easier for families to connect and celebrate Pride in a way tailored just for them.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Manchester Pride website for information regarding tickets and times for this part of the festivities.

Other Pride Events in Manchester 2025

Not all Pride celebrations require a ticket to join in on the fun! Across Manchester, there are plenty of fun free events that welcome everyone to come together and celebrate. From colourful parades marching through bustling streets to quiet moments of group reflection, these experiences are as varied as the people they bring together. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the energy of the crowd or enjoy a quieter moment, these accessible events ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Continue the protest at The Rally

The Rally launches Manchester Pride’s Bank Holiday weekend on the 23rd of August with a bold call to action. Uniting LGBTQ+ rights activists, thought leaders and the community, it’s a powerful moment to celebrate progress, honour shared history and tackle the fight for equality head-on. Expect inspiring speeches, show-stopping performances and fierce discussions. More than an event, The Rally is a platform for change, set against Manchester’s proud legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s your reminder that Pride is both a celebration and a protest.

Honour LGBTQ+ communities at The Candlelit Vigil

The Candlelit Vigil is a profoundly moving part of Manchester Pride, created in partnership with George House Trust. Set amidst the serene and historic surroundings of Sackville Gardens on the 25th of August, this heartfelt gathering invites LGBTQ+ communities and allies to come together for a moment of reflection and unity. It’s a time to honour those lost to HIV, support those still fighting, and confront the ongoing stigma surrounding the epidemic. Bathed in the glow of candlelight, the vigil serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ communities in the UK and globally. Together, attendees stand in solidarity, demonstrating unwavering commitment to raising awareness and breaking down barriers.

Look out for Superbia events throughout Pride Month in Manchester

Superbia, launched in 2015, is Manchester Pride’s vibrant year-round programme of events and projects. It curates, funds and supports LGBTQ+ initiatives across Greater Manchester, providing a platform for creativity and community connection through collaborations with local groups and collectives.

Between the 15th and 25th of August, Superbia will take centre stage at the Manchester Pride Festival, delivering a specially curated programme of LGBTQ+ arts and culture events. Every aspect will celebrate acceptance and inclusivity, from thought-provoking exhibitions to immersive performances.

Build confidence and connections at Youth Pride

Youth Pride in Manchester is a vibrant programme specially curated for LGBTQ+ people aged 14-18, blending fashion, music and art. Delivered in partnership with akt and the Proud Trust, it’s a safe space designed to build confidence, nurture connections and encourage self-expression. With a focus on helping young people explore diverse identities and gain new skills, Youth Pride MCR offers the perfect platform for young creatives to flourish and shine authentically.

With so much happening for Manchester Pride 2025, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding on activities! Book your train now to Manchester to avoid disappointment.

For more inspiration on things to do to celebrate across our network, check out our guides on 5 ways to celebrate Pride Month and beautiful places to visit in the UK.