This weekend, Manchester is hosting its annual Pride festival, attracting thousands of attendees.

The parade featured hundreds of floats, with this year’s theme centering around “love.”

Headlining the Sunday night festivities will be Nelly Furtado, joined by Brit Award winner Olly Alexander. The celebration kicked off yesterday and will continue until Monday, August 25.

Former Little Mix member Leigh-Anne, as well as the bands Sister Sledge and B*Witched, are also scheduled to perform across various stages during the event.

Looking ahead to 2025, organizers have announced the introduction of Mardi Gras shows at Mayfield Depot, in addition to the Gay Village Party.

Carl Austin-Behan, the LGBTQ+ community ambassador for Greater Manchester, expressed that the essence of Pride for him has always been rooted in the Gay Village. Recalling his first visit in 1997, he described the experience as akin to being “like a kid in a sweet shop.”

“It was an overwhelming feeling, but it was one of acceptance—the venues, the people, the community, all drew me in,” he shared.

Austin-Behan emphasized his commitment to ensuring that newcomers feel “welcomed, open, and transparent” during their visits today, adding, “The parade plays a vital role in uniting everyone.”