The glitter may have settled, we may have had to face up to the reality of taking all those the empty bottles out to the recycling, and we really should be thinking about having a detox: but Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend – one of the biggest events in the city’s calendar – was absolutely epic.
It’s all about campaigning for equality and opportunities for LGBT people, but it’s also about firing up the smoke machine, putting your heels on (yes boys, you too) and having a bloody good time; here we recap some of the weekend’s most fantastic fun times:
1. The Parade
The jewel in the Big Weekend’s crown, the parade through the city centre sees thousands of participants from all corners of the LGBT community come together to show their wares in true party style. This year’s theme was Once Upon a Time and we even assembled our very own float, Festival On A Truck, showcasing a range of festivals throughout time (think Woodstock, 21 years of V Festival, Glastonbury through the ages), complete with a tepee, a grassy knoll and a drag queen or two….
2. Sophie Ellis Bextor
Everyone’s favourite princess of pop provided some suitable tunes at the Big Weekend. Feel good pop music is the beating heart of Manchester Pride, taking revelers well into the night, and Ms. Sophie Ellis-Bextor provided it in spades. A total babe, we’re still seething she didn’t win Strictly Come Dancing, but bopping along to Get Over You in the main arena obviously helped make up for it a little.
3. Sunday Funday
By the time Pride Sunday comes around, we’re usually flagging; so it’s the perfect time to check out the markets. Whether you want glitter, facepaint, fudge or… something more adult (lube, etc.) then the markets have you covered. We grabbed a cider (because the liver hadn’t taken enough damage already), some doughnuts and had a wander. By the time party time came back around (which wasn’t long), we headed over to Sackville Gardens where Kelly Wilde’s high-energy covers, with a campness you’d only see rivaled at Eurovision, had the crowed perked up in no time. It was clear she was having the time of her life; and because of that, so was every one else. Kelly is as much a staple of Manchester Pride as glitter facepaint and to be honest we just want to take her home and be her best friend.
4. Heather Small
M People icon Heather Small. Singing Proud. On stage. On the last night of Pride. Well played, Manchester, well played. After all, that’s exactly what the whole weekend has been about right: stay proud and fabulous guys.
The hard work of Manchester Pride doesn’t stop at the Big Weekend. Find out more about what they do and how you can get involved via their website.
And check out more of our amazing pics from the Big Weekend in our gallery below.
Tell us about your Pride adventures over on Twitter.
Words and photos: Sam Wright
