Manchester Pride 2025: Dates, tickets, parade route and full event lineup revealed

One of the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ festivals returns over the August bank holiday weekend, with a four-day celebration of love, activism and entertainment.

Manchester is set to come alive with colour and community this August as Manchester Pride 2025 brings four days of events, parties and protest to the heart of the city.

Running from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August, this year’s Pride theme is simply Love, a celebration of the strength and spirit of LGBTQ+ communities in the face of adversity. The festival includes a packed programme of music, drag, cabaret, family-friendly fun, and the annual parade through the city centre.

This year’s new addition, Mardi Gras, promises a high-glam spectacle of world-class performances, while the Gay Village Party returns with four days of queer joy, anthems, and inclusivity centred around Manchester’s iconic Canal Street.

Key ticket information

Only Mardi Gras and Gay Village Party require tickets, and both have limited availability remaining. Festival-goers must wear a Pledge Band for access to ticketed areas, which directly supports grassroots LGBTQ+ causes across Greater Manchester.

All Diamond and Gold VIP tickets are now sold out, though Platinum VIP tickets remain available, offering exclusive perks including private lounges, fast-track access, and daily drinks vouchers.

What’s on at the Gay Village Party

The four-day celebration in the Gay Village is rooted in community spirit, queer pride and performance.

1. Friday 22 August: Acts include Samantha Mumba, Moonchild Sanelly, Club Zindagi and more across the Alan Turing Stage and Indoor Arena.
2. Saturday 23 August: Expect BWitched*, Diana Vickers and a Gay Village legends showcase.
3. Sunday 24 August: Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, Danny Beard and Divas Only with Misty Chance top the bill.
4. Monday 25 August: The celebration winds down ahead of the Candlelit Vigil, with continued performances and closing acts.

Each night will end with a silent disco, and all stages are designed with accessibility in mind.

Mardi Gras: a brand new highlight

Hosted at Depot Mayfield and Freight Island on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August, Mardi Gras adds a flamboyant flair to Pride weekend.

Saturday’s highlights include Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter, and Ghetto Fabulous, while Olly Alexander, Nelly Furtado and Tulisa headline on Sunday. DJs, drag artists, and immersive shows will keep the party going late into the night across four vibrant stages.

Manchester Pride Parade: the beating heart of Pride

The iconic Manchester Pride Parade returns on Saturday 23 August, kicking off at 12 noon from Liverpool Road, weaving through central Manchester and finishing at Fairfield Street around 3pm.

This year’s theme, Love, acknowledges the power of unity and acceptance. An accessible viewing area will be available on Peter Street near The Midland Hotel.

Other events not to miss

• The Rally: A powerful launch event on Friday at Sackville Gardens, featuring speeches from LGBTQ+ campaigners and community leaders.
• Superbia Festival: On Saturday at Aviva Studios, showcasing queer art, culture and creativity.
• Community Lane: Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm, filled with market stalls, charity showcases and local makers.
• The Candlelit Vigil: A poignant closing ceremony on Monday evening at Sackville Gardens, honouring lives lost to HIV/AIDS and affirming solidarity across the LGBTQ+ community.