Your ultimate guide to Manchester Pride

Make a stand at The Rally (22nd August 2025)

Let’s be clear: at its core Pride is, and will always be, a protest – so kick off as you mean to go on by standing together to protest against discrimination and prejudice, amplify LGBTQ+ voices, and drive progress. Expect to be inspired and educated by impactful speeches and performances from LGBTQ+ rights activists, thought-leaders and community members reflecting on the community’s history and painting a hopeful, tangible picture of the future.

Details of the 2025 event are yet to be released, but keep an eye on the Manchester Pride website and Instagram for updates.

Witness the legendary Manchester Pride Parade (23rd August 2025)

It’s big, it’s loud, it’s smothered in glitter… If you’re heading to Manchester Pride, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Each year the city centre grinds to a halt as thousands of people take their positions to witness the fantastical, technicolour procession. The theme for 2025 is ‘Love’ – a source of strength and resilience for LGBTQ+ people in the face of historical and ongoing discrimination

Starting at midday from the junction of Liverpool Road and Deansgate, the parade winds through the city centre – including Deansgate, Peter Street, Oxford Road, Portland Street, Princess Street, and Whitworth Street – in a joyful display of solidarity, eventually ending at Fairfield Street. If you’re staying at Whitworth Locke you’re perfectly positioned – the parade route passes just a 6-minute walk from your apartment. Arrive early to nab a good spot for cheering on the floats, dancers, marchers, and merrymakers.

Top tip: Dress for success (and excess)

Manchester weather is notoriously unpredictable, even in August, so bring layers and sunscreen (optimism never hurts, right?). Otherwise, more is more – think colour, glitter, costumes… This is your chance to go all out.

Get ready to serve at Mardi Gras (23rd-24th August 2025)

New for 2025, this high-energy, high-glam, high-queer festival is taking over Depot Mayfield for two days of world-class artists, DJs, drag royalty, cabaret, and untamed euphoria. We’re talking three massive indoor stages, secret day raves, exclusive VIP hideouts, and a food village to keep you fuelled all weekend. This year’s bonanza is headlined by Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne and Billy Porter, with special guests Big Freedia and Tulisa – but there are loads more artists to get excited about on the lineup. 

Happening from 12pm to 11pm on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th, grab your tickets before they inevitably sell out. Even better, you’ll get a free Gay Village Supporter Band (or Pledgeband) – a.k.a. your all-access pass to a whole world of queer joy happening at the Gay Village Party.

Throw shapes at the Gay Village Party (22nd-25th August 2025)

Stretching from Princess Street (just across the road from Whitworth Locke) up to Chorlton Street, and from Major Street over to Fairfield Street, Manchester’s Gay Village is the heart and soul of Manchester’s queer community. It’s a hive of fun over Pride bank holiday – think cabaret, funfair rides, a silent disco, market stalls, food trucks and queer anthems blasting out of every speaker.

This year’s Party is a real treat with appearances across two stages from pop and disco legends including Samantha Mumba, B*Witched, Sister Sledge ft. Kathy Sledge and Diana Vickers – with loads more on the website and still to be announced. Plus, don’t skip the Gaydio Dance Arena or the barking-mad Ginny Lemon's Dog Show in Sackville Gardens (don’t ask, just go).

Your Gay Village Supporter Band gives you entry to all venues and performances in the Gay Village, while raising funds for a great cause – £2.50 from every pass goes straight to the Community Fund ringfenced for their grants programme.

Top tip: Be cool, stay hydrated

Dancing your face off + hot weather + long bar queues = dehydration stations. Avoid putting a dampener (no pun intended) on your party by carrying a water bottle – you can always nips back to your apartment around the corner at Whitworth Locke to fill up if you need.

Take a moment to reflect at the Candlelit Vigil

Despite the excess of colour, glitter, and unbounded joy, the fact is Pride isn’t all fun and games. Held in Sackville Gardens on the final evening of Pride, this moving ceremony is a reminder of the very serious purpose underpinning it all. Surrounded by flickering candles, take a moment to join together and remember those lost to HIV/AIDS – and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ communities everywhere.

From Whitworth Locke: Sackville Gardens is a 12-minute walk from your doorstep. The Vigil typically starts around 9pm, so you'll have time to grab dinner at the Locke before making your way over. After the emotional evening, you're just a short walk from the comfort of your apartment.

Hotels near Manchester’s Gay Village

Perched on Princess Street, Whitworth Locke is the perfect hotel near Manchester’s Gay Village. Just minutes from the Pride action but far enough away for the occasional time-out, you can dance until dawn then wobble home to your very own design-led apartment. (Plus, our social spaces are perfect for pre-gaming with fellow Pride-goers.)