Manchester Pride 2017: Parade route, travel advice, timings and who’s performing at The Big Weekend

Manchester Pride will take place this Bank Holiday weekend – and it’s set to be one of the biggest ever.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the pride march, with different campaign groups, charities, businesses and activists taking part.

The main attraction of Manchester’s pride season is The Big Weekend, which takes place from Friday 25th August to Monday 28th August.

The event has a huge amount to offer – with Clean Bandit, Mel C and Saara Alto performing over the weekend.

What is the route for Manchester Pride march?

The pride march takes place from 12.30 on Saturday August 26. It doesn’t have an official finish time, but it usually lasts a couple of hours.

You can expect to see a number of famous faces in the parade, with Coronation Street taking out a float full of their biggest stars.

The parade begins on Liverpool Road, before turning onto Deansgate, Peter Street and down towards Portland Street, alongside Manchester’s LGBT district, and over to the finishing point down Whitworth Street to Fairfield Street.

Here’s the map for full info:

Where can I watch the Manchester Pride parade route?

Individuals cannot take part in the parade itself, and applying for your organisation to take part is now closed.

But fear not – absolutely anybody can line the streets to celebrate the parade and embrace pride.

Vantage points for the route are marked with a ‘V’ on the above map.

The best places to watch the parade pass by are: Deansgate (Liverpool Road and Peter Street corners); next to Central Library; on the corner of Portland Street and Oxford/Princess Street corners and also on the corner of Whitworth Street and Princess Street.

If you stand anywhere along the allocated route you should get a good view – so fear not if the suggested areas are already busy.

What are the changes to roads and trains for travel on the weekend?

“As we approach the bank holiday there are lots of exciting events taking place such as Manchester Pride, travelling by train might not be the best mode of transport as Network Rail undertakes substantial engineering works affecting key stations in and around London. I’d advise making sure you check with your travel provider before venturing anywhere, just to save a headache when you get to the station.

“It looks like the trains aren’t the only place set to be busy, Friday afternoon from about 15:00 to 19:00 is set to be the busiest time on the roads. I’d advise avoiding the M5, M6 and the M1 during these times.

“I think it’s safe to say most forms of transport will be extremely busy starting from Friday afternoon, I’d advise allowing plenty of time to travel and not rushing anywhere. Enjoy the weekend and make sure you arrive at your destination safe and sound”.

“Once you’re in Manchester for the Pride weekend, I’d recommend finding yourself a spot on the parade route on Saturday, it’s going to be extremely busy with lots of crowds so make sure you have plenty of refreshments to enjoy the sights. I’d recommend getting yourself a weekend ticket to make sure you can see all the acts and enjoy what the weekend has to offer, it looks like it’s going to be a great weekend,” explained Chris Reilly MD.

During The Big Weekend there will be a number of road closures in place in the local area too.

Roads which are on the route – as per the map above – will be closed between 1am and 6pm Saturday 26th August.

The closures will be staggered, as will the reopening of those roads.

There is major disruption expected for people travelling from outside Manchester by train.

London Euston will be completely closed on Saturday 26 August and Sunday 27 August – that means no London to Manchester trains.

Trains will be running on Friday 25th August, however they are expected to be very busy, so travelling midday or reserving a seat on the evening trains is encouraged.

What should I wear to Manchester Pride?

Anything you want – literally!

One of the best things about pride is how open and accepting it is, so feel free to wear literally whatever you feel most comfortable in.

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What events have been organised for Manchester Pride 2017?

The Opus One Bar inside the Raddison Blu Edwardian Hotel, which is an official partner of Manchester Pride, is doing afternoon tea during pride weekend.

Profits will from afternoon teas on the weekend will be donated to the Manchester Pride charity, too, with the hashtag #BeeProud.

The Thomas Cook Airlines USA main stage will host singers and DJs throughout The Big Weekend.

When the biggest acts are performing the main stage area can get very busy – it isn’t huge – so getting there early for your favourite act is advised.

Friday

7pm -Screw the DJ, followed by Tacet

8pm – Saara Aalto

8.45pm – Pixie Lott

9.45pm – G-A-Y presents Melanie C

Saturday

4.45pm – Gok Wan DJ set

5.50pm – Lisa Maffia

6.20pm – N-Trance

7pm – Kelli-Leigh

7.35pm – Ultra Nate

7.50pm – Cutmore

8.15pm – Blonde

9.45pm – Example & DJ Wire

Sunday

DJ – Kriss Herbert

3.15pm – Valerio Lysander

3.50pm – Me and Deboe

4.35pm – Lucy Whittaker

5.15pm – Girli

6.05pm – Yes Lad

6.35pm – Starley

7.30pm – Will Heard

8.30pm – Louisa Johnson

9.30pm – G-A-Y presents Clean Bandit

Monday

3.40pm – Frankie Furlow

4.05pm – Divinia De Campo

4.30pm – Ruby Murray

5.05pm – Danny Beard

5.35pm – 5 to 5

5.55pm – Seann Miley Moore

6.30pm – Lucy Spraggan

7.15pm – 5 After Midnight

8pm – Liberty X Girls

There is also the Sackville Gardens Boutique Stage, hosted by Heather Peace, along with the Gaydio Dance Arena.

When and where is the Manchester Pride Vigil?

This is one of the most powerful parts of The Big Weekend.

The vigil takes place on the evening of Monday 28th August.

As the Manchester Pride website describes it: “The Candlelit Vigil also provides you with a space to remember those close to you who may no longer be with us and presents an opportunity to stand together in a united front as we recognise the many challenges that still exist and face LGBT communities from Manchester to the rest of the world.

“The Vigil is the spiritual heart of The Manchester Pride Festival and there is a truly magical and moving atmosphere of quiet reflection in the gardens.”