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It's hard to believe that Manchester Pride has been around for 18 years - maybe because of it's various guises as Mardi Gras, GayFest, EuroPride and the AbFab Weekend. During that time, it's built itself up to one of the biggest Pride events in the country and is now a registered charity in its own right. This year will be a right old celebration - you can expect the usual fun and frolics in and around Manchester's Gay Village and Canal Street with all the venues doing their utmost to keep that party going all weekend. There'll be stages, and group areas, along with markets and foodstalls. The week's run up to the big weekend will also feature lots of other events - from clubbing and partying through to arts and cultural entertainment.
times:Check nearer the time for details of all the events at Manchester Pride.door tax:Wristband sales will be announced nearer the time.
Thursday, 21st August
My First Pride Exhibition @ Urbis, Manchester
Celebrating ‘My First Pride’ will document over 18 years of ‘first timers at Pride’ held at URBIS one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings. The exhibition will highlight the effect Manchester Pride has had on people’s lives and display the many memories that have been made. view map
times:10am - 6pm.door tax:Free Entry
Military Pride @ Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
Military Pride is a small but powerful display which reveals via portrait photography and personal testimony the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people within the context of conflict, war and military service. Military Pride will also detail historical context and a timeline of post 1945 legislature and policies within the Armed Forces and is timed to connect with the Manchester Pride Festival. view map
times:10am - 6pm.door tax:Free Entry
Pride Chamber Music @ BBC Manchester, Manchester
A series of lunchtime concerts running throughout Manchester Pride will explore the role of music in the struggles for equality around the world. To mark the 150th anniversary of her birth, the concerts will also feature works by Dame Ethel Smyth, reflecting her activities both as a suffragette and formidable establishment lesbian! Internationally renowned pianist, Stephen Coombs and BBC Radio 3 producer, Les Pratt have devised the series, which will involve well-known and established performers, as well as giving opportunities to local young musicians. view map
Manchester Pride is pleased to announce that out ‘Celebrity Photographer’, Rachel Joseph will be hosting a drop in session for all you budding photographers out there. Through the lens is your chance to ask questions about the reality of working as a professional photographer and to hear some of Rachel's best technical and creative tips! She will also be showing her portfolio and chatting about some of her favourite photo sessions. view map
Meet Alice; a guaranteed liability. Alice is a bisexual, single woman in a straight man’s world. She finds it hard to talk to attractive people, to string a sentence together, even to just be herself. What Alice really wants is to find love, but she gets is a string of awkward dates that send people running, screaming and possibly even crying.
Ever been on a bad date? I promise, it’ll never have been quite as bad as this. ‘The Speed of Dating’ is a farcical guide of “how not to get laid”.
Allow yourself to laugh at someone else’s misfortune, because even when the chips are down, at least you’re not Alice. Starring Sarah Emmott as Alice. view map
times:8pm - 10pm.door tax:£5 available from www.quaytickets.com
Can you remember the name of Dana's cat? Do you know which famous lesbian Leisha Hailey (Alice) used to date? Which Shane hairstyle belongs to which season? Challenge your knowledge of all things L Word and be in with a chance of your team being honoured as Manchester Pride 2008 L Word quiz winners! It's also a good excuse for you and your mates to think and chat about the luscious L Word ladies for a night! Start the Big Weekend with an evening of episode clips, pictures, fab prizes and the lovely vanilla girls mixing you some very special cocktails. view map
times:8pm - 1am.door tax:£4 per team. For more information, email
Hosted by the fabulously outrageous Polly, join in the fun on canal street, with a series of camp events throughout the evening. Eight teams from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community groups battle it out. Not to be missed! view map
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