As well as being one of the biggest events on the UK's pride calendar Manchester Pride brings together 10 days of community events over the August Bank Holiday, raising much needed funds for over 100 LGBT and AIDS/HIV groups and charities in the area.

Previously running under the names Mardi Gras, GayFest and the Ab Fab Weekend, in recent years, the organisation has grown significantly, focussed its aims, become a registered charity and provided a network for community groups, the City Council and the gay businesses - no mean feat!

2003 saw EuroPride hosted by Manchester, hailed as one of the most successful in EuroPride's history and more recently Manchester Pride won an award for Tourism Experience of the Year. Quite right too!

Manchester Pride is much more than just a big party (though it is that too!). The event brings much needed attention to a great many smaller organisations who all benefit greatly from the opportunities for networking, public awareness and PR.