CitySuites Blog
From unique things to do, to exclusive events at CitySuites, find the best Manchester has to offer on our blog.
Manchester Pride Festival is held across the August bank holiday and has become one of the UK’s most popular and longest-running celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.
To celebrate pride month, we've compiled a quick-and-easy guide for those who want to attend or participate in Manchester's Pride in 2023.
CitySuites is here to help you make the most of your weekend during the Pride Parade. There are lots of events that you shouldn't miss out on this year, so here's what you can expect:
Manchester Pride Parade 2023
The Manchester Pride parade is one of the festival’s most highly anticipated events, with thousands of people marching proudly through Manchester in front of tens of thousands of supporters.
The theme this year is Queerly Beloved, which underlines the power and effects of love, celebrating 10 years of marriage equality (with the Same Sex marriage Act passing on the 17th July, 2013).
The parade takes place from Friday 25th to Monday 28th of August. Although timings and the exact route have not been announced yet, the parade usually starts around noon on Liverpool Road, a 15-minute walk from CitySuites.
What time is the parade at Manchester Pride this year?
The parade usually starts at 12pm. According to the Manchester Pride website, you may also be waiting up to 90 minutes before leaving the assembly area depending on your position.
Where does the parade take place?
The parade starts on Liverpool Road and Deansgate, ending on Fairfield Street.
How long is the Manchester Pride Parade?
The route takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to travel through.
Can anyone turn up on the day to take part?
Participants who want to take part must be part of a registered group, as the parade cannot facilitate all people arriving on the day without registering.
Additional Events From Pride
Celebration of Pride does not even end in its parade. Through Manchester Pride's website, additional events are available to view and - if spaces are available - book for!
Gay Village Party
The origins of Manchester Pride and the festival are rooted in the heart of the city’s world-famous Gay Village. This year will deliver another eccentric and unforgettable street party over the Bank Holiday Weekend in August.
(You can reach the Gay Village in less than 20 minutes from CitySuites via a short walk.)
With community performances in Sackville Gardens, plus markets and parties across the village’s venues, the Gay Village will continue to be home to the hub of the festival’s celebrations.
Candlelit Vigil
As in previous years, the four days of celebration will close with the candlelit vigil in Sackville Gardens. The space, which is home to the Alan Turing memorial and the Beacon of Hope, will be transformed into a sea of flickering candles as attendees take time to remember those lost to HIV. The candlelit vigil also provides a space to remember those within the LGBTQ+ community who are suffering and those who are persecuted. The event presents an opportunity to stand together in a united front as we recognise the many challenges that are still faced by LGBTQ+ communities, both here in the UK and around the world.
(Sackville Gardens can be reached in 15 minutes from CitySuites. Located right next to Canal Street)
Superbia
Superbia Cinema celebrates filmmaking created by LGBTQ+ creatives. This is a great way to showcase the artistic talent created by LGBTQ members, and a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about queer culture.
Learn more about each film's processes, directors, actors, filmmakers and more.
Details in Manchester Pride Festival tickets can be found here, with a number of options depending on what Pride experience you are looking for.
Explore our apartments at CitySuites II or CitySuites I to enhance your stay during the Pride Parade this year.
