Celebrate Gender Diversity and Trans Joy at The Sparkle Weekend

The largest celebration of gender diversity in the UK, The Sparkle Weekend, is set to bring trans joy to Manchester from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 July. Organised by Sparkle – The National Transgender Charity, this vibrant three-day festival will showcase live music, entertainment, talks, workshops, and the inspiring Trans Joy & Queer Power March. Free to attend, The Sparkle Weekend invites everyone to join in the celebration while supporting a worthy cause.

The Sparkle Weekend has been a pillar of the trans and gender diverse community for 18 years, providing a safe space for individuals to connect, find support, and build lasting relationships. This year’s event promises a diverse range of activities designed to spread joy, hope, and unity.

Jade Kearslake, Vice Chair of Trustees for Sparkle, emphasised the importance of The Sparkle Weekend: “The Sparkle Weekend is one of the largest celebrations of trans joy and gender diversity, offering trans people, and their friends and family a space to connect with others, find support, and build the community that we’re all in need of.

With the current social and political climate increasingly challenging for trans and gender non-conforming individuals, Sparkle’s work has become more vital than ever. The event aims to bring countless smiles, tears of laughter, and forge new friendships that will strengthen the community.”

The Sparkle Weekend remains free to attend, this year introduces ticketing to ensure event safety. However, tickets are not compulsory, and access will still be granted on the day. Attendees who can afford to are encouraged to book a donation ticket, supporting fundraising efforts for The Sparkle Weekend 2024.

The Sparkle Weekend has received a £1000 Local Pride Grant from the Manchester Pride Community Fund. The grant will be use for the Family and Youth Zone. This dedicated space offers trans/queer youth, their families, and allies a safe environment to engage in conversations, access resources, and most importantly, have fun.

Additionally, LGBTQ+ Wellness also received a £1000 Community Fund Grant from Manchester Pride, to develop a Wellness Zone at The Sparkle Weekend. The grant will support the infrastructure and the recruitment of four wellbeing instructors, expanding the range of activities available, including yoga, reiki, sound healing, meditation, and more.

The Sparkle Weekend is also made possible thanks to our headline sponsor Sainsburys. Sainsbury’s proudly stands by the LGBT+ community. As one of the largest employers operating in the UK, they encourage everyone to show respect, kindness and understanding toward one another, and help drive momentum in the pursuit of equality to create a better future for all.

Everyone is invited to join The Sparkle Weekend and experience the joy, hope, and celebration it brings to the gender diverse community. For more information about the event or to make a donation, please visit sparkle.org.uk.