With Pride hitting Manchester this Bank Holiday weekend, expect city-wide parties and celebrations.
Whether you’re wondering which Manchester Pride activities are happening when and where, or simply looking for ways to spend your long weekend, look no further. From parades, theatre, music and more, we’ve got it all.
Friday 25th August
Bollox- Queer Pride – The Deaf Institute
Cramming a spectacular array of bright lights from the UK’s queer nightlife, Bollox at The Deaf Institute will see all three floors filled to the brim and ready to party. Expect to see the likes of DJs Rod Connolly and Zoe McVeigh, Matthew Rothery, Khalil West and many more.
The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street/ http://www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk/event.php?id=1796&d=2017-08-25/ Friday 25 August 2017/ 10.30pm/ Prices from £8.
The Style Councillors – Band On The Wall
The Style Councillors are one of the world’s only tribute bands to The Style Council. The full 10-piece band replicating The Style Council has sold out shows in central London, Scotland and now returns to Manchester at Band On The Wall for one night only.
Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street/ https://bandonthewall.org/events/the-style-councillors-2/ Friday 25 August 2017/ 8pm/ Prices from £15.
Pippin The Musical – Hope Mill Theatre
Brought to you by Hope Mill Theatre, Pippin The Musical tells the story of a young prince, the heir to a throne, and his journey to find the meaning and significance to life – only to discover that true happiness is more complicated than he thought.
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, Ancoats/ https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/pippin/ Friday 25 August – Saturday 23 September 2017/ 7.30pm/ Prices from £15.
Black Magic – The Little Mix Show – Stockport Plaza
The highly energetic and entertaining tribute band will be performing at Stockport Plaza this Friday. Following the footsteps (and dance steps) of the award winning girl band, Little Mix, this iconic tribute band will have live vocals, dance choreography and will performing the chart topping hits from the Glory Days album.
The Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport/ http://stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/black-magic-the-little-mix-show/Friday 25 August 2017/ 7pm/ Prices from £13.25.
Northanger Abbey – Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Faux friendships and real romance help to define this as an Austen classic. Social commentary, humour and parody ensure that Heartbreak Production’s outdoor performance of Northanger Abbey will be the perfect summer evening’s entertainment.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury / https://tickets.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/theatre/Show/51/Detail/Northanger%20Abbey/ Friday 25 – Sunday 27 August 2017/ 7.30pm/ Prices from £11.
Bolton Food and Drink Festival – Bolton
Bolton’s Food and Drink Festival will see a whole weekend jam-packed (pun intended) with fun and exciting events that are sure to tickle the tastebuds of everyone who attends. From a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to to regional chef demonstrations, Bolton Food and Drink Festival is the perfect ingredient for a weekend filled with food and adventure.
Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton/ http://www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com/ Friday 25 – Monday 28 August 2017/ 10am/ Free admission.
Free Women’s Bowling – All Star Lanes
Whilst some bowling clubs maintain a male only policy to joining, All Star Lanes at The Great Northern are offering women the chance for women to bowl for free. From 24- 27 August, your bowling can be on the house if any lucky ladies say “I’m a member of Chesterfield Women’s Bowling Club”.
All Star Lanes, The Great Northern, Deansgate/ https://www.allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/manchester/ Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 August 2017/ Friday 12pm-1am, Saturday 11am-2am, Sunday 11am- 12am/ Free admission.
Bank Holiday Weekend Celebrations – The Great Northern
If you’re looking for a place to spend time this bank holiday weekend at your leisure, then look no further than The Great Northern. Whether you’re looking to catch the Mayweather v McGregor fight at Manchester 235 Casino, Sunday lunch at the James Martin restaurant or indulge in the Rainbow Burger to celebrate Pride at Almost Famous – The Great Northern has it all.
The Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate/ https://thegreatnorthern.com/ Friday 25 – Sunday 27 August 2017/ Free admission.
Back to the Future – Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park
Why not watch the 1985 Sci-fi classic in the great outdoors whilst raising a glass of a Patrón Tequila cocktail? For two nights only, Patrón will be joining Luna Open Cinema to celebrate ‘Patrón The Summer’.
Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park/ http://www.thelunacinema.com/tatton-park/4592091959/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ 6.30pm/ Prices from £7.25.
Saturday 26th August
Manchester Pride 2017 Parade – Manchester City Centre
The parade, which continues to be a highlight of Manchester Pride weekend and draws in thousands of spectators across the city centre, will start at 12.30pm. Beginning on Liverpool Road, the parade will march onto Deansgate and Peter Street. The kaleidoscope of colour from the floats and marchers will then head down towards Portland Street through the Village and over to the finish line down Whitworth Street to Fairfield Street.
Manchester Pride 2017/ http://festival.manchesterpride.com/the-parade/watch-the-parade/ Saturday 26 August 2017/ 12.30pm/ Free to view.
Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club – Band On The Wall
The acclaimed DJ, actor, presenter and funkster, Craig Charles returns to Band On The Wall as Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club with Myles Sanko as a special guest. This Saturday, boogie down to the most funky and soulful tunes of all time.
Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street/ https://bandonthewall.org/events/craig-charles-funk-soul-club-myles-sanko/ Saturday 26 August 2017/ 9pm/ Prices from £15.50.
Horse Meat Disco Does Pride Manchester – Gorilla
Celebrating Pride with music, craziness and a guaranteed good time, Horse Meat Disco are taking over Gorilla this Saturday. Book tickets early to avoid disappointment; its set to be a fun-filled night from start to finish.
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street/ http://www.thisisgorilla.com/event.php?id=1492&d=2017-08-26/ Saturday 26 August 2017/ 11pm/ Prices from £5.
Housewives + Support – Soup Kitchen
Grey Lantern and Interior Present: Housewives +support this Saturday at Soup Kitchen. In Manchester for one night only, its a show not to be missed.
Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street /http://soup-kitchen.co.uk/ Saturday 26 August 2017/ 7pm/ Prices from £6.60.
Soul and Motown Nites – Heywood Civic Centre
If you want your Saturday night to be filled with the best Motown DJs in the North West, Heywood Civic Centre is the place to be. Satisfying all your Soul needs, it will be a night to remember.
Heywood Civic Centre, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way/ https://link4life.org/images/downloads/heywood-civic-centre/83158-soul-and-motown-2017-18.pdf/ Saturday 26 August 2017/ 8pm/ Prices from £6.
Peter Pan – Manchester Open Air Theatre
Based on the classic children’s tale written by J.M Barrie, Peter Pan has landed at Manchester Open Air Theatre. Join the boy who wouldn’t grow up as he flies between worlds, battles pirates and ultimately learns what it means to find a home. Peter Pan is the perfect antidote to adulthood. After all, who really wants to grow up?
Manchester Open Air Theatre, Chorlton Park / https://www.manchesteropenairtheatre.com/peterpan/ Monday 21 – Saturday 26 August 2017/ 7.30-9pm/ Prices from £15.
Grease – Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park
Aside from singing all the songs we’ve grown to know and love, why not sit back and watch Grease while sipping on a Patrón Tequila cocktail as part of ‘Patrón The Summer’? Who said Patrón wasn’t the perfect accompaniment to popcorn?
Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park/ http://www.thelunacinema.com/tatton-park/4592091959/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ 6.30pm/ Prices from £7.25.
Sunday 27th August
Manchester Pride 2017 Candlelit Vigil – Sackville Gardens
The Candlelit Vigil will see Sackville Gardens turn into a sea of flickering candles in order to remember those who were taken by the HIV virus, are no longer with us, and to stand together to fight the epidemic worldwide stigma that still exists. The Candlelit Vigil also gives people the space to stand united by recognising the challenges that LGBT communities from Manchester and the rest of the world, may face. Delivered in collaboration with Manchester Pride’s charity partner, George House Trust, the vigil will be the spiritual heart of the Manchester Pride Festival this bank holiday weekend.
Manchester Pride 2017/ http://festival.manchesterpride.com/the-vigil/ Monday 28 August 2017/ Free admission.
Hula’s Big Gay Bank Holiday Sunday Party – Hula
This weekend, Hula is jam-packed with crazy, hedonistic fun lined up for the Pride Bank Holiday shenanigans. On Sunday, Hula will host a Big Gay Bank Holiday Sunday Party, with glitter cannons, inflatables, men in swimwear and even face painting. The music will be 90’s hip hop and RnB. Pride wristband holders will get free entry before 11pm with 2 for £10 Hula Favourite cocktails all weekend.
Hula,11 Stevenson Square/ http://www.hulabar.co.uk/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ Open until 4am
U-Roy and The Robotiks Band – Band On The Wall
U-Roy is widely acknowledged by many as the man who invented the modern DJ rap style. With his distinctly unique style, he changed his homeland’s music scene forever. Mixed by the Ariwa dub maestro and remix legend, Mad Professor – the show will see a set including The Robotiks Band and Sister Aisha.
Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street/ https://bandonthewall.org/events/u-roy-robotics-band-sister-aisha-mixed-live-mad-professor/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ 7.30pm/ Prices from £20.50.
Disco Brunch 1st Birthday – Gorilla
Did someone call for delicious food, bottomless prosecco, bloody marys and sweet, sweet disco? If you did then Gorilla is your go-to this Sunday as they celebrate the 1st birthday of Disco Brunch. Its set to be an all day, all night brunching extravaganza!
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street/ http://www.thisisgorilla.com/event.php?id=1497&d=2017-08-27/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ Free entry (doesn’t include table booking) To book a table, email gorillabookings@trof.co.uk
Power Up – Museum of Science and Industry
Despite the universal Museum policy of looking and not touching, Power Up! at the Museum of Science and Industry is turning the tables with their latest, exciting event. Power Up! returns to the Museum of Science and Industry this year with over 160 consoles on offer. Get your game face on and play some of the most popular video games from the past 40 years, from Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Mario. Be sure to catch Power Up before it leaves on Monday.
Museum of Science and Industry, Great Western Warehouse Temporary Exhibition / https://www.msimanchester.org.uk/whats-on/power-up/ Friday 11 – Monday 28 August 2017/ Drop in sessions 10.15am – 3.30pm/ Prices from £5.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park
If you’re not quite ready to surrender your wand, why not go back to where it started with Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone? Your favourite film that created a generation of Potterheads will be screening at Tatton Park this Bank Holiday Sunday thanks to Luna Open Air Cinema.
Luna Open Air Cinema, Tatton Park/ http://www.thelunacinema.com/tatton-park/4592091959/ Sunday 27 August 2017/ 6.30pm/ Prices from £7.25.
Monday 28th August
Jens Lekman – Band On The Wall
For one night only, Jens Lekman will be performing his rescheduled show at Band On The Wall. After his sold tour in the US, Bank Holiday Monday will see Lekman will entertain his loyal fans with new material for the first time ever.
Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street/ https://bandonthewall.org/events/jens-lekman-special-guests/ Monday 28 August 2017/ 7pm/ Prices from £15.
Neil Hilborn – Gorilla
Neil Hilborn is possibly one of the most-watched poets of all time, viewed over 100 million times on YouTube. Made famous for the international success of his poems ‘OCD’, ‘Joey’ and ‘The Future’, the best selling author and poet will be performing at Gorilla this Monday. Due to the demand for the show, Hillborn’s gig has moved to the higher capacity venue. His show promises a night like no other.
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street/ http://www.thisisgorilla.com/event.php?id=1466&d=2017-08-28/ Monday 28 August 2017/ 7.30pm/ Prices from £10.
A Game of Thrones Quiz and Season Finale Screening – The Deaf Institute
Following their sellout Game of Thrones and Season 7 premiere screening, Pilot Light are back with another GOT quiz. Alongside the highly anticipated quiz, there will be a huge screening of the Game of Thrones finale – the biggest TV event of the year. Test your knowledge of Westeros and really separate the Maesters from the Wildlings, all for some great Game of Thrones themed prizes.
The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street/ http://www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk/event.php?id=1814&d=2017-08-28/ Monday 28 August 2017/ 7pm/ Prices from £5 per person.
Hamlet – Manchester Open Air Theatre
Performing one of the most performed plays in the world, the Heartbreak Theatre production will take on Hamlet at the Manchester Open Air Theatre. To go or not to go, that is the question.
Manchester Open Air Theatre, Charlton Park, Nell Lane / https://www.manchesteropenairtheatre.com/hamlet / Monday 28 August – Saturday 2 September 2017 / 7.30pm / Prices from £18.
