Accessibility

We are dedicated to making sure our events are accessible to everyone, and will be conducting numerous accessibility listening groups this year. We will be seeking expert advice from relevant disability charities and the community who we feel can offer valuable input on our accessibility offerings for Manchester Pride 2022.

We want everyone to be able to use our website regardless of their computer knowledge or disabilities. We have designed our website to be as accessible as possible, in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

Carer/Personal Assistant Tickets

In our commitment to making Manchester Pride Festival accessible to everyone, we provide ticket holders with a disability that require full-time assistance, with a complimentary ticket for their carer/personal assistant. Carer/Personal Assistant Tickets are limited to 1 per applicant.

We kindly ask that you purchase your own Gay Village Party ticket online first, and then complete our form to request your complimentary Carer/Personal Assistant Ticket. Please note that you do not need to buy a ticket for your Carer/Personal Assistant, as this is to be applied for separately.

You will be asked to kindly upload relevant supporting documents when completing your application. We appreciate that some people may require assistance but not receive DLA - please contact us to discuss your access requirements. Each request will be looked at individually.

How to apply

1) Purchase your ticket(s) – Carer/Personal Assistant Tickets to be applied for separately
2) Complete the Access Application Form to let us know about your access requirements
3) Upload your evidence via the form
4) We will reply to you within 10 working days with an outcome to your application

Check back soon when our application form goes live.

Accessibility at our events

We care deeply about inclusivity. Manchester Pride is aware of the limitations and restrictions of making the Gay Village Party event site fully accessible due to the nature of the location of the event, and so we provide alternative access where access is restricted. We have a dedicated access team on site at Manchester Pride Festival across August Bank Holiday weekend who will be able to assist with any individual needs. This is in addition to other provisions such as British Sign Language Interpreters on our stages, accessible toilets as well as downloadable resources that customers can bring with them to our events.

At the Gay Village Party, we offer a free Carer/Personal Assistant Ticket for all customers with access requirements. Customers with a disability that require full-time assistance should purchase their own ticket, and then head apply for a complimentary Carer/Personal Assistant Ticket. Once applied for, our dedicated accessibility team will be in touch closer to the event to introduce themselves and confirm any access requirements.

Help with seeing the page

You can easily make changes to your computer to help you see what's written on the page more clearly.

Most internet browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Safari, allow you to force the text on a web page to be the size and colour you want. Many operating systems also come with a built-in screen magnifier that allows you to enlarge a portion of the page to several times the original size.

Help with your keyboard and mouse

Many people think they can't use a computer because they can't use a mouse, but it's perfectly possible to do away with your mouse and use a keyboard instead.

If you can use a mouse, but find it difficult, there are ways to make your mouse easier to use in your settings on your computer.

Statement of Intent

This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with disabilities, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all visitors.

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride Festival is a multi-strand event which takes place in venues across the city over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The Festival is made up of: Gay Village Party, Manchester Pride Parade, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride MCR, Superbia Weekend and The Candlelit Vigil.

The Gay Village Party takes place in Manchester’s Gay Village, The Candlelit Vigil takes place in Sackville Gardens and Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride MCR and the Superbia Weekend take place in various venues across the city centre.

Manchester Pride makes temporary, reasonable adjustments to the area to provide access to the event site and staged event areas. Manchester Pride is aware of the limitations and restrictions of making the event site fully accessible due to the nature of the location of the event and provides alternative access where access is restricted.

BSL Interpreters - Gay Village Party

To make performances as accessible as possible, BSL interpreters are present at several of our Gay Village Party stages over Manchester Pride weekend. Information on BSL Interpreter schedules will be released prior to the event.

Assistance Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs to the Gay Village Party event site.

If you are a visitor to Manchester Pride Festival and encounter an assistance dog, please remember they are at work and should not be petted or distracted.

Getting to Manchester and The Festival

Manchester enjoys first-class transport links, making it easy to get to the city, Manchester Pride Festival and for exploring Greater Manchester.

For travel information to get to Manchester please visit here.

For travel around Manchester once you arrive in our fabulous city, there are a number of transport networks to choose from:

Metrolink

Manchester's light tramway system runs a fast and frequent service and is ideal for getting to Manchester Pride. Metrolink is accessible with step-free platforms. Manchester Pride takes place at multiple venues across the city, and is accessible from most city centre stops. The nearest Metrolink stops to the Gay Village are Manchester Piccadilly (approximately 5 minutes away) and Manchester Piccadilly Gardens (approximately 5 minutes away). The Parade works its way across the city and so any number of Metrolink stops will get you close to the action.

Free Metroshuttle

Getting in and around the city centre is easy and free with Metroshuttle. The shuttle buses pick up outside Piccadilly Station, on the approach and travel to key areas including Oxford Road, Deansgate, Portland Street and Spinningfields. The Metroshuttle is fully accessible with step-free access to pavements. 

Bus Network

Greater Manchester has an extensive bus network. The nearest bus stop to The Gay Village is located on Portland Street just outside Caffé Nero, or on the opposite side of the street next door to Yates bar. Manchester Piccadilly bus station is a short walk (approximately 5 minutes away) from The Gay Village. 

Parking

Manchester City Council offers over 15,000 secure parking spaces as well as on-street parking. There are a number of accessible car parking facilities around the city close to our Event Sites. The nearest accessible NCP Car Parks to Manchester Pride Festival are Minshull Street, Sheffield Street and Piccadilly Plaza. Please check the NCP website here for fees and further info.