Photography: Carl Sukonik - The Vain Photos

On 20th February 1988, a huge anti-Section 28 protest was held in Manchester. Over 20,000 people took to the streets to let their disquiet be heard. At the time, it was one of the largest LGBTQ+ demonstrations ever to take place in the UK. Fast forward to 2022 and Manchester continues to lead the way in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.

The Manchester Pride Parade is the city's biggest, with tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies gathering to march through the city for equality and thousands more lining the streets to take in the spectacular sea of colours.

Photography: Manchester Pride Parade

On Saturday 27th August 2022 we call on you to join us to ‘March for Peace’

The theme for 2022's Parade is March for Peace, with the importance of peace in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice at its heart. We originally introduced the theme in 2020 before the pandemic took hold and we were unable to take to the streets. As we look around the world today, this theme has become even more relevant. Conflict within and outside of our communities is rife, and we are calling on our LGBTQ+ communities and allies around Greater Manchester to join in and support us as we March for Peace.

"Our Parade message is loud and clear this year: No one is really free unless we are all free, and no one gets left behind." Mark Fletcher, CEO

This year's Manchester Pride Parade promises to be a show-stopping, feel good procession to wow crowds across Manchester and send the world a big, bright, colourful message that everyone deserves to live and love in peace.

LGBTQ+ people have fought for and achieved so much, but levels of homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have soared in recent years with many people still facing discrimination because of their identity. We are calling on our communities and its allies to come together, to embrace and celebrate our differences, and to recognise that everyone deserves the right to be who they are and live their lives in peace.

Making Manchester Pride Events More Accessible to our Communities

We want to invite more LGBTQ+ organisations to join us to march through the streets of Manchester, and so we have reviewed our entry categories this year which will mean more LGBTQ+ organisations and groups will be able to participate for FREE.

New Category: LGBTQ+ Organisations

Previously we had differentiated between LGBTQ+ or HIV community groups or organisations that do not receive any funding from any source, and those that do. From 2022, all LGBTQ+ groups will be categorised as such, whether they receive funding or not.

Manchester Pride is also striving to make its events greener, and we are encouraging groups to register for the parade as walking entries rather than floats.

APPLY TO TAKE PART IN THE MANCHESTER PRIDE PARADE

Photography: Carl Sukonik - The Vain Photos

When is the Parade?+

The Parade takes place on Saturday 27th August and commences at midday.

Where does the Parade take place?+

The Parade takes place each year within the heart of Manchester City Centre starting at the junction of Liverpool Road and Deansgate and ending on Fairfield Street. We will release a map of the route on our website ahead of the Parade.

What is this year’s theme?+

This year’s theme will be ‘March for Peace’, with the importance of peace in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice at its heart.

How do I take part in the Parade?+

You can apply for your business or organisation to take part in the Parade by filling out our Parade Application Form.

How much does it cost to enter?+

Pricing will vary depending on how your entry is categorised - the pricing will be detailed in the application form.

Application Period 1: 15 April 2022 – 16 May 2022

Application Period 2: 17 May 2022 – 28 June 2022

All applications close on 28 June 2022

Can I walk on my own?+

We don’t facilitate individual entries, but we can support you in finding an organisation for you to join and walk with. Alternatively, you can join the Manchester Pride Parade Entry as a Parade Trouper as a Volunteer and we will be announcing details shortly.

What time does the Parade start?+

The Parade usually commences at 12pm. Depending on your position within the Parade you may be waiting up to 90 minutes after this before leaving the assembly area.

How long is the Manchester Pride Parade?+

Once you’ve set off on the route, it usually takes each entry 60-90 minutes to travel the route.

How is my Parade entry categorised?+

We want to invite more LGBTQ+ organisations to join us to march through the streets of Manchester and so we have reviewed our entry categories for 2022 which will mean more LGBTQ+ organisations and groups will be able to participate for free.

When applying, please review the different categories below to see which category you should apply for:

New Category: LGBTQ+ Organisations:
Previously we had differentiated between LGBT+ or HIV community groups or organisations that do not receive any funding from any source and those that do. From 2022, all LGBTQ+ groups will be categorised as such where they receive funding or not. There has been a slight increase in cost to Commercial entries to subsidise smaller LGBTQ+ organisations taking part.

Non LGBTQ+ or Not for Profit:
A not-for-profit organisation or community group whose vision and mission is not focussed specifically around supporting LGBTQ+ people.

Public Sector:
Organisations providing all public services in the UK, from the emergency services and healthcare, education and social care to housing and refuse collection.

New Category: Greater Manchester Independent Business
We want to encourage our local communities to join the Parade but understand that there have been financial barriers in the past for small businesses based on Manchester to take part. Therefore, we have introduced a new category for Greater Manchester Independent Businesses and if you are unsure if you qualify then please contact us before applying.

Small Business:
Businesses that employ less than 50 people.

Commercial organisation:
Businesses that employ more than 50 people.

What information do we need to provide to get accepted into the Parade?+

The online application form will ask questions including who is completing the application, whether you intend to walk or have a vehicle as part of the entry and if you plan on having music. We are also asking organisations to let us know how they support LGBTQ+ people year-round aside from taking part in the Parade, to ensure that organisers are genuinely supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Are there any age restrictions?+

No, there are no age restrictions for people to join our Parade but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Can anyone turn up on the day to take part?+

All participants in the Manchester Pride Parade must be a part of a registered group. We cannot facilitate people arriving on the day with previously registering.

Can I bring banners?+

Yes, please do! We encourage our entries to bring banners that show our crowds who you are and what your message is.

Can I hand out flyers and other promotional material?+

Yes, but you will need to obtain a licence from Manchester City Council. You can find more information by clicking here.

Does Manchester Pride Parade provide a float?+

Manchester Pride doesn’t provide any vehicles/floats. Your group will need to source your own.

Does the participant number include the driver of the float?+

Yes, please include all members of your party when considering the number of participants.

Can we bring our dog on our float?+

In the interest of animal welfare, pets are not permitted along the Parade Route.

What type of generator should we get?+

We advise you to get a portable, electric generator which is up to 10kVA. We do not allow petrol generators to be used in the Parade.

Can children walk alongside a vehicle?+

Children under 10 years of age must be seated and wearing a seat belt if travelling in a vehicle. We would prefer children to be in a vehicle for their own safety if possible.

Can we choose where we are located in the Manchester Pride Parade and who we are next to?+

We have many factors to consider when assigning the Manchester Pride Parade order such as accessibility requirements, groups with small children, avoiding conflicting sound and more. We will try our best to accommodate any requests but we cannot guarantee any position.

I don’t have all the information available for the application form, should I still apply?+

If you’re certain you want to take part in the Parade but don’t have all the information, then we would advise you to complete the application form as soon as possible as the Parade may fill up by the time you return to fill out the form. If details have changed after you have applied, then we can amend your application if you contact us. Please note that it may not be possible to amend the type of application i.e. walking or vehicle entry or the number of people taking part if we are already full for each category.

Can you help me complete the application form?+

Of course! If you have any issues or need help completing the application form, please contact info@manchesterpride.com.

I’ve completed the application form - does that mean I’ve automatically been accepted?+

We assess every application individually prior to acceptance so once you have applied, our team will look at your application and email you once your application has been accepted. Your application has been approved until you receive confirmation so we would not advise spending any money on your entry until this point.

What happens if there are changes to our circumstances and I need to change our application?+

Please contact info@manchesterpride.com with your new details and we can amend your application for you.

When do I need to pay?+

Once your application has been received, the team will assess your application form and you will receive confirmation that your application has been successful. At this stage, you will receive an invoice from our Finance Team. The invoice will be due for payment immediately so we please ask that all payments are made promptly. If your invoice remains unpaid prior to the Parade, you will not be able to take part.

When will I receive information about what to do?+

You’ll receive an information pack as we get closer to the time and we have confirmed all the details of the Parade that we can then share with you. Please expect the information pack no later than 6 weeks prior to the date of the Parade but we will aim to get it to your as soon as possible.