There’s much more to Manchester Pride than just the Big Weekend – in fact, there are over 40 fringe events taking place between Friday 19 and Thursday 25 August…
Here’s a sneak preview of some of what will be on offer:
Queer to Stay: 21 Years of Manchester Pride
This year, 21 years of Manchester Pride will be celebrated with a commemorative exhibition (Saturday 4 June – Sunday 16 October 2011) at The Lowry, Salford Quays. Chart the festival’s progress from its humble beginnings as a collection of bring-and-buy stalls in 1991, to its current incarnation as one of the UK and Europe’s biggest Pride festivals.
This Is Me: Heather Peace & Bruno Langley Live
Heather Peace and Bruno Langley will be performing an intimate evening of live jazz on Sunday 21 August at Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club (64 Tib Street) as part of this year’s Pride Fringe. Heather is best known for playing DS Sam Murray in BBC3’s lesbian drama Lip Service. She is also a singer/songwriter and has just finished a successful national tour promoting her album This Is Me. Bruno is famed for playing the openly gay character Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street and Adam Mitchell in Doctor Who. Bruno will perform with his group Wonderland Band.
Tickets are £15 (seated)/£12.50 (standing) from quaytickets.com
The Kids Are All Right
Join the Lesbian and Gay Foundation on Tuesday 23 August to explore all things family. There will be a screening of The Kids Are All Right and an expert panel on hand to answer any practical and legal questions about starting a family. A new community photography exhibition, Family Pride, will also be launched.
Bend Your Gender
The Bend Your Gender drag king workshop will take place at Via, Canal Street on Tuesday 23 August. Valentino King will be your host for the evening, demonstrating all you need to know to make your transformation.
For more information, please visit manchesterpride.com, twitter.com/manchesterpride or facebook.com/ManchesterPride
