Manchester Village Pride is a simple idea: Pride belongs to the people. Following the collapse of the previous organiser in late 2025, there was a real risk that our city's cornerstone celebration would disappear, and the Parade – something that our city has seen annually for the last 40+ years – hung in the balance. But Manchester doesn’t do "giving up."
Business owners, residents, and activists from the Gay Village came together to form Manchester Village Pride CIC.
Manchester Village Pride CIC has announced the theme for the return of the iconic Pride parade: ‘No Place Like Home’.
Adopting a key line from The Wizard of Oz, the theme offers the opportunity for community groups to celebrate a homecoming and safe landing for Pride in the city after recent uncertainties, as well as a chance to honour the city of Manchester itself as a welcoming and safe place for all.
The parade will take place on Saturday 29th August and will work its way through the city via a route – still to be determined – that will conclude in the Village; the place where Pride began in Manchester four decades ago.
Manchester Village Pride CIC has opened applications for those who are interested in taking part in the parade on the day. In support of the local community, free entry will be offered to all LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots groups, whilst commercial entries will be required to pay an entry fee to help subsidise the costs for community entries.
Due to high demand and limited space within the parade, priority will be given to LGBTQ+ community groups, youth groups and registered charities. After these groups have been allocated places, any remaining spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a place, but you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to give your group the best chance of participating.
Submit an application here by 30th June 2026.
Announcing the theme, Carl Austin-Behan, one of the founding board members and spokesperson for Manchester Village Pride CIC, said: “The parade is one of the most important and iconic events during Pride Weekend in Manchester. It’s a time for the community to come together with people from all walks of life to celebrate, listen, and show visibility for LGBTQ+ life in Manchester and beyond.
‘No Place Like Home’ is a very apt theme for this year, allowing us to pay tribute to Pride’s roots in the Village; the home of our amazing community and everything that Manchester Village Pride stands for – from our LGBTQ+ businesses and charities to performers and patrons. I can’t wait to see how the community responds and interprets the theme, as I think there is so much to go on!
“The parade is one of the cornerstone elements of the weekend, alongside the poignant Candlelit Vigil, that we want as many people as possible to attend.
“Both elements are, and always will be, free to attend; however, we do ask that those who would like to enjoy the wider celebrations – including the party and performances in the Village – purchase a weekend wristband or individual day pass to ensure that funding goes towards safe event delivery, as well as supporting LGBTQ+ charities, grassroots organisations, and vital community services.
“With it being our first Manchester Village Pride event under transparent management, we also need to be clear with people that we need them to make their commitment as early as possible by purchasing their wristband or day passes. This will ensure that we can lock in LGBTQ+ talent and make sure event planning is smoothly and fairly financed – the success of Manchester Village Pride is in the community’s hands, and now is the time to show up!”
This year’s parade would not be able go ahead without the unwavering support from Manchester City Council.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Pride is such an important event for our city, and after concerns over its future, it's great that it's firmly back on the calendar.
"The phrase 'No Place Like Home' has added resonance this year after the event was saved for the city by Manchester Village Pride CIC and its supporters, including the Council. We are proud to have played our part, including funding the popular parade element that people know and love.
"Pride is more than just an annual boost for our city's hospitality sector, as significant as this. It's a celebration of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community; an event which has been part of the fabric of the city for more than 40 years."