Sun's Out, Pride's Out: Your Guide to a Gay Manchester Summer

Get ready to have a rainbow-filled summer in Manchester!

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Manchester's streets are bursting with all the colours of the rainbow this summer!

The city's 2024 summer calendar is jam-packed with fun LGBTQ+ events culminating in Manchester Pride at the end of August. From intimate gatherings to citywide celebrations, there's something for everyone in the city's vibrant queer scene.

Let's dive into the exciting line-up of LGBTQ+ events that will keep the city buzzing all summer long:

27 July: Summer Market

The Proud Trust is hosting a delightful LGBTQ+ Summer Market on 27 July at The Proud Place! If you're keen to discover unique gifts or special treats for yourself without breaking the bank, pop by and have a good rummage!

A wonderful assortment of LGBTQ+ small businesses will be displaying their creative wares. Additionally, there will be pre-loved sale tables featuring clothing, books, and bric-a-brac for those who enjoy a bargain hunt.

Free tickets are available online and at the door.

16th-22nd August: SCENE Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival

Get ready for SCENE, Manchester's brand-new LGBTQ+ Film and TV festival lighting up the city from 16-22 August! This week-long extravaganza kicks off with a bang, celebrating 25 years of Queer as Folk with the show's creator Russell T Davies and other stars.

From HOME to the Gay Village, iconic venues across Manchester will host a smorgasbord of queer cinema goodness. We're talking beloved classics, fresh premieres, and everything in between. Fancy rubbing elbows with LGBTQ+ creatives? There'll be Q&As and interviews galore!

Highlights include a John Waters double feature (sick bags provided!), a powerful miners' strike doc at the People's History Museum, and sapphic spinners at Vanilla bar. Best part? Tickets are £15 max, with many events at just £5 or free!

SCENE's not just about movies—it's extending Manchester Pride's vibrant spirit and making a real difference by donating ticket profits to the Manchester Pride Charity. So when you're munching popcorn and enjoying queer cinema, you're also directly supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives in Manchester.

19th-25th August: My Son's a Queer, (But what can you do?)

Written and performed by social media sensation Rob Madge, "My Son's a Queer, (But what can you do?)" arrives in Manchester just in time for Pride!

The Olivier Award-nominated show recounts Rob's childhood attempt to stage a Disney parade for their Grandma. Through a series of comedic mishaps involving family members and malfunctioning props, the performance becomes a heart-warming disaster. Now, Rob invites audiences to join them in recreating that infamous parade, promising a joyous journey filled with laughter and love.

Following sold-out runs in London and Edinburgh, this acclaimed production brings its charm to Manchester audiences from 19th to 25th August at HOME Manchester.

23rd August: Sapphic Showcase

Another Manchester must-see this summer is the Sapphic Showcase, a vibrant Pride cabaret, open mic night, and social mixer rolled into one exciting event! Set to kick off Manchester Pride on 23rd August, this celebration of LGBTQ+ women's talent promises an evening of entertainment and connection.

LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals are invited to share their poetry, comedy, or music, highlighting the rich tapestry of sapphic talent in Greater Manchester. Whilst centred on LGBTQ+ women, the audience welcomes everyone.