It’s not often that you see a JCB, a steam train and a bus full of Corrie stars shutting down the streets of Manchester city centre. But today (Saturday), as Manchester Pride day two got underway, Mancunians - and those from further afield - were out in force, showing their support and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ cause.
Following a successful launch night in the Gay Village on Friday, today, all eyes were on the parade, which made its grand return after a three-year hiatus. This year’s event was a march for peace, and highlighted the importance of peace in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice.
Speaking about the theme, Manchester Pride CEO Mark Fletcher said: “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.
READ MORE: Huge applause as NHS and ambulance workers take to the Manchester Pride parade
“LGBTQ+ people have achieved so much in recent history, however, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have increased 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, embrace differences, and to recognise that everyone deserves the right to be who they are and live their lives in peace."
The energetic and celebratory procession got underway at midday, as floats lining Liverpool Road waited patiently for their moment in the spotlight. Over 10,000 participants in both marching and riding floats were involved this year, including firefighters, NHS workers, local councillors and even screenwriter Russell T Davies.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , councillor Pat Karney - who joined The Lord Mayor Of Manchester Councillor Donna Ludford on the route - said: “I’ve been on all the Pride Parades but this was the best. It felt like a million people on the route. Post lockdown, everyone was up for a massive open-air party.”
Outside Beetham Tower, where the parade began, crowds waving Pride flags threw their whole support behind those walking - and in some cases running and skipping - the route. Following the same direction as 2018 and 2019, the procession then turned right onto Peter Street, past the Great Northern Warehouse and Central Library onto Oxford Street, before turning onto Portland Street.
Skirting the Gay Village, the parade then turned right on to Princess Street then left on to Whitworth Street before finishing at Fairfield Street. The parade also saw a selection of bold and detailed outfits, a peace dove, unicorns and plenty of glamour. As well as Russell T Davies, BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was seen marching with the LGBT Foundation.
While crowds showed their support for all those who walked the parade, by far, the biggest cheers came when staff from the NHS marched with banners, flags and t-shirts sporting a Pride theme. Paramedics from St John's Ambulance and the North West Ambulance Service, which featured an ambulance decorated with rainbow balloons, both also received huge cheers as they made their way down Liverpool Road, as did the staff from Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service and The British Army.
Get the latest What's On news - from food and drink to music and nightlife - straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
Ryan Reynolds praises Cheshire curry house for having the ‘best Indian food in Europe’
Uniformed officers asked not to participate in Manchester Pride parade by organisers
'I used to sing sad songs in a Canal Street basement....now I run a Pride event for thousands'
American chicken wing restaurant opening 'largest UK' branch at The Trafford Centre
