'There's no place like home': Manchester Village Pride 2026 kicks off
"This year is about bringing Pride home to where it belongs"
It's here - after months of uncertainty, change, and a brand-new community group taking it all over, Manchester Village Pride 2026 is today kicking off.
This year's event, focused on the theme "No Place Like Home," aims to amplify the sense of belonging and security for LGBTQ+ individuals in their identities and communities.
Read more: Manchester Pride Parade: 2026 theme symbolises special connection to The Village
It comes as Manchester Village Pride CIC has embraced a community-first approach, ensuring economic and cultural benefits remain within the Gay Village and support LGBTQ+ charities and groups.
Whilst, with artists from last year’s Manchester Pride still owed thousands of pounds, after the company in charge went bust, a landmark agreement - between performers' union Equity and the new-look festival - promises payment to all performers within 30 days, guaranteeing fair treatment and equitable pay for all of its contributors.
The Programme Highlights
Throughout August, the Manchester Village Pride Fringe has been hosting city-wide arts, culture, and retail activations.
One of those has been the city's third annual SCENE Festival - which you can read more about here: SCENE Festival kicks off in Manchester with packed 8-day programme
For MVP itself, this year's main events will feature stages for live music, DJ sets, drag cabaret, and addresses from influential voices.
And of course, we've got the Parade.
Starting at midday, we'll see over 12,000 participants across 177 groups celebrating the Gay Village as a historical sanctuary, with stars of stage and screen also descending on the streets to mark the important moment.
Read more: Corrie stars to take part in this year's Manchester Village Pride Parade
Community & Family Day on 31st August offers inclusive programming for multiple generations, concluding with the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Gardens.
Parade Awards
A new addition in 2026, the parade awards inspired by "The Wizard of Oz" will honour grassroots activism and authenticity.
It includes categories such as the Emerald City & Ruby Slipper Awards for the best float and walking group, and the Lion’s Courage Award for outstanding protest entries.
The festival will also be featuring powerful keynote speeches by influential figures like Russell T Davies and Esther Ghey, focusing on key issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
Additional speakers include Joshua Cavallo, Annie Wallace, and societal change ambassadors Ali & Adam.
Manchester Village Pride 2026 aims to blend celebration with critical conversations, preserving the rich history and future of LGBTQ+ advocacy.
'This year is about bringing Pride home to where it belongs'
Rowan Barr, one of those behind this year's Manchester Village Pride, said: "This year is about bringing Pride home to where it belongs.
"The Gay Village has always been our sanctuary, and Manchester Village Pride was formed to celebrate, protect, and invest directly back into that sanctuary. We aren't just putting on a party, we are setting a new standard for how community events should be run, fairly, equitably, and with genuine heart at the centre of everything we do.
"This year feels incredibly special because Pride is officially back with the community, for the community, returning to the heart of the Village.
"In 2026, Pride remains a celebration with a purpose.
"Across the UK, LGBTQ+ people, and especially our trans and non-binary siblings, are looking for spaces of joy, safety, and unwavering support.
"Being visibly, unapologetically queer on the streets of Manchester is a powerful display of hope, unity, and collective strength. We are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, celebrating who we are together.
"Our Equity Agreement is something we are immensely proud of.
"Queer creative talent is the beating heart of Pride, and this year we are ensuring that every artist, performer, and crew member who makes this weekend magical is valued, respected, and paid fairly. That is what genuine solidarity looks like in action.
"An event like this happens because of the immense dedication of our volunteers and local stewards. Hundreds of people give their time, energy, and heart to make Manchester Village Pride safe, vibrant, and welcoming.
"They are the living proof of community solidarity in action."