What's On
The line-up may be unknown as of yet, but a good time is definitely guaranteed.
Thomas Melia -2nd September 2024
As expected, Manchester Pride Festival 2024 went down a treat this year, with artists like Eurovision double-champion Loreen plus Jessie J, Rita Ora and Sugababes delivering show stopping performances in the city’s iconic Gay Village.
Next year’s festival is looking like a biggie too, with Early Bird tickets selling out fast,so you need to grab ‘em while you can and get this on your roster for August.
Past years have seen the likes of global sensation Ariana Grande, Natasha Bedingfield and Zara Larsson wow the crowds at Manchester Pride Festival, and 2025 will surely bring in some more household names.
Tickets are available for £41 with a £2.50 Community Donation Fund, which helps contribute to pushing issues which are reviewed yearly. 2023’s Manchester Pride Community Fund saw topics like HIV Stigma, LGBTQ+ Events, Mental Health and Wellbeing all raised and addressed.
The 2025 Manchester Pride Festival will run from Friday 22 August until Monday 25 August, however annual Pride-goers will already have the last weekend of August reserved in their diary for celebrating in style.
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Nobody does it like us Mancs as Manchester Pride is one of the country’s largest Pride Festivals carrying a legacy of its own, starting with the city’s first Pride Event in 1985.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, shared his reflections: “This year’s festival was nothing short of magical. Seeing our community and allies come together in such a vibrant and heartfelt celebration reminds us of the strength we have when we stand united.
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“From the incredible performances to the profound moments of reflection, Manchester Pride Festival 2024 embodied the true spirit of love, acceptance, and resilience. We can’t wait to make next year’s festival even better!”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit manchesterpride.com/tickets
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- First ever Joy Division Day to be held in Ian Curtis’ hometown this weekend
Featured image: The Manc Group
What's On
First ever Joy Division Day to be held in Ian Curtis’ hometown this weekendEmily Sergeant
Macclesfield is to host its first ever Joy Division day in memory of late hometown hero, Ian Curtis, this weekend.
Joy Division are, by far, one of Greater Manchester‘s most famous and well-respected bands, with millions of fans across the globe and an impressive legacy that still lives on to this day, but despite being heavily-associated with both the cities of Salford and Manchester, many will know that the band’s frontman, Ian Curtis, was actually born and raised over in the Cheshire town of Macclesfield.
Curtis grew up in Macclesfield, and after his tragic death in 1980 at the age of 23, his ashes were also famously buried in Macclesfield cemetery.
So, even though Joy Division are often close to the top of the list when you ask someone to reel-off Manc bands, it’s actually Macclesfield we have to thank for producing the influential frontman.
This is why Macclesfield is set to host its first-ever Joy Division Day this weekend.
Taking over the Cheshire town this Saturday 7 September, the inaugural Joy Division Day will feature a performance by Joy Division tribute band, Transmission, at Cinemac cinema on Roe Street, as well as a series of special tours by the man behind the celebration day himself, Trevor Stokes.
The 57-year-old started giving tours on a part-time basis just over a year ago now.
Stokes – who is known for weaving some of his own personal Joy Division and Ian Curtis anecdotes into the tours – told The Guardian that “nowhere near enough” has been done to recognise Macclesfield’s musical heritage over the years, which is why he’s decided to start the celebratory event this weekend.
The three-hour tours – which can each accommodate 25 people – are made up of 12 stops, including Curtis’s former home, his grave in the cemetery, and a large mural dedicated to him in the town centre, and will set off at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Tickets for the tours are, unfortunately, all sold out now, but you can still get combined tickets for the day, which will set you back £10.
Stokes says he wants Joy Division Day to be even bigger next year, with plans for activities and a museum.
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He hopes the event will endure “for generations”.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
What's On
A magical lantern trail is returning to Gulliver’s World theme park this winterDaisy Jackson
One of the most glittering events in the North West is returning this winter, when Gulliver’s World is filled with beautiful lanterns.
The hugely popular Land of Lights will this year feature all-new lanterns, each one inspired by the wonders of nature.
With a WonderWild theme, the light trail will have a unique blend of ‘animal-inspired artistry with a fantastical twist’.
The breathtaking spectacle will lead visitors around a twinkling wonderland filled with light and colour.
The one-mile trail will showcase a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wonderous, wild, and magical atmosphere suitable for all ages.
It debuted at Gulliver’s World in Warrington last year and drew in thousands of excited people throughout winter.
And now it’s back, between 9 November and 4 January, and there’s a chance to save big on your tickets if you act quickly.
Super early bird tickets will start from just £10 per person when they go on sale this Sunday.
Ross Partridge, festival manager, said: “We’re excited to invite guests to experience WonderWild, our most ambitious Land of Lights festival yet.
“This year, we’re taking visitors on a journey through various enchanting realms, including the Jungle of Colour, Frozen Kingdom, and Winged Wonders. It’s an opportunity to see plants, animals, and nature in a whole new light.”
£10 tickets for Gulliver’s World’s Land of Lights are on sale from 10am on Sunday 1 September – you can grab yours here.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
