A guided walk Over the Rainbow

A new guided walk explores the turbulent history of Manchester’s LBGT community.

Over the Rainbow is a new guided walk explores the turbulent history of Manchester's LBGT community. The walk covers past and current LBGT venues, the bars, pubs, clubs, cafes, hotels and shops that shaped the community's history in the city.

You will also visit important locations such as the Rochdale Canal and Minshull Street Courts and learn about the 1894 publication of Edward Carpenters Homogenic Love, Manchester's first woman WPC (120 years before they were allowed to join), the setting up in 1964 of the North-Western Homosexual Law Reform Committee, (re-named the Committee for Homosexual Equality in 1969) and the story behind the 1880 newspaper headline 'Disgraceful Proceedings in Manchester: Men Dressed in Female Attire'.

Mardi Gras, Pride, Alan Turing and of course The Gay Village feature in the walk and you will discover how it became a popular location for TV programmes to film in.

Over the Rainbow is led by professionally qualified Manchester Green Badge Guides and runs on the following dates in 2010: 27 June, 25 July, 26 September, 24 October, 28 November.

All walks start from the Town Hall steps, Albert Square at 1pm. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for concessions. To book, call 0871 222 8223