LGBTQ+ Manchester

Manchester has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, centred around the world famous Canal Street – home of “The Village”. A beacon of celebration in the city, the Gay Village is a must for any visitor to Manchester.

Located just south of Chinatown, the village is not only a thriving hub for nightlife, but living proof that Manchester is one of the world’s leading gay-friendly cities.

With a combination of bars, clubs, restaurants and green spaces set alongside a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal, Manchester’s Gay Village has something to suit all tastes. The Village is also famous for hosting a number of regular annual events and special community activities – perhaps most prominent is Manchester Pride. Standing as one of the biggest Pride events in the UK, Manchester Pride attracts a huge number of visitors to the city each year.

Manchester also proudly hosts Sparkle, the national transgender celebration weekend in July, whilst the Great British Bear Bash sees the gay village taken over by the larger, bearded, hairier chap over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Gay culture has flourished into a village-like community with a combination of bars, clubs, restaurants and green spaces set alongside a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal, making it the perfect setting for alfresco drinking and dining.

Essential LGBTQ+ Manchester

Proud

Proud is an audio-visual exhibition, created by Heard Storytelling, to celebrate Manchester’s…

LGBTQ+ Events

LGBTQ+ Manchester Blogs

City-wide Pride activities in Manchester

Get ready to paint the town rainbow! Manchester Pride is back and it's bigger and brighter than ever. This year, the city is bursting with a vibrant tapestry of events celebrating love, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community. Check out these must-see events, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences…

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Alternative LGBTQ+ Manchester

Manchester’s Gay Village, annual Pride Festival and strong LGBTQ+ community have long been celebrated as a core part of the history, identity and culture of the city – and rightly so. Canal Street was the setting for groundbreaking, hit TV series Queer as Folk in the late 1990s, and the canal-side…

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Manchester’s LGBTQ+ History on Screen

Greater Manchester is often used as a filming location, so we’re getting very used to seeing the stunning cityscapes, charming period towns and spectacular countryside on our tv screens. Whether it’s the bright lights of Manchester City Centre, Stockport’s Market Hall or Bolton’s historic quarter…

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6 LGBTQ+ Artists from Greater Manchester You Should Know About

1. Lovescene Lovescene are one of the newest groups at the centre of Manchester’s emerging soul scene, but making big waves regardless. Lead by Pops Roberts, the six-piece soul band homes in on heartbreak and the subsequent self-discovery. With influences ranging from the retro-soul sounds of Sade…

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LGBT-friendly cafes and restaurants in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester homes several vibrant and inclusive spaces for everyone, whether you’re looking for restaurants, cafés, book shops, tea rooms and everything in between. If you’re looking for LGBT-friendly spaces, we’ve put together just a few of the city’s favourites. As well as a thriving…

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