Hey everyone! If you follow me on social media, then you'll know that this weekend, I went to Manchester Pride. It was the first Pride event that I've ever attended and I had an absolutely fantastic time. The event is held over several days, but my friends & I chose to go on Saturday because we really wanted to watch the Parade. It was really amazing to see so many people crowding the streets to show their support and love for the LGBTQIA community. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I was so happy to be part of it.
There was probably close to 100 companies, organisations and charities taking part in the parade, and it lasted almost two hours. Some of the organisations/companies included Manchester Amnesty, Mardi Gras Foundation, Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus, LGBT Cosplay Ladies, Imaan LGBT Muslims, Out at Tesco, and many more! It was such a fabulous experience to be there, and I can't wait to go again next year. I took a few photographs of the Parade, so I thought I'd share a photo diary post with you all. They are not the best photos as I was dancing, jumping around cheering and trying to hold a phone and a flag too, haha. I hope you all enjoy reading!
Everyone who took part in the parade looked fabulous in their bright, flamboyant outfits and costumes. It's too difficult for me to choose a favourite, since I had so many! It was great to see so many companies in support of the employees, such as ASDA and Tescos, and to see the Police and Fire Services on the parade too. One of the groups on the parade were spreading awareness about testicular cancer, handing out cards with instructions on how to check properly, and they were dressed in eye-catching, comical costumes with giant balls on the front! There was even a Coronation Street float with some of the actors on. My mum was pretty jealous that I got to see them, she loves the show :)
It was awesome to see a group holding 'Some People are Bi. Get Over It' signs because there is still so much bisexual erasure in society and in the media that needs to changed. Something that also made me happy was a group of people who were openly and proudly into BDSM on the parade. As someone who is also into BDSM, it was fantastic to see people in their fetish gear smashing the taboo. After the parade, we headed towards the Manchester Gay Village to visit all of the stalls and the event's expo, which was fun but really crowded so getting to the stalls was a challenge! We then decided to head to our hotel to check in and get ready, before going back to the Gay Village at night to party! We had an excellent time. We've decided that we are going for the whole weekend next year, and I can't wait!
Thankyou for reading!
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Have you ever been on a Pride event?
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I've not been to a Pride event - I was thinking of it this year but I ended up missing it. Oh well! It's not going anywhere! And a Coronation Street float, haha! That's amazing :D I love the butterflies in the bottom few of your pictures, they're so pretty! And you're right, it's so great to see big companies represented at Pride events, it can really make life so much easier for so many people!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your Pride fun! :)
Erin | Explore, Refresh
This looks like it was a fantastic event! It's wonderful to see so many people involved, I particularly love the police car - the message on it is so poignant. Xx
ReplyDeleteTania | When Tania Talks
Your photos made me well up a bit :') the butterfly costumes are my faves there! So beautiful <3 I've never been to a pride event, can't really afford travel at the mo, I'm hoping I'll have a job soon though haha so fingers crossed :P then I'll be able to come and offer my support. Glad to hear there was a bit more exposure for those who are bi. Listening to people say "pick a side" makes my blood boil.
ReplyDeleteI've never even been to Manchester before, Manchester Pride sounds amazing! Though Brighton is very close to me so who knows maybe I'll end up there :D thank you for sharing your beautiful photos <3
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