Has Pride outgrown city's Gay Village?

Adam Maidment wonders if annual festival is now simply too big for its current home

- Adam Maidment

THIS year’s Manchester Pride has been a lot of things. Jubilation, good vibes, big performances, and an overwhelming sense of unity and love have filled the air over four incredible days.

On Saturday, the Parade brought some genuinely heart-warming moments - especially when brave marchers kissed, blared music and danced in the street, holding up a middle finger to a small handful of mindless thugs shouting antiLGBTQ+ vitriol as part of an embarrassing failed attempt to interrupt proceedings.

And, at the same time as the parade, there were peaceful marches through our city that perfectly showed what Manchester Pride should be. It’s not just about partying, it’s a powerful beacon for hope, activism and protest.

It was a weekend that saw the Gay Village Party host a range of gleeful and show-stopping performances. Huge drag acts and big name musicians - including the likes of Rita Ora, Sugababes, Danny Beard and Gok Wan - thrilled the crowds. There was also a powerful rally cry and moment of reflection with Sunday night’s Candlelight Vigil.

But, it’s not all been perfect.

There have also been a fair few incidents this weekend which have left many attendees, myself included, wondering just where Manchester Pride goes from here.

Each night of the weekend faced reports of huge queues and chaos in the Village. On Friday night attendees witnessed overcrowding and people ‘barging’ through barriers in an attempt to see Jessie J, and on Sunday the arena hosting the Sugababes hit capacity two hours before the band even took to the stage.