The cabin crew member who got all dragged up to take centre stage at this year's Pride parade

It’s safe to say that there were more than a fair few drag performers amongst the thousands of people to march in Saturday's Manchester Pride parade.

But amongst the fantastic line-up for drag queens and kings there was at least one with a very unique story to tell. By day, Craig Fitzgerald is a member of the cabin crew for Aer Lingus, but by night, he takes on the role of formidable drag queen Avryll Nitrate.

Hailing from Dublin and a mainstay in the city’s LGBTQ+ night scene, the Cabin Services Manager said there are actually many resemblances between the two sides of his life.

READ MORE: Manchester Pride 2024: Dates, tickets, parade and everything else you need to know

“There are more similarities than you’d think,” Craig tells the Manchester Evening News. “Whether I’m on a flight with 300 passengers or performing on stage for late night revellers, it’s a captive audience and I want to look after them and make them smile.”

Craig, who says he is ‘fabulous at 39’, has performed at Dublin Pride for many years but this was his first time marching at Manchester Pride. “I’ve visited Manchester on many, many occasions over the years and I’ve watched the Pride parade from the side lines,” he explains.

“This year I’m absolutely buzzing to be lucky enough to have taken part in the Manchester Pride parade. It’s an amazing city with a community at its heart, and I’m proud to work for a company that allows me to be true to myself.”

Craig said the Pride parade is perhaps his favourite part of the Manchester Pride festival - with this year's congregation featuring more than 17,000 attendees and over 260 groups and organisations. “Marching in the parade in Manchester was so important to me," he said. "Many festivities and parties