"With everything that’s going on in the world, this is what we need" - We asked this year’s festival-goers what Manchester Pride means to them

This year's Manchester Pride has certainly been one to remember.

As one of the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, the four-day event is part of a global movement that highlights equality and challenges discrimination against members of its community.

From those who have recently come out to families founded on same-sex parents, people from all walks took to Chapel Street to rejoice in Greater Manchester's prideful community.

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But as a sleepy Sunday morning turned into a buzzy afternoon at the heart of this year’s event, the M.E.N went out into the village to ask, ‘what does Pride mean to you?’

Enjoying one of Manchester Pride's iconic family-friendly events, we spoke to Oliver Russell at Ginny Lemon's Dog Show in Sackville Garden who told us why celebrating Pride was so important to him.

“Pride for me is all about being yourself and being the most unapologetic version of yourself. Manchester Pride is brilliant because it’s a city of inclusivity and diversity. It’s about smashing life and being fabulous.

“With everything that’s going on in the world right now, I think this is really really needed just to be yourself, be awesome, and be the best version of yourself. That’s Pride to me.”

Best friends Rachel and Andy from East Lancashire met at a nightclub 20 years ago and have been inseparable since. Andy commented how this Pride in particular was a momentous one for Rachel, who recently came out.

She said: “This is my first Pride. It took me 40 years to work out that this is where I belong, so here’s to the future I guess. Manchester Pride has been amazing so far, I’m loving the atmosphere."

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