Manchester Pride is the city’s annual ten-day festival celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life that takes place from 17–27 August 2007 with the Big Weekend, a 78 hour of celebrations of all things queer, from 6pm Friday 24 right through until midnight on Monday 27 August - have you taken the Tuesday off work?!
We caught up with Andrew Stokes, the chairman of Manchester Pride, to find out more about the event named ‘Best Festival, Pride, Party or Event’ in the Pink Paper Readers' Awards 2007.
What can we expect at this year’s celebrations?
Everything from high heal egg and spoon races, handbag throwing competitions and a world record attempt for the longest line of line dancing drag queens to the more serious events like the literary evening with Jenny Roberts and Ellen Dean and the talk by the legendary human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell.
Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
The Big Weekend, definitely. There’s an amazing line-up on the main stage. We’ve got NME darlings The Gossip and legendary rock performer Belinda Carlisle headlining over the weekend.
Joining them will be Gareth Gates, 90s pop sensation Betty Boo, disco diva Angie Brown, Sankey’s resident DJ, Kate Lawler, ex-Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton and rock group Axe Girls, fronted by Esther Barton, the star of Channel 4 reality show Musicool.
Add to that: The Sheilas (from the Sheila’s Wheels advert), Jonathan Ross’ Four Poofs and a Piano, Amanda from The Dresden Dolls and the cast of Never Forget, the new musical featuring the songs of Take That. And representing local talent we’ve got X-Factor star Rowetta, Stuart Avery, Karima Francis, Shane Ward’s former band Destiny, along with Geek Girl and The Rascals. Not bad, eh!?
And anything you’re not?
Opening the curtains each morning and praying it’s not raining!
Manchester Pride is more than just a parade and party though isn’t. Tell us some more about the events?
You’re absolutely right. Manchester Pride is a 10-day festival. We’ve had some great events and exhibitions going on all across Manchester since last Friday (17 August). A couple of my personal favourites are the Queens Of The New Union exhibition at the New Union Hotel and a discussion at Urbis by Paul Cons about the old ‘Flesh’ nights at The Hacienda. There’s also the Kylie exhibition at Manchester Art Galley and the gay film festival at Cornerhouse.
What about the fetish nights!
Without going into too much detail, I think it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone - I’ll let you draw your own conclusion!
“Pride reminds us of the obstacles and boundaries that so many remarkable people have fought to knock down so that today’s LGBT community can live the way we do.”
The Pride Games goes from strength to strength and has become an internationally acclaimed event. Why do you think gay men and women are beginning to rediscover their interest in sport?
To be honest, I don’t think there was ever a lack of interest. Sporting talent has nothing to do with sexual orientation. I think it’s more a fear of how the other players and supporters around you would react. That’s one area where there’s a lot of work to do. Let’s face it, how many high-profile, openly gay sports stars are there out there? Not many!
The HIV Candlelit Vigil has always been very popular. What was the inspiration behind this?
We wanted a closing event that stood in contrast to the overall celebration and party theme of the rest of the festival. It brings home the message of the event. The inspiration for it is the global fight against the huge loss of life that is caused daily by HIV. The very people who have suffered from this dreadful virus including those close to them, have a moment in Pride to be contemplated and remembered. It’s a very poignant moment and sits at the very heart of Manchester Pride.
As we’ve gained more equality, do you think we’re becoming more apathetic towards fighting for gay rights?
I hope not! Although we’ve come a long way over the recent years – civil partnerships being a perfect example – there’s still a lot of work to do. The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in Manchester have got some pretty blunt statistics about what life is like for the LGBT community.
Did you know, for instance, that four in five of us have been bullied at school. Or that nine in ten of us have been verbally abused. I think the scariest of them all is that one in five of us have tried to commit suicide. Now let anyone try and tell me that there isn’t more work needed!
Over the past four years the event has raised nearly half a million pounds which has been distributed to over eighty local LGBT and HIV groups and charities. When other events fail to turn a profit, what’s been the secret of your success?
As a city, it’s fair to say that Manchester knows how to throw a party and Pride is no exception.
Year after year, the event goes from strength to strength and its simply because of the sheer enthusiasm and determination of everybody who gets involved each time. From the wonders that take place throughout the months in Prides headquarters, to the pure effort that our volunteers put in every year, a positive team attitude with a crystal clear goal is at the heart of Pride’s success.
What would you say to the people who complain that you have to pay a small amount to take part in the Big Weekend?
I ask them where else would they be able to enjoy such a terrific line-up for the same price as a chart CD. Also, you can enjoy the festival knowing you’ve made a contribution to the charity that will be used to support LGBT groups and projects in the North West.
So, is there anything you’re hoping to buy in the marketplace?
I’m not sure if I’ll have time. For me, it’s a working festival. Maybe a little window shopping…
“Clothes shopping is one of my weaknesses – and what better place to show off your wardrobe than Manchester Pride!”
What does ‘Pride’ mean to you?
Exactly that. To be proud of what I am. And to be proud of being surrounded by such an encouraging community spirit. It’s such an important celebration and events like the group civil ceremony demonstrate how people embrace Pride on a very personal level. It’s this personal touch that means a lot to myself and everybody across Manchester who takes part in this celebration.
Why’s it important to celebrate Gay Pride?
Because to not celebrate it would be a massive injustice to all those people that have got us this far. Pride reminds us of the obstacles and boundaries that so many remarkable people have fought to knock down so that today’s LGBT community can live the way we do.
What made you get involved with Manchester Pride?
As well as being chairman of Manchester Pride, I’m also the chief executive of Marketing Manchester, the tourist board for the city. Pride is one of the biggest events that takes place in our city each year so it’s not surprising I’m involved.
Even if I didn’t work for the tourist board, I’m sure I’d still be doing something. Maybe working as a volunteer. I believe in the event and what it aims to achieve so I’d be helping out somehow.
Has it been easier or harder than you thought to help organise?
A festival the size of Manchester Pride is never easy to organise. Year-round, there’s only a permanent staff of three, but thankfully, in the run-up to the event we’re joined by almost 100 volunteers, which I think shows how much work there is to do!
How many people are you expecting?
Pride always attracts a crowd. The parade alone is very popular and tens of thousands of people pass through the event area during the four-day Big Weekend. Tickets are selling really well but there’s still chance to get hold of some. Check out www.manchesterpride.com.
There’s a lot of glitter, sequins and drag queens involved with pride. Should we all be dressing up for the big day?
That’s completely up to you. It would be fantastic to see everybody in costume but you certainly won’t feel left out if you come as you are.
Talking of outfits have you worked out your own combination? What will you be wearing to impress?
I always dress to impress! Clothes shopping is one of my weaknesses – and what better place to show off your wardrobe than Manchester Pride!
The costumes are always a major part of the parade and the participants are always pretty hot! Who will you be keeping an eye out for: the drag queens, the uniforms, muscles in tiny pants, or the leather guys?
Well, from my post on the viewing platform I’ve got a pretty good view of everyone. However, as I’ll be judging the parade along with the Lord Mayor of Manchester, I’ll be trying my best to remain impartial and come to a fair decision!
If someone wanted to say hello to you during the fun and games, what approach would illicit a smile and the best results?
I think everyone prefers a simple hello, don’t they? Nothing too cheeky though, or my partner might start asking questions!
Find out more at www.manchesterpride.com.
Manchester Pride: 17–Monday 27 August 2007
The Big Weekend: 6pm 24 August-midnight 27 August 2007