Prestwich Pride celebrates second successful year

Prestwich Pride exploded onto the scene last year when a group of local friends decided to throw a Pride party at local bar, Cuckoo. In the wake of 2022’s unexpected massive success - which saw Prestwich secure a nomination in Gaydio’s ‘Best grassroots’ Pride category in January - the organisers have doubled their efforts for year two. 

Securing funding from groups such as Parklife and Manchester Pride, the 2023 event was another weekend of celebration and high spirits. Spilling out across a number of sites (including bars Wine & Wallop, Cuckoo, and The Goods In), this year’s line-up featured a dynamic family event run by Freight Island regulars ‘Born To Be Wild Child’, performances from Drag queens Miss Blair, Viola, and Val the Brown Queen, and DJ performances from Manchester’s revered LGBTQ+ scene, including Jase Jeffrey (Bent Hedonism), Mix Stress, and Antoin (Kiss Me Again). 

Homoelectric regular Will Tramp delighted revellers at Cuckoo, and DJ collective Supernature were one act amongst a line-up of Manchester’s finest, spinning records for the party goers at ‘Love Hangover’, a queer club night borne out of the popularity of last year’s event. The weekend closed with a special Pride edition of ‘Cloud Cuckoo Comedy’ show on Sunday, where a group of LGBTQ+ comedians brought peals of laughter from the crowd. 

Ticketed events, a huge raffle, Pride window designs from Myrodoodles, menus and bucket donations enabled Prestwich Pride to raise a staggering £7822.08 for their chosen charities: George House Trust, AKT, and Colours Youth Network. 

Teneille Busby, one of the organisation’s directors, said of the events: “After the success of last year, we knew we had a great community here in North Manchester. This year, yet again, we were blown away by the engagement with our fundraising efforts. We are so proud to be able to give back to our community through events that make people feel happy, to be who they are, and to feel welcome and safe. Love is love, and Prestwich has plenty of it… it’s queer up North!”

Although the Pride season might be over for Prestwich, it isn’t the last you’ll hear from this local organisation over the coming months - keep your eyes peeled for news on their offshoot queer club night ‘Love Hangover’, and tickets are available now for the Prestwich Pride, Tranuary, and Prestwich Arts Festival collaboration, ‘An Evening With Violet Blonde’. The night takes place on the 22nd September at The Goods In and features a fabulous line-up of Manchester-based cabaret performers, dancers, and DJ collective Decks on Legs.

Images are from @wambamphotography

Published: 7-Sep-2023: (7239)