Manchester Pride has announced a programme of events for young LGBT+ people, Youth Pride MCR, a free to attend 14+ event.
The brand new element of this year’s Manchester Pride Festival for people aged 14 and over takes place over the August bank holiday weekend as part of the annual Pride celebrations. It has been developed through engagement with young people across Greater Manchester.
The inaugural Youth Pride MCR will take place at YES on Charles Street, centred around two themes – Free Yourself (Saturday) and Know Yourself (Sunday).
Youth Pride MCR will take place in YES’ pink room and basement area, located minutes from the parade route.
The first day will open with all Youth Pride MCR attendees walking the parade together for the first time. The event then moves to YES for an afternoon with DJs, Vogue workshops, post parade partying and special guests. There will also be a quiet zone, sensory area and mental health discussion.
Sunday’s Know Yourself sessions will include yoga, reflection, author talks, acting workshops and a drag how-to workshop. Representatives from youth charities will also be in attendance throughout.
Workshops will include screen printing, cross stitching, dancing and art. The basement will again play host to the quiet zone, film screenings and meditation sessions.
Throughout the weekend there will be non alcoholic drinks on offer, pizza from Playboy Pizza which includes their famous vegan option and a glitter stand to get everybody glittering. The Pink Room and Quiet Zone are encouraged to be a space for young people only but parents can enjoy the roof terrace or bar if they wish to wait within the venue.
YES Manchester – image courtesy Jody Hartley
Speaking about Youth Pride MCR, Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride commented, “We’re thrilled to be holding the first ever Youth Pride MCR this year as part of the Manchester Pride Festival celebrations. The event has been developed through engagement with young people from across Greater Manchester. Over recent months, we’ve been in talks with those who want to be involved in shaping these new and exciting events, and a separate youth event was what our audience asked for and what we felt they needed. We’re committed to constantly innovating Manchester Pride Festival in order to remain relevant and intune with what LGBT+ people in Greater Manchester tell us they want from their celebration.”
Further information about Youth Pride MCR is available via the Manchester Pride website.
