The streets of Manchester came alive today as hundreds of thousands came to show their support for the annual Pride parade.

The city’s weather - for once - delivered to make way for blue skies and baking 27C temperatures as crowds gathered ahead of the march - offering the perfect backdrop to the rainbow flags waved by revellers.

The theme, Deep Space Pride: A Future World of Equality, was received with gusto by those who braved fancy dress costumes in the sweltering heat.

Astronauts, space ships, Darth Vaders and intergalactic props were in abundance - along with futuristic drag queens all commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the beginning of LGBT+ liberation.

In the build up to the parade, dancers performed routines, drag queens looked fabulous, and rainbow-adorned dogs - including Frank and Brian the Pugs - literally lapped up the attention from strangers who wanted a quick cuddle.


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One drag queen, real name Ian Black, who works as a hairdresser, had a few words to say about why today was important to him.

“I believe in equality, no matter what colour, creed or gender,” he said.

“It’s so important that we all get together and send a message to the minority that everyone has a right to live.”



Among the well wishers, a GMP officer stood taking in the incredible scenes as the 200+ floats prepared to make their journey across the city.

You may remember Inspector Jacqui Priest from when she went viral after being filmed dancing to Footloose in 2015 - and today she had an important message to the community.


“Pride is so important. It’s important to me as a police officer and important to the community of Greater Manchester,” she said.

“Being inclusive as a police officer is what it’s all about. Being your authentic self. It’s about the community knowing knowing that they can come to us when they are a victim of hate crime.”

As the crowd swelled, you could barely see past the impressive amount of flags, banners, balloons, streamers and party poppers - but once 12 noon struck, the first of the floats started making their way along Liverpool Road and onto Deansgate.



Leading the way in one of the parade’s most extravagant floats was Coronation Street, where stars of the ITV soap said hello to their fans while the likes of Oasis and New Order boomed from the PA system.

And when Sally Dynevor, aka Street legend Sally Metcalfe, came to say hi people couldn’t contain themselves, shouting “Sally, Sally, Sally!” As she waived down to them.

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Pride ambassador Dolly Rose Campbell was not content simply standing on the float - the actress, who plays Gemma Winter, ran around the vehicle waiving a rainbow flag and went to meet her fans lining up along the streets.



She was also instrumental in showing her disdain for the anti-Pride protesters who ‘demonstrated’ in small numbers on Peter Street. She simply let off a rainbow party cannon at their placards.

But it was her co-star Antony Cotton aka Sean Tully that make the biggest impact by waving a massive flag in their direction, shouting “Aah shut up!”



As the parade made its way along the route, the city could be seen coming together in the way that it does - and it was breathtaking to witness.

Supporters stood almost 10 deep on the side of the road as the floats went by, all patiently smiling, singing and waiving in solidarity.

Coming to an end, the parade simply signalled the beginning of Manchester Pride 2019, which continues throughout the Bank holiday weekend.

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