Manchester Pride reveals final headliners and surprise special guest

2nd August 2023

Manchester Pride has revealed the final two headliners set to take the stage at this year’s festival, as well as a surprise special guest.

Co-created with Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community, this year’s roster puts representation and inclusivity at the forefront.

The Gay Village Party boasts its most diverse line-up to date, as 96 per cent of performers are queer, 54 per cent are women, 51 per cent are people of colour and 42 per cent are from trans and non-binary communities, according to the event’s organisers.

Previously announced headline acts include Brazilian drag icon Pabllo Vittar, Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears and Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard.

Now, it has been confirmed that singer-songwriter Alison Goldfrapp will join Saturday’s line-up as a headliner, while drag performer and DJ Raven Mandella will headline Black Pride MCR on the MancUnity Stage the same day.

Special guest Conchita Wurst, best known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014, will perform on the Village Stage after joining Booking.com in the Parade.

“This year, more than ever, we are thrilled to be presenting such a diverse lineup that truly reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our communities,” Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said.

“Alison Goldfrapp’s powerful performances, Raven Mandella’s unapologetically queer stage presence and Conchita’s inspiring music and message will undoubtedly make this year’s festival an unforgettable celebration.”

“Significant” changes have been made to Manchester Pride

Last year’s Manchester Pride marked the first time that the event took place since “significant” changes were made to the organisation following a six-month review.

This came after backlash from members of the LGBTQ+ community who felt that the city’s Pride was becoming too commercialised.

As part of the changes, MCR Pride Live, which has seen stars like Ariana Grande and Olly Alexander perform, did not go ahead as part of a wider effort to “refocus its efforts back onto its activist roots”.

Manchester Pride 2023 will take place from 25 to 28 August and all events are free to attend, with the exception of the Gay Village Party.

Tickets for Manchester Pride 2023 are available here.