THE UK's leading pride event will return in August and organisers say it keeps getting bigger and better.
Under the guidance of a new chief executive, John Stewart, Manchester Pride aims to build on the success of previous years and continue raising money for LGBT charities.
Manchester Pride is a huge celebration of diversity in the city and a celebration of the community
The festival, which celebrated its 21st birthday last year, has raised over £1million since 2003. In 2012 it hopes to beat last year's fundraising total of £105,000.
Speaking at the media launch of Manchester Pride 2012 in April, Mr Stewart said: "It's a huge responsibility to come to a new city and expect to deliver one of the biggest and best events in Britain."
Manchester Pride has been voted the best pride event in the UK for the last five years running.
"We have chosen queer science as the theme this year," he continued. "It was quite important to try and get a local element to the theme around the parade and we chose this to commemorate Alan Turing – one of the greatest minds of the 20th century but also a gay man man whose death, ultimately, was caused by state persecution."
Pride 2011 - Enjoying the weather
Festival patron Adam Zane said: "I think Manchester has a wonderful legacy. Manchester Pride is a huge celebration of diversity in the city and a celebration of the community."
Organisers have announced a price freeze this year, with tickets to Pride available for £15 until the end of World Pride, which will be held in London in July.
Claire Mooney, another patron, spoke about Pride Fringe. She said: "We want to see the Fringe grow bigger over the next few years. It's through our own creativity that we celebrate the best of ourselves and our own diversity."
Pride Fringe will take place from August 17-23, followed by the Big Weekend from August 24-27. Tickets are available from www.manchesterpride.com or by calling 0871 230 3450.
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Pride 2011 - Clothing optional
Pride 2011 - Pretty in pink
Pride 2011 - Watching the parade
