13/01/2025
Manchester's network of community radio services joined forces at the Bank Holiday Weekend to celebrate Manchester Pride, which closes off the August period of Pride celebrations. It is broadly speaking, the end of the LGBTQIA+ marching season, although a few smaller Prides do take place in September. Gaydio, All FM, Salford City Radio and other stations all covered the Pride weekend along with larger services such as BBC Radio Manchester. Reform Radio, which broadcasts from Greater Manchester and focusses on alternative young talent, reported "Manchester has held a pivotal part in fronting the likes of Pride celebrations, huge LGBTQ+ demonstrations, and fundraiser carnivals since the 1980s. From the 1988 anti-Section 28 demonstration which hosted over 20,000 attendees, to the city’s holding of EuroPride in 2003, it’s safe to say Manchester has been at the forefront of many notable events for the queer community over the years. " Among the fringe events that Reform Radio were marking, there was a Pride warm-up pamper session for Trans-identifying people, a thirtieth anniversary screening for the Australian camp movie classic Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Alternative Queer Pride, a night of techno music at Cheetham Hill. Thanks to all the LGBTQIA and community media that covered the many facets of Pride in Manchester and made the weekend so memorable.
