Manchester Pride 2025 comes to a close
The annual tradition of the Vigil was held last night as a poignant way of book-ending the Bank Holiday celebrations
Last updated 26th Aug 2025
And just like that, Manchester Pride comes to an end for another year.
The city has danced, marched, sung and smothered itself in joy for what is an annual moment of unity.
Every year, the party brings together the LGBTQ+ community in what is one of the UK's biggest celebrations of inclusivity.
Tens of thousands descended on the streets on Saturday as the city stopped for a brief few hours embracing 'Love': the theme of this year's parade, in which we saw acceptance and joy being put firmly in the spotlight.
Read more: Manchester Pride 2025 kicks-off in style
Drag Race UK stars at Manchester Pride
If there's one thing you can expect at Pride - that's Drag Queens bringing fire to the streets of Manchester.
The sea of rainbows and colour, punctuated with people strutting their stuff encapsulates everything this event is all about.
One of those bringing queer joy over the weekend was Danny Beard, who took to the stage twice, wowing the crowds and keeping them vibing.
They're from Liverpool, but spent many years in Manchester - learning their craft on Canal Street... and of course won Drag Race UK, and made it to the final of this year's Celebrity Big Brother.
They were in the Parade, too, and told us how it's all been such an experience: "Manchester has such a lovely warmth, vibe, the people are super loving.
"It's nice to be here, to get out on the street, see people who love what I'm getting up to, and be excited to see us in the flesh - it's a really nice, humbling experience.
"And seeing those venues every Pride reminds me that these places made me who I am.
"We've got La Voix on Strictly this year, and back in the day with Lily Savage - so many great performers cut our teeth right here, and we go on to hopefully show the world what we do - that's what makes this place so special.
"And if I had one word to describe Pride - it's such an obvious one to say, but it's so true... and that's 'Fabulous!'"
Also from Drag Race UK, Elektra Fence wasn't there this year - but told us that it's always a memorable weekend!
She said: "I love Manchester Pride - it is amazing.
"It's one of my favourite pride events in the UK.
"Everyone is so lovely, everyone is there for a good reason, everyone is there for a good time... everyone is just full of love.
"Here's something I'll never forget - sucking on a lollipop with Tanya from Real Housewives of Cheshire!
"When we were on set, she walked in, and I asked what it was.
"She was like, 'do you want to try it?' and I went ''yeah go on then!'"
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Little Mix star Leigh-Anne performed in front of thousands as one of the Saturday night headliners at - new for 2025 - Mardi Gras over at the Depot Mayfield.
Ahead of dazzling the crowd, she told us just what it meant to be there.
Leigh-Anne said: "I think what the crowd want to see is me being authentic to myself.
"In terms of writing, I've wanted to be as honest as possible with it, too, and I really hope that's coming across, especially with my new tracks.
"In 'Burning Up', I love the lyric 'I'll be the flame, you be the lighter' and in 'Been a Minute', I feel it's really fitting... it's been a little while since I've been on your TV screens and been on your radio!"
And being asked about not realising how big Little Mix was at the time - Leigh-Anne told us just it's still a bit surreal.
She said: "It's funny that, isn't it.
"Because we're kind of a big deal!"
The Vigil
Like every year, the festivities come to a close with the annual tradition of the Candlelit Vigil.
It's held in Sackville Gardens every year - home of the Alan Turing memorial - as way of coming together and taking a moment to reflect under the flickering and mottled light of candles.
The event supported by the George House Trust punctuates everything that Manchester Prude is all about - acting as a poignant reminder of those we've lost to HIV, and to reflect on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
90s icons B*witched told us how important moments like these are - to reflect, and to stand up for unity.
They said: "It's a community of promoting that everyone is equal.
"It's a lovely celebration of allowing everyone to be able to be who they are, but also promoting change at the same time.
"Change is continuing - and for us and everyone who attends either the performances over the weekend or the vigil - it's just so important to be involved.
"Events like these absolutely encapsulate freedom - we are all here, together, to celebrate life."
Pride is a protest - and the vigil is just one element of reflecting that.
And as Little Mix's Leigh-Anne said - it's so important that continues.
She told us: "It's almost like things are going backwards - it's quite a scary time at the moment.
"People need to keep speaking up, and just choose love, you know?"
Manchester Pride takes place every Bank Holiday at the end of August - which, next year, is the 28th to the 31st.