Pride Weekender! Drag, Dance & Free Fun 🌈✨

Sashay Into Pride Weekend at Manchester Arndale🌈✨

Pride is coming to Manchester Arndale early on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August. We’re turning up the volume and throwing a Pride celebration that’s anything but low-key. Think bold performances, big energy and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

We’ve teamed up with the legends at Ghetto Fabulous and Manchester Pride to serve up a weekend of drag, dance, beauty and celebration that’s bursting with colour, community spirit and unapologetic self-expression. So whether you’re visiting for the drag, the dancing or a quick glitter touch-up. It’s a full weekend of free fun and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Live Drag Performances 

Prepare to be dazzled as three of Manchester’s fiercest drag queens take over the Arndale catwalk. With show-stopping performances, sparkling outfits and energy levels that could power the Northern Quarter, these queens aren’t just performing – they’re slaying. Expect bold moves and even bolder personalities.

And yes, you’ll absolutely get the chance to grab a selfie with them between performances. Cameras at the ready.

Lip Sync Brawl 

Step aside, Eurovision. This high-stakes, high-glamour Lip Sync Brawl, brought to you by the legends at Ghetto Fabulous will be serving glamour, grit and glitter. Featuring our drag superstars, this crowd-powered performance is part fashion show, part dance battle – and you get to decide who takes the crown!

With outrageous costumes, high-energy choreography and more sass than your group chat on a Friday night, the brawls are fast, fierce and fun. Perfect for kids, grown-ups and anyone who appreciates a well-executed hair flip.

Pride Pop-Up Beauty Station

What’s Pride without a little sparkle? We’re thrilled to bring back our mini makeover station, where MUAs from amazing brands like BPerfect, Lush, The Body Shop, Space NK and Sephora will be on hand to add a touch of magic. Think glitter brows, rainbow face art and the perfect Pride pout – all in exchange for a small donation to Pride.

Drop by for a glow-up and leave looking like the main character you were always meant to be.

Youth Pride MCR Showcases

We’ve teamed up with Youth Pride MCR to showcase emerging talent from across the city. Expect bold looks and creative energy on our catwalk, modelled by the next generation of the LGBTQ+ community. There’s also a Youth Pride Info Point in Exchange Court for anyone who wants to learn more, ask questions, or just chat with someone who gets it.

This ones all about creating a space that’s inclusive, inspiring, and full of joy – exactly what Pride should be.

The Details

📍 Location: Manchester Arndale, Exchange Court (near Next)
📅 Dates: Saturday 16th August (12–6pm) & Sunday 17th August (12–5:30pm)
🎟️Performances: 1pm, 3pm, 4:30pm
🎟 Entry: Free! Just bring your fabulous self

So whether you’re here to strike a pose, support LGBTQ+ talent, grab a mini makeover, or just soak up the electric energy, Manchester Arndale is the place to be this Pride.