Manchester Pride Announces Winners Of Annual Big Weekend Parade

Saturday 24 August saw thousands turn out in their droves to watch the annual Manchester Pride Big Weekend parade make its way through the heart of the city centre.

The parade entrants were judged by a panel of Manchester Pride Patrons and Trustees.

Competition was extremely fierce, with over 100 entries took their lead and inspiration from this year’s parade theme of ‘Acceptable in the 80′s’, chosen to recognise the impact the decade had on LGBT and HIV activism, with the introduction of Section 28 and the stigmatisation of people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The winners are as follows:

BEST VILLAGE BUSINESS – ALTER EGO/POPTASTIC

BEST PUBLIC SECTOR – NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

BEST COMMERCIAL SECTOR – PURE GYM.

BEST COMMUNITY ENTRY – CHURCHES IN MANCHESTER

BEST CHARITY ENTRY – AGE UK STOCKPORT/PEOPLE LIKE US STOCKPORT

BEST WALKING ENTRY – MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS

BEST THEMED ENTRY – UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

SPECIAL AWARD – THE EDNA MARSLAND AWARD FOR BEST OVERALL ENTRY

Edna Marsland volunteered for Manchester Pride for many years, and her death last year was extremely sad for all who knew and worked with her. Edna particularly enjoyed volunteering for the parade, which is why the award for Best Overall Entry has been named in her honour.

WINNER – GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE

The judges were particularly impressed by the entries from Greater Manchester Police and Churches In Manchester, both groups who’ve sought to redress their relationships with Manchester’s LGBT community, and the University of Manchester, whose float took inspiration from the memorable ‘University Challenge’ episode of cult comedy classic ‘The Young Ones’.

Manchester Pride Chief Executive John Stewart said “It’s great to be able to share our celebration of LGBT life with the whole city and recognise the contribution that LGBT people make to the spirit and diversity of Greater Manchester.

“This year’s parade was one of the biggest, with over 100 entries from 99 groups and organisations including Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender community groups, charities and businesses, Trades Unions, political parties, public sector organisations and some of the country’s biggest businesses.

“So many participants made a real effort to adopt the ‘Acceptable in the 80s?’ theme. It was an opportunity to remind people of the campaigns that were fought in that decade over section 28 and the treatment of those living with HIV/AIDS. Plenty of fun was to be had, as well. From Frankie and Wham to Rubik’s Cubes and legwarmers, it was a fantastic, colourful display of Pride.”

The Manchester Pride Big Weekend 2014 takes place from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August 2014. Early Bird Big Weekend tickets are available at a price of £16 from quaytickets.com until 9th September 2013.