A quiet kind of Pride

CITY CENTRE HAS A DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERE TO THE USUAL AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY...

FOR many, the late August Bank Holiday weekend has been closely associated with Manchester Pride for years.

While events were postponed this year - and alternative virtual events took their place - some people were determined to have their own minicelebrations in the Gay Village.

The Manchester Evening News took to the streets to find out how people were adapting - and to see if the usual Pride spirit was still on show.

GMP cited a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) they say is in force in the city centre - which ‘prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a nonlicenced public place’ - ahead of the celebrations.

People by and large seemed to be sticking to the rules.

Usually, Canal Street would be packed throughout Pride weekend.

This year, it was all very organised, with people adhering to social distancing rules. Table service has become the norm.

At each bar the M.E.N. visited, people were asked to queue before their details were taken and they were directed to a table.

Many bars have scrapped walk-ins - and only allow people in after they’ve booked.

It’s one of the changes welcomed by many village visitors.

Best friends Amanda and Steve have been attending Manchester Pride for the last 10 years and decided to do their bit to support businesses.

“Manchester Pride is such an important and inclusive event,” Amanda said. “We still wanted to show up in the village and support our favourite bars.”

The pair kept their celebrations fairly low-key, enjoying lunch, before popping open a bottle of prosecco at New York New York.

“I’m sad Pride couldn’t take place, but I think it was absolutely the right decision,” Steve said.

“It’s a different atmosphere, but it’s been quite nice to be able to talk to each other and have a sit down.”

Another visitor, Michael, travelled to the city from Liverpool earlier this week. He booked his hotel room last August.

“I initially decided I wasn’t going to come, then I started to think I might miss out,” he said. “I’ve been to Manchester Pride for the last five years. It’s become a tradition and while it’s not the same, I still wanted to be here.”

Tara travelled up from Wrexham with her friends.

“We’re going to stay out for as long as we can, but a lot of places aren’t letting us in without a booking,” she said.

At one bar, a group of women were warned about socialising with those on the table next to them. They were later asked to leave for not sticking to the rules.

A staff member at one of the bars, who asked not to be named, told the M.E.N: “We’ve got all eyes looking on us to make sure this weekend goes smoothly.

“They might think we’re being strict but it’s about the licence - it’s what we need to do to keep open.”

To ensure things didn’t get out of hand, there was a large police presence in the area.

There’s optimism for next year. “I’m glad I’ve still been able to visit this year, but I really hope things can go back to normal at the next Pride,” Michael said.

“If so, it’s going to be one hell of a weekend.”

Pride visitor Steve