Discover the Exciting Debut of Manchester's True Pride Festival
In an inspiring move for the LGBTQ+ community, Manchester is set to host the inaugural True Pride festival this summer. Aimed at putting queer artists and audiences at the forefront, this one-day event promises to be a cultural celebration filled with music, film, comedy, and performance.
A Fully Curated Queer Line-up
Scheduled for Saturday, August 1, True Pride will take place at the renowned Hidden venue in Cheetham Hill. The festival boasts a diverse and inclusive line-up, featuring electronic musician Planningtorock and the trailblazing trans artist Jasmine.4.t, known for her critically acclaimed debut album "You Are The Morning." This event will celebrate a remarkable assortment of talents, showcasing the richness of queer artistry.
A Platform for Emerging Voices
The festival’s organizers, comprised of LGBTQ+ artists and creatives, aspire to grow True Pride into an annual celebration of queer arts and culture in Manchester. With a mission to provide a platform for both emerging and established voices, the festival is designed as a space where stories and experiences from the queer community are highlighted and celebrated.
Support for Queer Songwriters
One of the significant initiatives tied to True Pride is the ONF Fund, aimed at supporting queer songwriters from disadvantaged backgrounds. The first recipients of this fund, Reptile B and Carter The Bandit, will perform at the festival, illustrating the commitment to uplifting voices within the community. This support includes a £2,000 package, showcasing the festival's dedication to fostering talent and expression.
A Night of Celebration
Beyond the musical performances, attendees can expect to engage with workshops and screenings of queer arthouse films, curated by Tom Wilson. The Acoustic Stage will feature open mic performances, providing an opportunity for voices from the Queer as F**k platform to shine. From early afternoon until the early hours, the event will be a kaleidoscope of queer talent and culture.
With True Pride, Manchester is positioning itself not just as a city of celebration but as a long-term home for queer culture. Jamie Irrepressible, one of the festival's organizers, emphasized, “True Pride is about creating a space where queer artists, audiences and stories are not on the side-lines but at the centre.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what True Pride aims to achieve: a jubilant and representative showcase of queer art. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of celebration on August 1, from 12pm to 2am, at Hidden.